Dec 13, 2023·edited Dec 13, 2023Liked by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
He stimulates the reptilian brain with hatred of the 'other' and vapid celebrity worship. That's why we see network news reports where Taylor Swift's likeness painted on a monstrous pumpkin before Hallowe'en takes precedence over president Biden's billions spent on renewable energy, student loan forgiveness, etc.
Trump is a convenient spokesman. I think the real interests that back him are very cunning and very much want authoritarianism and kleptocracy. I think the real danger of Trump is how he is getting some people think that his brand of B.S. is normal. That just opens the door for the next strongman who is less charismatic than Trump.
We are past the point where we can be amazed or bewildered by Trump's popularity. We no longer have that luxury. According to the polls and the media, roughly 38% of the population will support Trump come hell or high water. This is an ugly fact. That figure remains constant - membership on that team is not a force of expansion. Since 2018, that team has lost every significant election on a national level as well as many states, particularly when personal rights are on ballot. However, they have the advantage of blind commitment. That crowd is outnumbered and appears to dominate the media. After all, controversy sells advertising.
On a one-on-one basis, omitting the lost 38%, we need to develop our vision of what the US, and the rest of the world, will look like with progressive leadership. Do you like the continuation of a woman's right of choice, affordable health care, non-separation of families at the border, an equitable tax system, educational investment, fair wages, environmental protections and/or having public facilities that are not shooting galleries? These are some of the issues at stake. These objectives will be difficult to achieve, regardless of the administration. Say goodby to these and other like desires if the MAGA group regains control.
I fail to see how building a wall and drill, drill, drill, are substantial messages that will lead to a better world community.
Fascism sells a fantasy world for people to believe in, so of course so does tRump. Certain personality types fall for this nonsense. One is called FPP (fantasy prone personality). They easily become unmoored from reality. Fascism depends upon those who can no longer discern fact from fiction. When we can no longer agree on the truth, fascism has arrived.
I'm glad you brought up the topic of personality types, with regard to followers. Any thoughts you can share on FPP would be interesting/ helpful to know, just in understanding to communicate with others. It's analogous to reality-TV -- as if we are all living in that, says this fan of no-reality-TV (just not my cup of tea). It's very 'star-driven' TV to me.
People with FPP reject reality to some degree and have a rich fantasy life. They are sometimes very gullible. Others who get sucked into fascism can exhibit post-truth thinking, where they base their truth on emotion rather than facts. Postmodernism and nihilism also come into play.
My question: What is the end game for the MAGA/GOP? Just absolute destruction of the workforce, government/regulation, the environment? Do they not see that, ultimately, if carried to the ultimate end, this mean the end of their wealth and, probably, power?
Or does the end game track to Heather McGee's The Sum of Us: If I can't have it all and I need to share with "you," then I will destroy it all for both of us. Cutting off your nose to spite your face on steroids. "You" being anyone who is not white, male and Christian nationalist...
The end game abides within the Heart of Darkness. It's a form of disease. maga persons have an insatiable need to lash out. At first it's easy to find enemies (people who look different, challenge authority or convention, exercise reproductive self-determination, worship differently, love differently, think creatively, etc), but as those enemies are disposed of, new ones must be found. They turn on each other until all are consumed. It makes no sense; sense is not the point. The point is pure infantile tantrum/destruction.
When you said "It's a form of disease. maga persons have an insatiable need to lash out." I can attest to that. That's been my observation as well. It's not logical. It's driven by emotion, anger.
I think they don't understand the concept of change. They are more rigid. Their grievance may be that the goalposts are always moving ~~ but hey, that's life. We all have to morph, change and adapt. They want to stay 'put' with solid goalposts. And lash out at change. They don't bend easily.
I've heard it said many times that cruelty is the point. I wholeheartedly agree, as we see signs every day pointing to the fact that Defendant Trump, Miller, Bannon and the others seem to derive great joy from harming others. What Rudy Giuilani and his accomplices did to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, Alex Jones' harassment of the Sandy Hook families, and so many other cases of wanton cruelty, are proof positive that for millions, this behavior is not only ok, it brings pleasure to the perpetrators and promise of retribution to those who feel aggrieved.
To people we meet in our communities that are like that, how do 'break that fever'? I just can't fathom how they develop into such hateful people. There is no real joy or contentment in being hateful. You toss and turn all night.
I believe their goal is something similar to what we set up in Chile, under Pinochet; an elitist based fascist system with austerity for the masses and a reworked Constitution that favored the power elites' aganda.
A bit of both, Jody. but the collaborators of trump think they will cash out in terms of glory, $, prestige, power. they don't care about the wellbeing of those they represent and they don't care about the future of the country. they only care about power.
Trump is really following Steve Bannon's plan. When Bannon took over his campaign, trump was telling lies but getting caught in them and his campaign was under water. Bannon taught him several things. One was to lie so fast that they don't have time to prove it wrong before you have 5 more out there. His language was 'fill the space with shit'.
