I am from Chicago, but am glad I am currently not living there. What an embarrassment. I heard clips in Jeff Tiedrich's Substack, and the audience that booed a real attempt to get Trump to answer questions with gravitas, shows me that either the economic club lets just any idiot in, or Trump planted some people perhaps paid, in the audience. Either way, the economic club makes Chicago look bad. Though, I did not hear of bodies being carted out like they were in either Detroit or Pennsylvania. Not clear which.
I think there were mostly Trump plants in the audience. I saw the whole thing this morning. He lied beautifully and, heaven forbid, convincingly. He talked over the interviewer very тАЬpowerfully,тАЭ asserting that everyone in economics has been wrong for 25 years while he has been right. And wasting time with long non-answers as a strategy. (The Fed ChairтАЩs job is really cushy, he works a few days a month, Trump could do it as president, better than Jerome Powell. Etc.)
I was appalled at how fluent he was compared to when he uses a teleprompter at rallies. He did not seem to be losing it cognitively. Unless you knew he was тАЬcreating storiesтАЭ to make his ridiculous policies seem like common sense, you might have been impressed. I hope undecided voters did not watch it.
(As Jeff Tiedrich says, when someone in TrumpтАЩs story calls him Sir, Sir, you know he is making it up.)
He sounds тАЬfluent,тАЭ but heтАЩs spouting jibberishтАжWhen heтАЩs using a teleprompter, the info is basically rational, if exaggerated and misinformation. When he then goes off on a tangent, itтАЩs because he canтАЩt resist ignoring the teleprompter to defend himself against criticisms heтАЩs recently heard, or make outrageous statements claims like тАжhe could do the Fed job better than Powell, and he understands the economy better than the experts тАж He says garbage like that all the time. He said he could do a better job than the Joint Chiefs тАж ItтАЩs his favorite shtick - HeтАЩs smarter than the experts, the scientists, and probably even тАЬthe average bear.тАЭ
I agree that he had his favorite shticks well-rehearsed, but I was surprised and worried that he sounded as normal as he did. Much better than when debating Kamala with no audience.
That is part of his schtick. He degrades all who would worship him to remind them of how lowly they are compared to him. It is part of his fascism. All must be humiliated.
I still have a hard time understanding that so many people can be "Christian" of any group and buy into all of this as being righteous. There is such a willingness to be lied to and that allows for being led by Trump. A lot of magical thinking is embraced, and science is eschewed. How did we allow such anti-intelligence people to take over so much of our country?
I read this about who his followers are.
Reader comment by Robert Ritchie in Joyce VanceтАЩs Substack on Sept 9, 2024
The Cult of Opposition: Understanding the Psychology Behind TrumpтАЩs Supporters
In modern political discourse, the relationship between leaders and their supporters often reflects a symbiotic exchangeтАФone of mutual benefit. Typically, a leader provides tangible improvements to the supportersтАЩ lives, who in turn offer their allegiance. However, Donald Trump's presidency introduced a paradigm shift that baffled many analysts. A significant portion of TrumpтАЩs base does not measure his success by what he does *for* them, but rather by what he does against those they consider adversaries. This phenomenon raises a critical question: why do Trump's supporters define his success not by policy achievements or personal benefit but by his ability to antagonize perceived enemies? In this research paper, we explore the psychology, sociocultural factors, and communication strategies behind this phenomenon, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms that sustain this unwavering loyalty.
The Psychology of "Othering"
At the heart of this dynamic lies a fundamental psychological concept known as *othering.* Othering refers to the process of creating a division between "us" and "them," where "them" are people deemed different or antagonistic to one's own group. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-worth from their membership in groups (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). When Trump attacks certain groupsтАФbe they immigrants, Democrats, or marginalized communitiesтАФhis supporters feel that their in-group (conservative, predominantly white Americans) is being validated. The "other," typically those outside their cultural or political bubble, becomes a target of scorn and aggression. By constantly positioning himself against these groups, Trump reassures his supporters that they are on the winning side of a cultural war.
This is where the success metrics diverge from typical political calculations. Success, in the eyes of Trump's supporters, is not rooted in economic growth or policy achievements, but in the symbolic victories won over those they disdain. TrumpтАЩs antagonistic rhetoric serves as a rallying cry for a base that measures success by how effectively he torments the "other."
Fear as a Unifying Emotion
The divisiveness Trump exploits is not built solely on disdain for others but on deep-rooted fear. Research has shown that political conservatism often correlates with heightened fear responses (Hibbing, Smith, & Alford, 2014). These fears manifest in concerns over demographic changes, perceived threats to cultural identity, and economic anxietyтАФparticularly in the wake of globalization and immigration. For TrumpтАЩs base, he offers not only validation of their fears but also an outlet for their anxiety: the vilification of outsiders.
