I juggled between wanting to write this article, and not wanting to. I somehow caught the flu in June and, during one of my delirious periods where I was trying to come up with the meat of the blog, I first got stuck on what my opening should be. First, I thought I should open up by saying something positive about Donald Trump. The only thing I could think of was "He's old, so at least he's probably going to die soon".
It's hard for me not to be critical of someone I consider to be extremely evil. He's one of the few people I actively hate on this planet. With his buddies Putin and Kim Jong Un, they make a threesome of despicable, deplorable individuals whose deaths I shall not mourn.
This triumvirate of nefariousness is worth of attention, but Donald Tramp perhaps even more so as he lives closer to me than the other two and, more importantly, he was recently featured in the news. As I'm sure you are aware, the GOP candidate for the 2024 election is now a convicted felon. Simultaneously surprinsingly and expectedly, this turn of events not only did not impact his political rating negatively, it even increased his standing. I was in awe as I realized how much Americans seem to want to run their country into the ground.
But perhaps there's something I am missing. If it was only a few people, we could chalk it up to some of those being idiots. But when it's a significant portion of the population? Something is happening, and it may be important to figure out why. Thus, here I present to you my non-professionally conducted research, speculations, and observations. What do people see in this orange turd?
Donald Trump's speech is deliberate
A few days ago, I was hanging out in three separate friends' streams on Twitch. One of them had a text-to-speech module with Donald Trump's voice. I don't recall it verbatim, but I had it say something along the lines of, "They say, 'Donald Trump, you are now a convicted criminal,' but they don't realize that this is helping my campaign. Unless Sleepy Joe rigs the election again, this will only be tremendously good for me. I will pardon all the rich criminals and imprison all the poor people. That's how we'll solve poverty, folks. I have the best cognition and the best plans. Amazing!"
I wrote this from memory without giving it too much thought, so it could be refined to sound more like Mr. Living Embodiment of Overuse of Fake Tan, but I'm sure you'll agree the words used are close enough. Interestingly, all three of my friends thought it was real when I presented it as Donald Trump's most recent tweet. It wasn't until we got to the absurd part of "we're gonna lock up the poor" that they realized it was a joke.
This is what this is about: Donald Trump's deliberate speech sets him apart. Love him or hate him, you will remember him. Throughout history, several leaders have had unique speech patterns, and the more unique it is, the more it helps solidify their image. You will undoubtedly remember Obama's hesitation as he speaks. While perhaps less deliberate, it also generated countless attempts at imitation.
While this alone isn't enough to make Trump likable, it can, to some people, make him more endearing. It helps you memorize what his opinions are when he has them. At other times, his word salad can have a mild hypnotic effect by being somewhat relatable, using simple terms and leaning into the vernacular, which may appeal to a voter base, especially those with less education.
Down with the government
Part of Donald Trump's campaign strategy is, ironically, to depict the government as corrupt and worthless. By constantly smearing the state of leadership of the country, he gives a voice to those who buy into conspiracy theories.
Trump’s rhetoric about government corruption and inefficiency taps into a long-standing distrust of federal institutions among certain segments of the American population. This distrust is not new; it has roots in various historical events and scandals, such as Watergate and the financial crisis of 2008. Trump's message resonates with those who believe that the government is inherently flawed and incapable of serving the people's interests.
Moreover, Trump positions himself as an outsider who is not part of the entrenched political elite despite his previous role as president. This outsider status appeals to voters who are disillusioned with career politicians. By presenting himself as an unorthodox who can "drain the swamp," Trump taps into a powerful narrative of rebellion against the establishment.
Trump’s embrace of conspiracy theories further solidifies his connection with a segment of the electorate that is deeply skeptical of mainstream narratives. For instance, his promotion of the idea that the 2020 election was stolen, despite a lack of evidence, has galvanized a substantial portion of his base. These theories provide a convenient explanation for their grievances and justify their distrust of the government and its institutions.
Additionally, Trump's critique of the government extends to his economic policies. He often argues that excessive regulation stifles economic growth and innovation. By advocating for deregulation and smaller government, he appeals to libertarians and business owners who feel burdened by government oversight. This anti-government stance is a cornerstone of his economic platform and resonates with those who believe in the primacy of free-market principles.
Furthermore, Trump's narrative of a corrupt and ineffective government aligns with broader populist movements seen globally. These movements are characterized by a distrust of elites and a belief that the system is rigged against ordinary people. By aligning himself with this populist sentiment, Trump is able to cultivate a loyal following that views him as a champion of their interests against a corrupt establishment.
Recently, I've been watching videos about how the CIA and the FBI have screwed up and were occasionally threats against society, both in foreign nations and domestically. It's hard not to be disillusioned when you see what they can do. From covert operations that destabilized foreign governments to domestic surveillance programs that infringed on civil liberties, these agencies have a history of overreach and misconduct. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of government distrust, providing a fertile ground for Trump's anti-establishment rhetoric to thrive.
