"At root, Trump disdains democracy." The horrible truth is that the vast majority of the Republican party disdains, or at least angrily undermines/ignores it if they lose. As an Australian who wishes the US well, it is terribly sad to see a major party in the world's most populace democracy commit treason against an almost sacred system.
The Republican Party in America has become the party of fascists. It’s something they’ve been working toward for decades so it shouldn’t surprise us that they’ve all now been so open about their intent to destroy democracy.
It’s not greed. For Trump himself it’s insecurity and entitlement. Not so much “I want more money” as “I need reassurance I’m great and therefore I get to do whatever I want.” Think spoiled child.
Trump has never been held to account for his actions so (somewhat understandably given that he never has been) believes he never should be.
I’ve little doubt that he’s convinced himself that every lie he’s told is true.
As for his followers, it’s not greed so much as being given licensee to be their worst selves. Trump has given them permission to be the sexist, racist, homophobes they always have been openly.
Imagine taking a child to a candy store and telling them they can have anything they want and as much of it as they want, and then they run through the store, stuffing their mouth.
Did you turn them into somebody who wants to eat a lot of candy, or did you just given them permission to do what they wanted to do all along?
Trump’s supporters have always been who they are now showing themselves to be. They’d been held in check by knowing they would face consequences. Public disapproval, being shamed, etc.
But now Trump has told them it’s OK. That they can shoot someone in the middle of Times Square, grab them by the pussy, advocate violent coups, and remain “good people”. That they can rage through the candy store and take what they want.
He didn’t make them that. It’s what they have ALWAYS BEEN. But now they're not hiding it.
It's all speculation LJ but I think Trump can't handle losing (or being seen as a loser) and made the terrible mistake of entering politics when losing is all too likely. That said I"m inclined to think he entered the 2024 race as a keep out of jail strategy.
"At root, Trump disdains democracy." The horrible truth is that the vast majority of the Republican party disdains, or at least angrily undermines/ignores it if they lose. As an Australian who wishes the US well, it is terribly sad to see a major party in the world's most populace democracy commit treason against an almost sacred system.
The Republican Party in America has become the party of fascists. It’s something they’ve been working toward for decades so it shouldn’t surprise us that they’ve all now been so open about their intent to destroy democracy.
“in the world's most populace democracy”
Isn’t that India?
I stand corrected Chistopher. Indian democracy has it's faults but it's definitely a democracy and definitely more populated than the USA.
“Announcing one is running for president shouldn’t function as a get-out-of-jail-free card.”
Nor should being President.
Amen. Three cheers for the Rule of Law!
It’s not greed. For Trump himself it’s insecurity and entitlement. Not so much “I want more money” as “I need reassurance I’m great and therefore I get to do whatever I want.” Think spoiled child.
Trump has never been held to account for his actions so (somewhat understandably given that he never has been) believes he never should be.
I’ve little doubt that he’s convinced himself that every lie he’s told is true.
As for his followers, it’s not greed so much as being given licensee to be their worst selves. Trump has given them permission to be the sexist, racist, homophobes they always have been openly.
I agree with everything but the last paragraph Chistopher though I'm by no means certain the last paragraph is wrong!
Imagine taking a child to a candy store and telling them they can have anything they want and as much of it as they want, and then they run through the store, stuffing their mouth.
Did you turn them into somebody who wants to eat a lot of candy, or did you just given them permission to do what they wanted to do all along?
Trump’s supporters have always been who they are now showing themselves to be. They’d been held in check by knowing they would face consequences. Public disapproval, being shamed, etc.
But now Trump has told them it’s OK. That they can shoot someone in the middle of Times Square, grab them by the pussy, advocate violent coups, and remain “good people”. That they can rage through the candy store and take what they want.
He didn’t make them that. It’s what they have ALWAYS BEEN. But now they're not hiding it.
It's all speculation LJ but I think Trump can't handle losing (or being seen as a loser) and made the terrible mistake of entering politics when losing is all too likely. That said I"m inclined to think he entered the 2024 race as a keep out of jail strategy.