Secondly, he taught trump to make the media and establishment your enemy and relentlessly attack them. Bannon wanted to destroy our institutions and taught trump how to do it. He said that trump is a blunt instrument and that's how he used trump.
Yes, good point. Bannon, the nation wrecker and whisperer to autocrats. He awaits news of the appeal of his conviction, yet still finds time to spew his anti-democracy messages to the MAGA movement. Go figure!
What I found so shocking in the 2020 election was the high number of Latino’s who voted for Trump. Something you wouldn’t expect. Some believe it was due to Biden not reaching out to them. Of course that is not accurate. My opinion is that many are evangelicals are doing what their ministers tell them to do. Also many come from countries is Central and South America where strong men are common.
The autocrats have found a way to tap into the anger insecurity in people from across the social and racial spectrum. I'm a black man and I have spoken with black people who stand in awe of Trump and what he represents. The guy is exciting and easy to understand. He attacks things that people might have a prejudice or bias against and tells them "it's okay. Be proud." The only thing we can do is cut through the crap that the zone is flooded with and do things that really matter and really will improve the lives of people. I have to believe that eventually they will snap out of the brainwashing.
Yes. GOP's ambitious, strategists have been building and planning their GOP ascendency for over 40 years. Read Julian Zelizer's BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE; Hedrick Smith's discussion of the 1979 "Powell Memorandum" in WHO STOLE THE AMERICAN DREAM? and Jane Mayer's DARK MONEY in which she probes the spiderweb of dark money organizations behind the GOP extreme.
It now seems to me a small group of transactional wealthy powerbrokers found their charismatic popular media figures to spout hate, suspicion, and fear. More contagious than COVID, it seems: Duterte, Bolsanaro, Orban, Erdogan, coming to a nation near you.
Latinos are very conservative and religious. Many are anti abortion because of their religion and they aren't turned off by the thought of a strong man, even if he is actually weak.
Yes and yes to the reasons. Plus democrats have not targeted Latino voters in a way that resonates with them. Delia Rodriguez and a few other Dem politicians are an exception.
Yes, spoon-fed language that inspires hate, fear and suspicion by the 'spin-masters' like "socialism, communism, atheist"! See Newt Gingrich's "Speak Like Newt" . (A how-to book for using the correct words vs. your political opponents).
Beware the powerful and intelligent, ambitious and amoral politician! Newt Gingrich!
In her article she states: "He Gingrich freely trafficked in conspiracy theories. His PAC circulated a pamphlet for aspiring politicians who wished “to speak like Newt.” It advised them to repeat a long list of words to describe Democrats, including sick, pathetic, corrupt."
It was 40 years ago that Gingrich planted the seeds of hate and revenge for Trump. If you have a minute read the Times article. If you have longer, I recommend Zelizer's book.
Newt is an intelligent sociopath. Sociopaths love fascism, probably because fascism was created by a sociopath. They have a "dominance and submission" mindset. Fascism embraces social Darwinism because sociopaths do as well.
Dems have to infiltrate the Latino vote. Yes - they are familiar with strongmen and subconsciously move in that direction. Also holds true for recent migrants from Eastern Europe. Education is sorely needed in this area to communicate types, risks/ benefits of different forms of governance. fyi, to us all, the organization Demcast.com is developing Civics Training resources.
I don't know if anyone here has read Anne Applebaum's "Twilight of Democracy" There is one thing that sticks with me and it's when Applebaum describes how much her friends in Europe have changed and shifted to the far right. So much so that she doesn't even recognize some of them a decade later. I have had a similar experience with one of my oldest friends who is from Germany. It's stunning. The change over the last three years has just been stunning. So when our guests talk about indoctrination and the allure of the strongman, we should believe it and take the warnings seriously.
Like Applebaum's friends, my friend is also highly educated with Master's degree in Economics. My friend was also very liberal-minded when we were younger. I would be interested to know what you think after you read "Twilight of Democracy" Lee.
I remember those descriptions from Anne Applebaum's book on the drastic changes within her friendship circle. With her knowledge, education and communication skills so advanced it was a heartbreaking tale. Encouraging other to live with gratitude, as simple as it sounds, might open doors and hearts? This is hardest to do, in your own intimate circle. To avoid defensiveness, it's like you have to be so many degrees removed from someone to have a chance at this concept working. I don't know the answers either, just thinking aloud. It's so frustrating.
I appreciate the reply Jan. When I hear the stories of people who have fallen into the MAGA movement and other far right movements and I see how my friend fell into it Applebaum's own personal story stands out to me. This tendency towards extremism is affecting people from all walks of life, not just the poor. Wealthy, middle class, accomplished people are capable of becoming radicalized to a point where they only see the single issue that they are for or against. Suddenly the greater good and broad ranging strategy that the Democrats seem to favour do not resonate with the single issue voter, especially if they are radically for or against something. That's the greatest challenge. How do we bring people together as a community and even convince them?
"Defensiveness" that is a major hurdle I found. Because of defensiveness even a simple conversation became impossible. It seemed everything I said triggered a defensive response.