Money, money, money
Trump also gives libertarians a more palatable option. While free-market capitalism aligns with the GOP's values, his self-described business acumen and widely recognized incompetence make him appealing to those who want minimal interference in their financial pursuits. For those prioritizing economic freedom and deregulation, Trump is seen as a champion.
It's also no secret that he's buddy-buddy with many in the wealthy class. I'm grossed out just imagining him, Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and Dana White in the same room counting their fat stacks. But then again, why wouldn't they be friends? The man in power promises tax breaks for the rich. This also works in his favor because his interaction with the wealthy elite gives him an air of legitimacy. He has a network of powerful and wealthy connections, suggesting he has the ability to bring prosperity and innovation to the country.
Trump’s policies, particularly his tax cuts, have been a boon for the wealthy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 significantly reduced corporate tax rates and provided substantial benefits for high-income individuals. This aligns with the libertarian ethos of minimizing government intervention in the economy and allowing the free market to thrive. For many libertarians, Trump’s approach represents a step towards a more laissez-faire economic environment.
To those who are not rich but still well-off, there is a certain sense of fairness in being less harsh on taxation. 1% of one billion is significantly more money than 1% of 20,000 dollars. Thus, some people ignore the fact that you don't need a billionaire's wage to be comfortable, and they might think that someone at the top has a significantly harder life than those at the bottom (because "obviously," the poor are just lazy, even if they work the same amount of hours) and thus those who "create" the wealth deserve better from the government.
Moreover, Trump's appeal extends to those who aspire to wealth. The American Dream is deeply ingrained in the national psyche, and Trump, with his opulent lifestyle and business success (despite numerous bankruptcies and scandals), embodies that dream for many. His message resonates with those who believe that with the right breaks and hard work, they, too, can achieve similar success.
Trump's connection with the wealthy elite also gives him an air of legitimacy in the eyes of some voters. His interactions with influential figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan bolster his image as a key player in the economic and cultural spheres. For some, this network of powerful connections suggests that Trump has the ability to bring prosperity and innovation to the country.
Furthermore, Trump's rhetoric about "draining the swamp" and fighting against the entrenched political class resonates with many who feel disenfranchised by the current political system. By presenting himself as an outsider who is willing to take on the establishment, Trump taps into a deep-seated frustration with the status quo. This message is particularly appealing to libertarians who are skeptical of government intervention and regulation.
"He says it like it is"
Which is a euphemism for "we can say out loud what we think without fear of repercussions." This links back to my article "Why We Can't Take a Joke Anymore" – some people fail to grasp the power of words and are upset having to learn new vocabulary because some people are offended. This dynamic not only creates resentment but also allows bigoted rhetoric to come to light more easily.
Trump's blunt and often controversial manner of speaking resonates with many because it taps into a sense of authenticity that contrasts sharply with the polished, cautious language typical of career politicians. For his supporters, this directness is refreshing and empowering. It represents a rejection of political correctness, which they view as an oppressive force that stifles free expression.
The appeal of "saying it like it is" lies in its promise of honesty and straightforwardness. To his base, Trump’s rhetoric is seen as a courageous stand against a culture that prioritizes sensitivity over truth. This sentiment is particularly strong among those who feel marginalized by the rapid social changes of the past few decades, including shifts in language and societal norms.
For some, his refusal to adhere to the evolving norms of political correctness is not just a political stance but a cultural one. It signifies a reclaiming of a perceived lost freedom to speak one's mind without fear of censure.
Time to own the libs
The Divided States of America have long been polarized, with tensions stretching back to the era of slavery, through the rural vs. urban divide, and the historic North vs. South conflict. In today's political climate, it often becomes less about the truth and more about hurting the opposing political side.
As society shifts toward policies aimed at compensating historically marginalized groups, some individuals, particularly white men, feel alienated. They perceive the left's efforts to create a more equal society as neglecting their own needs and concerns. In this regard, they feel marginalized themselves and may find refuge with the Republicans, who are not known for championing women's rights or black rights.
This is a topic that deserves further attention, so I may write about it in a future blog post.
However, for many of Trump's supporters, his combative rhetoric and policies represent a form of payback against the liberal elites. The term "own the libs" reflects this sentiment, where the primary goal becomes not just political victory but also causing distress to those on the left.
In Conclusion
It would be easy to call the right completely batshit insane. I'm tempted to say it, very often. But the truth is, some differences are reconcilable through education and empathy – and yes, even toward the right, who often lack it. In my opinion, the two-party system of America is an anti-democratic trap that forces people into a confrontation of "us versus them." No matter how much we want the MAGA-ists to wake up, there are also fundamental issues that need to be addressed before the two halves of the country can be united once more.
Did I miss anything? Are you a Trump supporter, and you want to tell me to fo f*** myself? Please, by all means, use the comment section.
And not to rub salt in the wounds, my dear MAGA friends, but...
Happy Pride Month, everyone!
GO F*** YOURSELF DUMB LIB, MAGA 4 LIFE. don't you understand we're in a banana republic rigging the elections judges and juries, this is absurd
jk, well written my friend :D