Modern public spectacles like the cage match at the White House are symbolic of the regime's desire to appear monarchical and demonstrate ownership over the government and public spaces.

“And the cage on the lawn does the same thing. And and in both in two ways, just as you suggested. It's it's now made the White House essentially a brand and and plastered brands all over this on the lawn.”

Large-scale public response to spectacles, like watching scaffolding at the Kennedy Center, serves as a powerful display of unity and rejection of the current administration's actions.

“It was a we moment in the sense that something happened that all of the people eagerly watching wanted to happen, and given that so many people feel so powerless right now, that was a good thing.”