I absolutely agree about Trump's lack of genius when it comes to communication. We were bombarded with this silly meme throughout 2016--The Master of Communication.
Really?
If you listen to his 'speeches,' particularly the spontaneous portions, when he goes off-the-cuff, he really says very little and what he does say is usually awkward and circuitous. At his rallies, he loves to throw out red meat and hear the crowd roar. On prepared speeches, he sounds as if he's never listened to the English language--the inflection is off, the pauses out of sync, etc.
During the campaign, he was definitely experimenting with reactive language and symbols. On several occasions, even he appeared taken aback by the response to some of his more volatile comments. Now, he takes the chanting and over-the-top reactions in stride, eager to gin the crowd up. I'm convinced that in the Trumpster's reptilian brain, he thinks of this as . . . love, admiration.
Strange thing about mob love, however. It can turn on you in a heartbeat.
As for the religious zealots, the evangelical community was really exposed for their rank hypocrisy during the Alabama election. The idea that you would let accusations of molestation slide because Moore claimed to be a 'real' Christian, and though not perfect, was somehow a better choice than Doug Jones is beyond appalling. Lots of throw away words like redemption and repentance. Meanwhile, Moore denied everything, called the women liars when he realized that the accusations were getting uglier and uglier.
Digby at Hullabaloo had a really good analyses of the African American vote on Tuesday, how the black community came out for Jones because of the man he is, for how he fought as a prosecutor for those little girls murdered at church. But they also came out for their own self-interests. Poverty is rampant in Deep South Alabama. Healthcare is a huge concern, particularly with sewage problems where open bogs of sewage have ramped up health issues. Education and job opportunities are on the list of 'needs attention, like yesterday.'
My point is that Doug Jones has a huge task in front of him, as does the Democratic Party. We have to address the problems and make real headway in finding the will and the solutions to these basic needs, if we expect to duplicate Tuesday's success.
Happy talk ain't going to do it no more.
Anyway, good essay. As always.
= new reply since forum marked as read
