Ben Inskeep

“Because this can also be used against us. If we are not effective at doing the political education and helping folks through that process, I do think you could have a far-right, nationalist, anti-immigrant person use this issue to come to power and then implement horrifying policies.”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep warned that the datacenter backlash could be co-opted by far-right figures if progressive education fails.

“This is an opportunity, but it’s a short-lived opportunity and we need to seize it,”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep emphasized the fleeting nature of the political opportunity created by datacenter opposition.

“People are seeing that they’re stronger together. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep commented on the growing power of community solidarity against datacenters.

“On many issues, people come in with a baked-in partisan lens that influences their thinking,”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep explained how partisanship typically affects public opinion on political issues.

“When one campaign ends, people are saying, ‘Hey, we fought ours, now that it’s done, we’re going to go to the next county and help them.’”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep described mutual support expanding from one community campaign to neighboring areas.

“On datacenters, we don’t have those firm camps formed. And so we’re seeing broad concern from Republicans, Democrats and everyone else on the political spectrum. We’re seeing folks saying, ‘Hey, I might be a Maga Republican and you might be a liberal yahoo from the big city, but if you’re coming to our community to help us fight this datacenter, you’re my best friend.’”

Ben Inskeep · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-30

Ben Inskeep described cross-partisan unity among local residents opposing datacenter construction.