In the companion essay to this work, TITLE TBD*, a theory of moral nihilism provides an account of the common existence of illusory morality, using the language and context of popular culture to help identify the individual sub-forms of this collective phenomenon. Here, the standards (self-awareness, completeness of ideation, and intention) at the center of that moral theory are applied to political ideology, identity, and participation. Applying these standards to many common political behaviors, like the suppression of public political expression and political action contrary to stated principles, reveals these behaviors to be inconsistent with the very concept of ideology. The process of ideation is corrupted by, among other things, the