Activism has a new style, writes Politico. The lab-coat liberals are marching on Washington.

Aghast at Trump's hostility to science in almost every form from climate science to the health benefits of exercise, Democrats and Independents are looking into a black hole of disinformation, as Trump's alt-right Republicans take Washington, accompanied by educated Democrats who know better.

Researchers traditionally avoided wading into politics, preferring not to rock their funding boats from one political administration to another. Now, as winds of anti-intellectualism sweep America, they are testing whether a significant number in their ranks can win elective office, with the goal of keep science and innovation alive in America.

Recent research at Pew Research confirmed that 58% of Republicans believe that colleges and universities are bad for America. This Trump tidal wave of disinformation and attempts to discredit research has increased almost 20 points in two years.

“It is past time for scientists to step up and get involved … because that is the only way that we are going to change the course,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, a cancer researcher-turned-business owner who twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Pennsylvania. She is the founder of 314 Action, a political action committee that helps people with scientific backgrounds run for office. “Traditionally, the attitude has been that science is above politics, and by getting involved in politics, it could possibly pollute science. My response to that is, ‘How’s that working for you?'”

To understand the degree to which disinformation and a rejection of science is sweeping the Republican, read my July 2017 In-Depth essay America's Rejection Of Science, Rational Thinking, Institutions & Perceived Reality Is Epic & Dangerous.