Politicians are not treated as simple followers, although political institutions can still produce groupthink. The image used is the tallest tree being cut down first: an ambitious politician must become visible enough to advance without becoming an easy target for rivals. That incentive can narrow the range of positions people are willing to state publicly even when they privately disagree. The result is an institutional explanation of conformity based on career risk rather than lack of independent thought.
Notable Point · 57:03-57:43
How political career incentives can produce groupthink
A political aside distinguishes simple conformity from the career incentives that discourage officeholders from becoming conspicuous targets.