We live in an age of "certainty" among our elected officials--many politicians claim to have the perfect panaceas for our ills, and to be certain of what political satirist and comedian Stephen
Colbert might call the "truth-i-ness" of their attitudes. Link your description of the components of certainty, and how those components are generally strengthened, to the particular circumstances that might cause elected officials to become ever more certain of their attitudes.
Answer:
Certainty arises from a combination of clarity and a perception of correctness. Clarity is enhanced by repeated expressions of the attitude. A sense of correctness is enhanced by receiving feedback from others that we are correct, especially if there is a high consensus agreement among them. Politicians have many opportunities to repeat their assertions in speeches and in making their arguments to other politicians. In addition, they are often able to assemble people around them who will give them positive feedback about their attitudes and will not strongly contest their views.
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