Rich,

The nihilist mood is not unique to conservatives and colours many economic, social and political debates. It’s marked by a simple desire to destroy that which disappoints with little or no thought for what will or should fill the resulting void.  In fact, an energizing and liberating element for some is a refusal to consider consequences. 

An unexpected example was at the NDP convention a year ago. While some opposed Mulcair for specific reasons, the new, unexpected and unplanned for factor was the willingness of so many (to their own surprise) to vent their frustration at the General Election outcome by voting for Mulcair’s removal. 

The fact that 52% of non-latino female voters and many in the US rust belt and Appalachia voted for Trump knowing that this was against their best interests speaks to the rage that underlies this mood.  Much the same occurred in the northern English hard-luck towns during the Brexit referendum.

Space allows only these couple of examples.