> In 2025, most Americans are untethered to any moral framework, do not require that their leaders even appear to act in a civilized way

Strongly disagree with "most".

Margins on many recent elections have been so low they'd be too close to measure a generation ago.

I think that's relevant, a hard check on the idea that an overwhelming majority of Americans are getting what they voted for. No.

(FWIW I agree with your other points. I miss the era of Walter Cronkite consensus. Not clear that it was better. But less terrifying.)