Hi Urich, I, too have very good friends who have shifted to the far right. One is my daughters godmother. One is a friend who lives down the street with her Maga husband She has recently “become depressed“ and left her job – she is now cow-towing to her husband. I feel sad for her and I miss her. I enjoyed and Ann Applebaum‘s book because first of all, I enjoyed learning more about history on second of all, it was really helpful to hear details of the ongoing changes in Europe. I just shake my head when I hear more details about Orban. It is still difficult for me to accept the fact that the Republicans adore him.
I look for the reasons that people think the way that the Magas think.
Anne’s explanation Was at they have a narrow range of thinking. During Trump’s four years, Eileen, on Professor George Lakoff’s Scientific explanation. I suggest you look for him via SubStack. (frame lab) and YouTube.
I also follow Bette Dangerous (Heidi Siegmund Cuda) and Her podcast with two others – RADpod on YouTube. Their latest interviewee is with a man from Florida who has recently left maga. He tells his story, they ask a few questions, and - he’s offering to support others who are interested in leaving Maga. This may be TMI! Now, I am reading Stephen Hassan‘s book “the cult of Trump.“
thank you Ruth, democracy is on the line. Truth and facts must matter. There is sorrow and fear if we do not take this clear authoritarian threat seriously. We must all do what we can to protect our democracy today and tomorrow and the next. Find allies and pledge to make a difference where you can connect with others who care. Keep hopeful in the power of our collective good.
Agree so well said. Think if through all our efforts, if each of us could just change one person. It would be exponential. Agree, on collective good and hope.
Trump is planning on declaring martial law on day one.
That way he will have control over anyone who dares protest anything he does
The reason that more Latinos switched to trump is that the Republicans have done an excellent job of convincing people that a Democratic president will mean that this country will become socialist. That is an incessant mantra and it frightens South Americans. These people are all too familiar with the economic havoc caused in their countries of origin. This I have learned from an Argentinian who is doing some work for me.
The Democrats have to wake up and go on a crusade to educate people about the fact that we are firmly rooted in capitalism but desire to have a safety net for children, the old and the disabled. Very Christian! And that the Dems believe in investing in the country in constructive ways that make our citizens more productive.
But then again, even after you remind people of all those good things you get the one issue that some voters would throw it all away for. Anti-trans. Anti-abortion activism. Anti-"you name it". The authoritarians have been pulling these threads and whipping up people's fury over the last few years with startling effectiveness.
Does it help if we flip each one to Pro-love, Pro-women's health, pro-voting, pro-climate? Agree the semantics of 'anti-' are a downer. Cross-reference: SNL's Debbie Downer skits (hysterically funny -- how friends have to bail on her, because she gets so 'anti'-everything). Could our writer friends @ SNL, modify these skits to match MAGA? Comic relief and comic training for us all . . .
I like the idea of flipping the script. I was hoping to get some ideas from everyone because I really don’t know how to tap into the emotional part of the brain like the far right does. One of my big causes in Canada is affordable housing but selling homelessness as a national priority has not been as “galvanizing “ as the trucker movement for example. Maybe homelessness advocates aren’t as well funded as some far right groups, I suspect.
Agree. Better roads, updated airports and infrastructure too that we can all enjoy. The organization Demcast.com is developing a Civics Training resource to help folks like us educate others. One person @ a time, I think it's up to us.... the calvary does not appear to be coming ~~
Great post, Ruth! Trump and his authoritarian cronies have succeeded in making Congress a mere shadow of its former self. Rachel Maddow reported this week that Congress has to date only passed 22 pieces of legislation, one more than the all-time record low set during President Hoover's last year in office. What's to keep him from turning Congress into a present-day Duma, the Russian parliament and rubber stamp of Putin. And where does that leave the judiciary? Trump and McConnell and company have succeeded in seating life-term, ill-qualified ideologues who will dance to the MAGA tune when asked. With Trump in a second term of office, you can bet our system of checks and balances, already weakened, will quickly devolve into life support, or collapse. God help us all!
"The wall... placat[es] the many who fear Whites are being 'replaced' due to mass immigration."
A college professor once asked her class the following:
"Raise your hand if you'd like to be treated as current immigrants to the US are treated."
Nobody raised their hand.
Then she asked, "Raise your hand if you've ever considered that if minorities were ever to become the majority, you might be treated by them as they were treated by others."
Again, nobody raised their hand.
Why didn't anybody raise their hand to either question?
Maybe because it's easy to stay silent and go unnoticed if you feel that you are on the winning side. Then again, maybe it depends on the class time. Was this a morning lecture? :D
There has long been a collusion between business and government in this nation. We have been a plutocracy for much of our history, especially since the 1870's. The New Deal tried to tame capitalism's darker insticts but after FDR died, the race was on to eliminate it and go back to the same destructive forces that caused the Great Depression. Our power elites have been winning the tug of war between democracy and fascism. Our fascism apologists of the past have been numerous: Henry Ford, James Mooney, Prescott Bush, Allen Dulles, John Foster Dulles, James M. Buchanan, etc. With the tRump presidency in 2016, our elites saw their promised land and could finally win the tug of war and have the capitalist utopia they had dreamed of. But Biden slowed them down, and now with their hero, Trump, seemingly in the running, they are pushing hard for fascism once again. They want to move us from a corporatocracy to fascism, where their power sees no end. Our Founding Fathers would be nauseated.
