The Paris attacks have made the 2016 elections only about immigration, as if it was not already mostly about immigration.
Donald Trump rightly predicted the issue with his opening salvo about Mexicans. It was a small jump to maligning Muslims and adding them to the crazy Republican hysteria that has already been their strength — getting people angry to avoid talking about real issues.
Just as with 911, the panic has begun anew based on Paris. And the thing we know about panic in America is it spreads pretty fast across the board. George W approval went to 91% after 911 and that obviously included lots of Democrats.
Sadly, Democrats have little to fight this hysteria. Pointing out the rational argument that not all Mexicans or Muslims are evil has very little sway. It is far easier for America to believe that no immigration makes them safer than to believe that we can keep the terrorists out while doing the right thing.
My view is Donald Trump will likely prevail as the Republican nominee because of the immigration issue, and the election will be non stop immigration talk. Plus, I think it is likely there will be more Paris style, soft target, attacks in the next year which will continue to add fuel to the fire of anti-immigration.
There will be little talk about climate change, wage inequality, or civil rights. The only thing that will matter is just how scared Republicans can make most of America.