How American Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber

OK US in nature but for the UK, look to recent history, we went from phase 1 to 3 in one fell swoop.

Andy Borwitz set out how it happened, in 3 phases

Ridicule - as in Raegan
Acceptance - as in Bush, dubya
Celebration - as in - well take yer pick.............. from a peach tree dish

Ring any bells UK?