Ruth, when I read your brilliant synopsis of a future under a dictatorship, I feel overwhelmed, angry and powerless as I watch pro fascists drive around in their trucks all decked out with their flags and all manners of criticisms of Biden, who is actually doing something for this country. I live in AZ, a swing state, and we have more election deniers stepping up to run including Kari Lake, a horrible liar and suck up to the dimwit former president. I can only hope people start paying attention before it’s too late. I hope Jack Smith can put him behind bars before the election before he manages to wiggle out of another indictment.
Yes, Maricopa county is a mess. Pima is more liberal but has a number of fascist hell raisers, bent on owning the libs. Fascists become very angered when they are the minority.
The state legislature is a circus of sociopaths and other assorted hard boiled idiots. Wendy Rogers may be the worst of the lot. AZ has become a dangerous place, especially if one believes in democracy.
Whoh! Scary stuff, this really makes me want to do more to protect my family, myself and my country from this insanity! From MK MAGA! Thank you for spelling things out so clearly Professor =]
No doubt a second Trump term would be a revolution in American governance. The 248 year old experiment in self government would sadly end. Self rule would be replaced by minority rule. Wide spread corruption would replace rule of law. Tyranny and repression would soon crush individual freedom and liberty. The usual suspects- foreigners, black people, brown people, LGBTQ people, immigrants and Jews would be deported or persecuted mercilessly. Media outlets, news papers,TV networks, cable news channels, social media that report or do fact based journalism would be silenced by threats and intimidation. They could never be allowed to criticize der leader or his administration's policies.
Scholars like the term "illiberal democracy" to describe the type of government we would end up with once Trump gets back into power and implements his authoritarian agenda. I think that's too soft a term. All aspects of government and society would be transformed and corrupted into serving the needs of a criminal autocrat and his lawless collaborators. We would have political violence and the threat of violence, propaganda 24/7 along with a press that is no longer free and political dissent crushed. Life in America would become a totalitarian nightmare. Forget 'illiberal democracy', democracy is no where and has got nothing to do with it. A better term to describe where we'd be is 'fascism' with an authoritarian demagogue and his cult of personality ruling the country. This would indeed be another revolution in American history.
True but the law, the rule of law and the Constitution were set up as guard rails to protect against the lawless and power hungry who would destroy democracy?
Most of the failed fascist nations began as a democracy. I don't believe that our Electoral College would save us if the electorate wanted fascism. If they had wisdom and a conscience they would.
Our system of checks and balances that were set up for precisely this purpose have been corrupted and weakened to the point where we are teetering on the brink of falling into autocracy.
That is so very true. After reading in detail about the Eisenhower administration and how it was hijacked by Allen and John Foster Dulles, I realized that the corruption has been going on for at least 70 years. Megalomaniacs never have a conscience. They destroy nations.
And have noted psychiatrists/psychologists explain what is wrong with Trump and explain how these sort of people have ruined nations in the past....... countries like Italy, Serbia, Chile and Germany.
Another effective visual would be the cover of The New Yorker, November 28, 2020 -- captures many concepts upon one page without words. These types of graphics with multiple messages @ once, can be effective. They grab attention and thought. Provoke discussion and healthy debate. I did a review of the covers of The New Yorker during 2020 -- tells a haunting tale, visually. Good campaign material. Visuals matter, people don't have time to read in depth. I agree, more effective messaging is required.
Just as Peter Thiel's support for maga candidates was soundly defeated in Arizona the last election in "red" state Arizona, I am hopeful the same majority will rise to defeat Trump and his acolytes in 2024.
It amazes me that so many are taken in by this totally incompetent fool.
He stimulates the reptilian brain with hatred of the 'other' and vapid celebrity worship. That's why we see network news reports where Taylor Swift's likeness painted on a monstrous pumpkin before Hallowe'en takes precedence over president Biden's billions spent on renewable energy, student loan forgiveness, etc.
Trump is a convenient spokesman. I think the real interests that back him are very cunning and very much want authoritarianism and kleptocracy. I think the real danger of Trump is how he is getting some people think that his brand of B.S. is normal. That just opens the door for the next strongman who is less charismatic than Trump.
Agree
We are past the point where we can be amazed or bewildered by Trump's popularity. We no longer have that luxury. According to the polls and the media, roughly 38% of the population will support Trump come hell or high water. This is an ugly fact. That figure remains constant - membership on that team is not a force of expansion. Since 2018, that team has lost every significant election on a national level as well as many states, particularly when personal rights are on ballot. However, they have the advantage of blind commitment. That crowd is outnumbered and appears to dominate the media. After all, controversy sells advertising.