By acting against these outsidersтАФwhether through harsh immigration policies, vilification of the media, or incendiary tweets targeting "leftist elites"тАФTrump provides a sense of catharsis to his supporters. ItтАЩs not about building bridges or creating new opportunities; itтАЩs about protecting their identity and keeping perceived threats at bay. In their minds, TrumpтАЩs success is defined by his defense of the status quo against forces of change.
The Appeal of a Strongman
This dynamic is exacerbated by the allure of authoritarian leadership, often characterized by a leader who promises protection and order while silencing dissent. Trump's rhetoricтАФfilled with hyperbole, aggressive language, and dismissive attitudes toward political correctnessтАФresonates deeply with those who feel disempowered by societal changes. Studies have shown that authoritarian personalities are drawn to leaders who project strength and offer simple, binary solutions to complex problems (Feldman, 2003). TrumpтАЩs combative style against the "other" fits neatly into this framework.
In this context, Trump is seen as the protector, someone who will go to any length to defend his supporters from external threats. His aggressive behaviorтАФthough often condemned by criticsтАФis perceived by his base as a strength. In their eyes, his relentless attacks on groups like the media, the "deep state," or racial minorities are evidence of his success as a leader willing to do whatever it takes to secure their safety and identity.
The Role of Media and Propaganda
An essential factor in maintaining this dynamic is the role of right-wing media in amplifying TrumpтАЩs actions *against* others while downplaying or ignoring any lack of substantive achievements. Fox News, Breitbart, and other conservative outlets often frame TrumpтАЩs attacks on immigrants, liberals, and the media as necessary battles in a larger cultural war. Through selective reporting, these outlets reinforce the idea that TrumpтАЩs presidency is less about improving the lives of his supporters through policy and more about the symbolic victories he achieves through opposition to their perceived enemies.
Trump himself understood the power of media manipulation, often stoking controversy to keep his name in the headlines. As noted by philosopher Hannah Arendt, in authoritarian regimes, propaganda serves to simplify the world into friend versus foe (Arendt, 1951). By keeping the public focused on his skirmishes against the "other," Trump ensured that his base remained engaged and energized, even when his policies provided little material benefit to their lives.
The Social Contract of Aggrievement
This relationship between Trump and his supporters can be understood as a kind of *social contract of aggrievement.* While traditional politicians offer economic benefits, infrastructure improvements, or social programs, Trump offers emotional validation. His base, particularly those who feel marginalized by economic shifts or demographic changes, finds solace in his outward displays of aggression. His ability to provoke outrage in the "other" reassures them that they are still relevant in a world they fear is changing too fast.
Interestingly, this contract does not require Trump to follow through on traditional metrics of success like job creation or healthcare reform. His supporters are not primarily concerned with how he improves their lives directly. Instead, they focus on how he reinforces their worldviewтАФone where they are under constant attack and where Trump is their defender. This emotional satisfaction creates a loyalty that transcends policy, rooted instead in the shared sense of grievance and resentment.
Conclusion: A Loyalty That Transcends
In understanding TrumpтАЩs success, it is critical to recognize the unique metrics by which his supporters measure his achievements. His base does not primarily seek economic relief or policy victories; they seek validation of their fears and grievances. By acting *against* the "other," Trump provides emotional and psychological sustenance that traditional political figures often fail to deliver. His success, therefore, lies in his ability to symbolize and enact opposition rather than constructively improve the lives of his supporters. As long as Trump continues to antagonize those perceived as threats, his base will remain loyal, even in the absence of tangible benefits.
In the end, the tormenting of the "others" does more than sustain themтАФit defines them.
Humiliated, used, gaslit. HUG for short. These MAGA sheep remind me of the scene in Animal House, where the bad guy frat initiates the pledges with paddling on their butts, while the obviously sadistic and kinky Niedermayer enjoys inflicting the punishment. Kevin Bacon's character is seen grimacing and shouting "thank you sir, may I have another!"
Isn't that what Christian Nationalism is requiring of them? It is a big, big religious cult. Hard to escape if you are raised in it and not exposed to other ideas because of home schooling.
We've been saying that across the spectrum ever since we all got wind of it. It is dumbfounding and very depressing not because of Trump but that it's even darker than that.
They can never redeem themselves with me, because they are junior league when it comes to reporting this election. They are apparently not able to give it the gravitas it needs, and that is that.
I unsubscribed only a few months ago and of course I've been asking myself ever since why did I wait so long. Biggest disappointment on the planet they are.
