Grifter is a 20th century Americanism that stems from the English word graft, meaning “the obtaining of profit by shady means, especially bribery, blackmail, or the abuse of power.”
Before there was QAnon, there was Glenn Beck, another grifter.
Beck monetized right-wing conspiracy theories, prying millions from the pockets of gullible followers. In a bold show of cynicism, Beck named his company Mercury Radio Arts after Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre on the Air, whose 1939 broadcast of War of the Worlds famously faked out gullible fans.
Beck was a grifter, and proud of it.
The next time you hear another crackpot claim about Dominion Voting or Lizard People, remember to follow the money.
That phrase came from the late William Goldman's script for the 1976 film "All The President’s Men," the political thriller about Watergate.
Deep Throat told Woodward and Bernstein that if they hoped ever to understand how Washington worked, they should "Follow the money."