On a one-on-one basis, omitting the lost 38%, we need to develop our vision of what the US, and the rest of the world, will look like with progressive leadership. Do you like the continuation of a woman's right of choice, affordable health care, non-separation of families at the border, an equitable tax system, educational investment, fair wages, environmental protections and/or having public facilities that are not shooting galleries? These are some of the issues at stake. These objectives will be difficult to achieve, regardless of the administration. Say goodby to these and other like desires if the MAGA group regains control.
I fail to see how building a wall and drill, drill, drill, are substantial messages that will lead to a better world community.
The bullying aspect is what attracts Trump’s cult! The wall, to them, represents his control and power! So very sick people!
Have you asked yourself "What will I do if Trump regains the Presidency??
I’ve asked that question many times. So far, I’m unable to give an acceptable answer! How about you?
Yes that is true alas
Thanks!
Thanks!
Bullying must become unacceptable on the streets of America. It must become a disfavorable trait, in each of our communities, we can work on this?
Fascism sells a fantasy world for people to believe in, so of course so does tRump. Certain personality types fall for this nonsense. One is called FPP (fantasy prone personality). They easily become unmoored from reality. Fascism depends upon those who can no longer discern fact from fiction. When we can no longer agree on the truth, fascism has arrived.
I'm glad you brought up the topic of personality types, with regard to followers. Any thoughts you can share on FPP would be interesting/ helpful to know, just in understanding to communicate with others. It's analogous to reality-TV -- as if we are all living in that, says this fan of no-reality-TV (just not my cup of tea). It's very 'star-driven' TV to me.
People with FPP reject reality to some degree and have a rich fantasy life. They are sometimes very gullible. Others who get sucked into fascism can exhibit post-truth thinking, where they base their truth on emotion rather than facts. Postmodernism and nihilism also come into play.
Thanks for your very clear and very loud alarm.
My question: What is the end game for the MAGA/GOP? Just absolute destruction of the workforce, government/regulation, the environment? Do they not see that, ultimately, if carried to the ultimate end, this mean the end of their wealth and, probably, power?
Or does the end game track to Heather McGee's The Sum of Us: If I can't have it all and I need to share with "you," then I will destroy it all for both of us. Cutting off your nose to spite your face on steroids. "You" being anyone who is not white, male and Christian nationalist...
Yes.
The end game abides within the Heart of Darkness. It's a form of disease. maga persons have an insatiable need to lash out. At first it's easy to find enemies (people who look different, challenge authority or convention, exercise reproductive self-determination, worship differently, love differently, think creatively, etc), but as those enemies are disposed of, new ones must be found. They turn on each other until all are consumed. It makes no sense; sense is not the point. The point is pure infantile tantrum/destruction.
agree - wanton infantile behavior, before language, before rules, before No, before conscience
When you said "It's a form of disease. maga persons have an insatiable need to lash out." I can attest to that. That's been my observation as well. It's not logical. It's driven by emotion, anger.
Anger, grievances, no gratitude..
I think they don't understand the concept of change. They are more rigid. Their grievance may be that the goalposts are always moving ~~ but hey, that's life. We all have to morph, change and adapt. They want to stay 'put' with solid goalposts. And lash out at change. They don't bend easily.
I've heard it said many times that cruelty is the point. I wholeheartedly agree, as we see signs every day pointing to the fact that Defendant Trump, Miller, Bannon and the others seem to derive great joy from harming others. What Rudy Giuilani and his accomplices did to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, Alex Jones' harassment of the Sandy Hook families, and so many other cases of wanton cruelty, are proof positive that for millions, this behavior is not only ok, it brings pleasure to the perpetrators and promise of retribution to those who feel aggrieved.
To people we meet in our communities that are like that, how do 'break that fever'? I just can't fathom how they develop into such hateful people. There is no real joy or contentment in being hateful. You toss and turn all night.
A dictatorship where the oligarchs rule.
I believe their goal is something similar to what we set up in Chile, under Pinochet; an elitist based fascist system with austerity for the masses and a reworked Constitution that favored the power elites' aganda.
Exactly.
A bit of both, Jody. but the collaborators of trump think they will cash out in terms of glory, $, prestige, power. they don't care about the wellbeing of those they represent and they don't care about the future of the country. they only care about power.
Trump is really following Steve Bannon's plan. When Bannon took over his campaign, trump was telling lies but getting caught in them and his campaign was under water. Bannon taught him several things. One was to lie so fast that they don't have time to prove it wrong before you have 5 more out there. His language was 'fill the space with shit'.
Secondly, he taught trump to make the media and establishment your enemy and relentlessly attack them. Bannon wanted to destroy our institutions and taught trump how to do it. He said that trump is a blunt instrument and that's how he used trump.
Yes, good point. Bannon, the nation wrecker and whisperer to autocrats. He awaits news of the appeal of his conviction, yet still finds time to spew his anti-democracy messages to the MAGA movement. Go figure!
