The essence of trump's cult is lies; I don't think it is possible to be maga without believing - and spouting - lies. We must be careful not to confuse conservatism with trump's cultism. Liz Cheney is as conservative as they get; we should be looking to her (instead of a lying opportunistic toady like Ronna McDaniel) to present the honest conservative view. Why isn't she out there more? Am I missing her? I think there is no overlap between honest conservatism and trumpist cultism. My hair is on fire.
Candace, I don’t think the essence of The Mango Mussolini movement is lies - but I do think it is based on resentment and fear, and people in the throes of this emotions are easily lied to. But the foundation of this world view is a sense of being looked down upon, which is both a little bit true and also way overblown. One of the big tricks with the Trumper in your life is to convince him/her that they do, in fact, have your respect even as you abhor their views on a lot things. It’s not an easy task, but we have to help at it.
Yes, Trump is a sociopathic liar...but he also reflects a political philosophy--right-wing populism--that has substantial, if misguided, policy positions. If we're going to have an honest political conversation, those views should be represented--and, I would hope, defeated in the court of public opinion.
Then don't. But if your hair isn't on fire over the possibility of an authoritarian tearing down the institutions of our democracy, then you don't understand the fragility of the freedoms you now enjoy.
The essence of trump's cult is lies; I don't think it is possible to be maga without believing - and spouting - lies. We must be careful not to confuse conservatism with trump's cultism. Liz Cheney is as conservative as they get; we should be looking to her (instead of a lying opportunistic toady like Ronna McDaniel) to present the honest conservative view. Why isn't she out there more? Am I missing her? I think there is no overlap between honest conservatism and trumpist cultism. My hair is on fire.
Candace, I don’t think the essence of The Mango Mussolini movement is lies - but I do think it is based on resentment and fear, and people in the throes of this emotions are easily lied to. But the foundation of this world view is a sense of being looked down upon, which is both a little bit true and also way overblown. One of the big tricks with the Trumper in your life is to convince him/her that they do, in fact, have your respect even as you abhor their views on a lot things. It’s not an easy task, but we have to help at it.
Yes, Trump is a sociopathic liar...but he also reflects a political philosophy--right-wing populism--that has substantial, if misguided, policy positions. If we're going to have an honest political conversation, those views should be represented--and, I would hope, defeated in the court of public opinion.
Joe, your obsession with all things Trump is making your substack hard to read.
Then don't. But if your hair isn't on fire over the possibility of an authoritarian tearing down the institutions of our democracy, then you don't understand the fragility of the freedoms you now enjoy.