What we Americans go through to pick a president is not only crazy and unnecessary but genuinely abusive. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in a craven, cynical effort to stir up hatred and anger on both sides.

In this quote, Matt Taibbi criticizes the American political system and the process of electing a president, describing it as crazy, unnecessary, and even abusive. He highlights the immense resources—hundreds of millions of dollars—spent on political campaigns, which he believes are often used in a craven and cynical way. Taibbi is particularly concerned about how these campaigns exploit emotions, especially by stoking hatred and anger, creating division rather than fostering understanding or cooperation.

Taibbi’s frustration is directed at the negative campaigning and the tactics used to manipulate public opinion. He argues that, rather than focusing on positive change or constructive debate, political campaigns too often rely on creating fear and resentment between opposing sides. This, he suggests, leads to a polarized and toxic political climate, where people are encouraged to see the "other side" as an enemy rather than fellow citizens with differing views.

The use of hatred and anger as tools in political campaigns is central to Taibbi’s criticism. He points out how these emotions are deliberately stirred up to drive voter engagement, but at the cost of civility and democratic discourse. This strategy not only harms the integrity of the election process but also undermines the health of the nation’s political system, as it creates a hostile environment where cooperation becomes difficult.

Ultimately, Taibbi’s quote underscores the damaging effects of the political machinery that fuels division and anger in the United States. His call for change emphasizes the need for a more thoughtful, less manipulative approach to selecting leaders, one that encourages informed decision-making and unity rather than inflaming emotions and deepening societal rifts.