How in blue Hell is Bannon still free? This SOB is dangerous.
Bannon loves Mussolini, so that's an indicator of his mindset. The odds of Bannon being a sociopath/psychopath are quite high.
Thanks, Gordon. Hard for me to get my arms around. All the more important to win in 2024
What I found so shocking in the 2020 election was the high number of Latino’s who voted for Trump. Something you wouldn’t expect. Some believe it was due to Biden not reaching out to them. Of course that is not accurate. My opinion is that many are evangelicals are doing what their ministers tell them to do. Also many come from countries is Central and South America where strong men are common.
The autocrats have found a way to tap into the anger insecurity in people from across the social and racial spectrum. I'm a black man and I have spoken with black people who stand in awe of Trump and what he represents. The guy is exciting and easy to understand. He attacks things that people might have a prejudice or bias against and tells them "it's okay. Be proud." The only thing we can do is cut through the crap that the zone is flooded with and do things that really matter and really will improve the lives of people. I have to believe that eventually they will snap out of the brainwashing.
Yes. GOP's ambitious, strategists have been building and planning their GOP ascendency for over 40 years. Read Julian Zelizer's BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE; Hedrick Smith's discussion of the 1979 "Powell Memorandum" in WHO STOLE THE AMERICAN DREAM? and Jane Mayer's DARK MONEY in which she probes the spiderweb of dark money organizations behind the GOP extreme.
It now seems to me a small group of transactional wealthy powerbrokers found their charismatic popular media figures to spout hate, suspicion, and fear. More contagious than COVID, it seems: Duterte, Bolsanaro, Orban, Erdogan, coming to a nation near you.
Latinos are very conservative and religious. Many are anti abortion because of their religion and they aren't turned off by the thought of a strong man, even if he is actually weak.
That's the governmental motto that they're accustomed to.
Yes and yes to the reasons. Plus democrats have not targeted Latino voters in a way that resonates with them. Delia Rodriguez and a few other Dem politicians are an exception.
Yes, spoon-fed language that inspires hate, fear and suspicion by the 'spin-masters' like "socialism, communism, atheist"! See Newt Gingrich's "Speak Like Newt" . (A how-to book for using the correct words vs. your political opponents).
Beware the powerful and intelligent, ambitious and amoral politician! Newt Gingrich!
In a 2020 NYT article, (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/28/opinion/trump-newt-gingrich.htm),opinion columnist Jennifer Senior, recommends Julian Zelizer's book on Gingrich "Burning Down the House".
In her article she states: "He Gingrich freely trafficked in conspiracy theories. His PAC circulated a pamphlet for aspiring politicians who wished “to speak like Newt.” It advised them to repeat a long list of words to describe Democrats, including sick, pathetic, corrupt."
It was 40 years ago that Gingrich planted the seeds of hate and revenge for Trump. If you have a minute read the Times article. If you have longer, I recommend Zelizer's book.
Newt is an intelligent sociopath. Sociopaths love fascism, probably because fascism was created by a sociopath. They have a "dominance and submission" mindset. Fascism embraces social Darwinism because sociopaths do as well.
Excellent, commentary and information thank yo for send the article.
Dems have to infiltrate the Latino vote. Yes - they are familiar with strongmen and subconsciously move in that direction. Also holds true for recent migrants from Eastern Europe. Education is sorely needed in this area to communicate types, risks/ benefits of different forms of governance. fyi, to us all, the organization Demcast.com is developing Civics Training resources.
I don't know if anyone here has read Anne Applebaum's "Twilight of Democracy" There is one thing that sticks with me and it's when Applebaum describes how much her friends in Europe have changed and shifted to the far right. So much so that she doesn't even recognize some of them a decade later. I have had a similar experience with one of my oldest friends who is from Germany. It's stunning. The change over the last three years has just been stunning. So when our guests talk about indoctrination and the allure of the strongman, we should believe it and take the warnings seriously.
I am reading her book right now… Lots to learn from it.
Like Applebaum's friends, my friend is also highly educated with Master's degree in Economics. My friend was also very liberal-minded when we were younger. I would be interested to know what you think after you read "Twilight of Democracy" Lee.
I remember those descriptions from Anne Applebaum's book on the drastic changes within her friendship circle. With her knowledge, education and communication skills so advanced it was a heartbreaking tale. Encouraging other to live with gratitude, as simple as it sounds, might open doors and hearts? This is hardest to do, in your own intimate circle. To avoid defensiveness, it's like you have to be so many degrees removed from someone to have a chance at this concept working. I don't know the answers either, just thinking aloud. It's so frustrating.
I appreciate the reply Jan. When I hear the stories of people who have fallen into the MAGA movement and other far right movements and I see how my friend fell into it Applebaum's own personal story stands out to me. This tendency towards extremism is affecting people from all walks of life, not just the poor. Wealthy, middle class, accomplished people are capable of becoming radicalized to a point where they only see the single issue that they are for or against. Suddenly the greater good and broad ranging strategy that the Democrats seem to favour do not resonate with the single issue voter, especially if they are radically for or against something. That's the greatest challenge. How do we bring people together as a community and even convince them?
