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In reply to the discussion: Paul Krugman explains why he cant sympathize with Trump voters [View all]Hortensis
(58,785 posts)48. This article is pointing out that so many would not
recognize moral and honest leadership if it bit them on the nose. Not that Obama or Hillary ever tried to do exactly that, of course. Nevertheless, it seems that many on both sides of the spectrum took offense at them both for suggesting by their own behavior and example that citizens should, you know, be honest and moral themselves.
Anyway, one thing the interviewees often say is that Mr. Trump is honest, that he tells it like is, which may seem odd given how much he lies about almost everything, policy and personal. But what they probably mean is that Mr. Trump gives outright, unapologetic voice to racism, sexism, contempt for losers and so on feelings that have always been an important source of conservative support, but have long been things you werent supposed to talk about openly.
In other words, Mr. Trump isnt an honest man or a stand-up guy, but he is, arguably, less hypocritical about the darker motives underlying his worldview than conventional politicians are.
Hence the affinity for Mr. OReilly, and Mr. Trumps apparent sense that news reports about the TV hosts actions are an indirect attack on him. One way to think about Fox News in general, and Mr. OReilly in particular, is that they provide a safe space for people who want an affirmation that their uglier impulses are, in fact, justified and perfectly O.K. And one way to think about the Trump White House is that its attempting to expand that safe space to include the nation as a whole.
And the big question about Trumpism bigger, arguably, than the legislative agenda is whether unapologetic ugliness is a winning political strategy.
In other words, Mr. Trump isnt an honest man or a stand-up guy, but he is, arguably, less hypocritical about the darker motives underlying his worldview than conventional politicians are.
Hence the affinity for Mr. OReilly, and Mr. Trumps apparent sense that news reports about the TV hosts actions are an indirect attack on him. One way to think about Fox News in general, and Mr. OReilly in particular, is that they provide a safe space for people who want an affirmation that their uglier impulses are, in fact, justified and perfectly O.K. And one way to think about the Trump White House is that its attempting to expand that safe space to include the nation as a whole.
And the big question about Trumpism bigger, arguably, than the legislative agenda is whether unapologetic ugliness is a winning political strategy.
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Here is what I know, this is the Democratic Underground if you want to peddle that opinion of yours
cstanleytech
Apr 2017
#49
Not quite true - you don't get your account revoked for defense of your position,...
Lil Missy
Apr 2017
#21
Bring it on, "lies." You've had this named account since 2007, but only used it since 90 days ago?
Hekate
Apr 2017
#63
Saudi Arabia is our ally. The US supported and gave arms to SA long before President Obama. To
still_one
Apr 2017
#47
Yes, the problem is the GOP has gone insane and have been programmed to believe
Fast Walker 52
Apr 2017
#3
many many years ago when I was a child I was taught that no one likes a braggart and boaster
luvMIdog
Apr 2017
#25
Everywhere, around the world, 2 out of 10 people are born with a fascist gene
Mr. Ected
Apr 2017
#45