The argument concerns the speed and reach of political publicity. A private quip could remain within a small circle, while an online remark can reach supporters and opponents immediately. Wider circulation can turn discussion of an issue into a dispute over group loyalty. In this interpretation, slower publicity gave politicians more room to cooperate across party lines without every social contact becoming a public test of allegiance. Rivalry and gossip still existed, so the comparison concerns a difference in incentives.
Notable Point · 16:33-21:48
Slower publicity and cooperation across party lines
Slower circulation of private political remarks is offered as one explanation for coalition government and bipartisan cooperation in the treaty era.