"Defensiveness" that is a major hurdle I found. Because of defensiveness even a simple conversation became impossible. It seemed everything I said triggered a defensive response.
Hi Urich, I, too have very good friends who have shifted to the far right. One is my daughters godmother. One is a friend who lives down the street with her Maga husband She has recently “become depressed“ and left her job – she is now cow-towing to her husband. I feel sad for her and I miss her. I enjoyed and Ann Applebaum‘s book because first of all, I enjoyed learning more about history on second of all, it was really helpful to hear details of the ongoing changes in Europe. I just shake my head when I hear more details about Orban. It is still difficult for me to accept the fact that the Republicans adore him.
I look for the reasons that people think the way that the Magas think.
Anne’s explanation Was at they have a narrow range of thinking. During Trump’s four years, Eileen, on Professor George Lakoff’s Scientific explanation. I suggest you look for him via SubStack. (frame lab) and YouTube.
I also follow Bette Dangerous (Heidi Siegmund Cuda) and Her podcast with two others – RADpod on YouTube. Their latest interviewee is with a man from Florida who has recently left maga. He tells his story, they ask a few questions, and - he’s offering to support others who are interested in leaving Maga. This may be TMI! Now, I am reading Stephen Hassan‘s book “the cult of Trump.“
thank you Ruth, democracy is on the line. Truth and facts must matter. There is sorrow and fear if we do not take this clear authoritarian threat seriously. We must all do what we can to protect our democracy today and tomorrow and the next. Find allies and pledge to make a difference where you can connect with others who care. Keep hopeful in the power of our collective good.
Agree so well said. Think if through all our efforts, if each of us could just change one person. It would be exponential. Agree, on collective good and hope.
Trump is planning on declaring martial law on day one.
That way he will have control over anyone who dares protest anything he does
The reason that more Latinos switched to trump is that the Republicans have done an excellent job of convincing people that a Democratic president will mean that this country will become socialist. That is an incessant mantra and it frightens South Americans. These people are all too familiar with the economic havoc caused in their countries of origin. This I have learned from an Argentinian who is doing some work for me.
The Democrats have to wake up and go on a crusade to educate people about the fact that we are firmly rooted in capitalism but desire to have a safety net for children, the old and the disabled. Very Christian! And that the Dems believe in investing in the country in constructive ways that make our citizens more productive.
But then again, even after you remind people of all those good things you get the one issue that some voters would throw it all away for. Anti-trans. Anti-abortion activism. Anti-"you name it". The authoritarians have been pulling these threads and whipping up people's fury over the last few years with startling effectiveness.
Does it help if we flip each one to Pro-love, Pro-women's health, pro-voting, pro-climate? Agree the semantics of 'anti-' are a downer. Cross-reference: SNL's Debbie Downer skits (hysterically funny -- how friends have to bail on her, because she gets so 'anti'-everything). Could our writer friends @ SNL, modify these skits to match MAGA? Comic relief and comic training for us all . . .
I like the idea of flipping the script. I was hoping to get some ideas from everyone because I really don’t know how to tap into the emotional part of the brain like the far right does. One of my big causes in Canada is affordable housing but selling homelessness as a national priority has not been as “galvanizing “ as the trucker movement for example. Maybe homelessness advocates aren’t as well funded as some far right groups, I suspect.
Agree.
Agree. Better roads, updated airports and infrastructure too that we can all enjoy. The organization Demcast.com is developing a Civics Training resource to help folks like us educate others. One person @ a time, I think it's up to us.... the calvary does not appear to be coming ~~
Great post, Ruth! Trump and his authoritarian cronies have succeeded in making Congress a mere shadow of its former self. Rachel Maddow reported this week that Congress has to date only passed 22 pieces of legislation, one more than the all-time record low set during President Hoover's last year in office. What's to keep him from turning Congress into a present-day Duma, the Russian parliament and rubber stamp of Putin. And where does that leave the judiciary? Trump and McConnell and company have succeeded in seating life-term, ill-qualified ideologues who will dance to the MAGA tune when asked. With Trump in a second term of office, you can bet our system of checks and balances, already weakened, will quickly devolve into life support, or collapse. God help us all!
Thanks Ron!
"The wall... placat[es] the many who fear Whites are being 'replaced' due to mass immigration."
A college professor once asked her class the following:
"Raise your hand if you'd like to be treated as current immigrants to the US are treated."
Nobody raised their hand.
Then she asked, "Raise your hand if you've ever considered that if minorities were ever to become the majority, you might be treated by them as they were treated by others."
Again, nobody raised their hand.
Why didn't anybody raise their hand to either question?
Maybe because it's easy to stay silent and go unnoticed if you feel that you are on the winning side. Then again, maybe it depends on the class time. Was this a morning lecture? :D
Apathy striking.
There has long been a collusion between business and government in this nation. We have been a plutocracy for much of our history, especially since the 1870's. The New Deal tried to tame capitalism's darker insticts but after FDR died, the race was on to eliminate it and go back to the same destructive forces that caused the Great Depression. Our power elites have been winning the tug of war between democracy and fascism. Our fascism apologists of the past have been numerous: Henry Ford, James Mooney, Prescott Bush, Allen Dulles, John Foster Dulles, James M. Buchanan, etc. With the tRump presidency in 2016, our elites saw their promised land and could finally win the tug of war and have the capitalist utopia they had dreamed of. But Biden slowed them down, and now with their hero, Trump, seemingly in the running, they are pushing hard for fascism once again. They want to move us from a corporatocracy to fascism, where their power sees no end. Our Founding Fathers would be nauseated.
Ruth, when I read your brilliant synopsis of a future under a dictatorship, I feel overwhelmed, angry and powerless as I watch pro fascists drive around in their trucks all decked out with their flags and all manners of criticisms of Biden, who is actually doing something for this country. I live in AZ, a swing state, and we have more election deniers stepping up to run including Kari Lake, a horrible liar and suck up to the dimwit former president. I can only hope people start paying attention before it’s too late. I hope Jack Smith can put him behind bars before the election before he manages to wiggle out of another indictment.
Yes, Maricopa county is a mess. Pima is more liberal but has a number of fascist hell raisers, bent on owning the libs. Fascists become very angered when they are the minority.
The state legislature is a circus of sociopaths and other assorted hard boiled idiots. Wendy Rogers may be the worst of the lot. AZ has become a dangerous place, especially if one believes in democracy.
I love the beauty of a single patriotic flag flown in respect.
Whoh! Scary stuff, this really makes me want to do more to protect my family, myself and my country from this insanity! From MK MAGA! Thank you for spelling things out so clearly Professor =]
It's sad we are in this state but there is always more we can do
No doubt a second Trump term would be a revolution in American governance. The 248 year old experiment in self government would sadly end. Self rule would be replaced by minority rule. Wide spread corruption would replace rule of law. Tyranny and repression would soon crush individual freedom and liberty. The usual suspects- foreigners, black people, brown people, LGBTQ people, immigrants and Jews would be deported or persecuted mercilessly. Media outlets, news papers,TV networks, cable news channels, social media that report or do fact based journalism would be silenced by threats and intimidation. They could never be allowed to criticize der leader or his administration's policies.
Scholars like the term "illiberal democracy" to describe the type of government we would end up with once Trump gets back into power and implements his authoritarian agenda. I think that's too soft a term. All aspects of government and society would be transformed and corrupted into serving the needs of a criminal autocrat and his lawless collaborators. We would have political violence and the threat of violence, propaganda 24/7 along with a press that is no longer free and political dissent crushed. Life in America would become a totalitarian nightmare. Forget 'illiberal democracy', democracy is no where and has got nothing to do with it. A better term to describe where we'd be is 'fascism' with an authoritarian demagogue and his cult of personality ruling the country. This would indeed be another revolution in American history.
The weakness of a democracy is that people can vote out that democracy in favor of something entirely stupid, in the name of hate and vengeance.
True but the law, the rule of law and the Constitution were set up as guard rails to protect against the lawless and power hungry who would destroy democracy?
Most of the failed fascist nations began as a democracy. I don't believe that our Electoral College would save us if the electorate wanted fascism. If they had wisdom and a conscience they would.
Our system of checks and balances that were set up for precisely this purpose have been corrupted and weakened to the point where we are teetering on the brink of falling into autocracy.
That is so very true. After reading in detail about the Eisenhower administration and how it was hijacked by Allen and John Foster Dulles, I realized that the corruption has been going on for at least 70 years. Megalomaniacs never have a conscience. They destroy nations.
Or do whatever they have to to get their way.
Agree
Euphemisms can be truth-drainers.
I would love to see the Democratic Party run TV ads, flanking Trump between Hitler and Mussolini , quoting Trump using the same words they did…….
And have noted psychiatrists/psychologists explain what is wrong with Trump and explain how these sort of people have ruined nations in the past....... countries like Italy, Serbia, Chile and Germany.
That would be better than what they are doing now, which is sadly insufficient
Another effective visual would be the cover of The New Yorker, November 28, 2020 -- captures many concepts upon one page without words. These types of graphics with multiple messages @ once, can be effective. They grab attention and thought. Provoke discussion and healthy debate. I did a review of the covers of The New Yorker during 2020 -- tells a haunting tale, visually. Good campaign material. Visuals matter, people don't have time to read in depth. I agree, more effective messaging is required.
Just as Peter Thiel's support for maga candidates was soundly defeated in Arizona the last election in "red" state Arizona, I am hopeful the same majority will rise to defeat Trump and his acolytes in 2024.
Thiel's boy, Blake Masters was a vile, rude fascist. Glad to see him go down in flames. AZ is transitioning to blue.