Until the NYT runs this headline TRUMP IS FUCKING NUTS - they can kiss my NYer ass..
The insanity of that town hall yesterday should have been on the front page!
I am from Chicago, but am glad I am currently not living there. What an embarrassment. I heard clips in Jeff Tiedrich's Substack, and the audience that booed a real attempt to get Trump to answer questions with gravitas, shows me that either the economic club lets just any idiot in, or Trump planted some people perhaps paid, in the audience. Either way, the economic club makes Chicago look bad. Though, I did not hear of bodies being carted out like they were in either Detroit or Pennsylvania. Not clear which.
I think there were mostly Trump plants in the audience. I saw the whole thing this morning. He lied beautifully and, heaven forbid, convincingly. He talked over the interviewer very тАЬpowerfully,тАЭ asserting that everyone in economics has been wrong for 25 years while he has been right. And wasting time with long non-answers as a strategy. (The Fed ChairтАЩs job is really cushy, he works a few days a month, Trump could do it as president, better than Jerome Powell. Etc.)
I was appalled at how fluent he was compared to when he uses a teleprompter at rallies. He did not seem to be losing it cognitively. Unless you knew he was тАЬcreating storiesтАЭ to make his ridiculous policies seem like common sense, you might have been impressed. I hope undecided voters did not watch it.
(As Jeff Tiedrich says, when someone in TrumpтАЩs story calls him Sir, Sir, you know he is making it up.)
He sounds тАЬfluent,тАЭ but heтАЩs spouting jibberishтАжWhen heтАЩs using a teleprompter, the info is basically rational, if exaggerated and misinformation. When he then goes off on a tangent, itтАЩs because he canтАЩt resist ignoring the teleprompter to defend himself against criticisms heтАЩs recently heard, or make outrageous statements claims like тАжhe could do the Fed job better than Powell, and he understands the economy better than the experts тАж He says garbage like that all the time. He said he could do a better job than the Joint Chiefs тАж ItтАЩs his favorite shtick - HeтАЩs smarter than the experts, the scientists, and probably even тАЬthe average bear.тАЭ
I agree that he had his favorite shticks well-rehearsed, but I was surprised and worried that he sounded as normal as he did. Much better than when debating Kamala with no audience.
YES! I noticed that a while ago. And the accordion hands thing means he's nervous AND lying. Oy Vey
Cheapskate idiot cannot rent a venue that has A/C for his sheep? I guess not. And the sheep come back for more.
That is part of his schtick. He degrades all who would worship him to remind them of how lowly they are compared to him. It is part of his fascism. All must be humiliated.
I still have a hard time understanding that so many people can be "Christian" of any group and buy into all of this as being righteous. There is such a willingness to be lied to and that allows for being led by Trump. A lot of magical thinking is embraced, and science is eschewed. How did we allow such anti-intelligence people to take over so much of our country?
I read this about who his followers are.
Reader comment by Robert Ritchie in Joyce VanceтАЩs Substack on Sept 9, 2024
The Cult of Opposition: Understanding the Psychology Behind TrumpтАЩs Supporters
In modern political discourse, the relationship between leaders and their supporters often reflects a symbiotic exchangeтАФone of mutual benefit. Typically, a leader provides tangible improvements to the supportersтАЩ lives, who in turn offer their allegiance. However, Donald Trump's presidency introduced a paradigm shift that baffled many analysts. A significant portion of TrumpтАЩs base does not measure his success by what he does *for* them, but rather by what he does against those they consider adversaries. This phenomenon raises a critical question: why do Trump's supporters define his success not by policy achievements or personal benefit but by his ability to antagonize perceived enemies? In this research paper, we explore the psychology, sociocultural factors, and communication strategies behind this phenomenon, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms that sustain this unwavering loyalty.
The Psychology of "Othering"
At the heart of this dynamic lies a fundamental psychological concept known as *othering.* Othering refers to the process of creating a division between "us" and "them," where "them" are people deemed different or antagonistic to one's own group. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-worth from their membership in groups (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). When Trump attacks certain groupsтАФbe they immigrants, Democrats, or marginalized communitiesтАФhis supporters feel that their in-group (conservative, predominantly white Americans) is being validated. The "other," typically those outside their cultural or political bubble, becomes a target of scorn and aggression. By constantly positioning himself against these groups, Trump reassures his supporters that they are on the winning side of a cultural war.
This is where the success metrics diverge from typical political calculations. Success, in the eyes of Trump's supporters, is not rooted in economic growth or policy achievements, but in the symbolic victories won over those they disdain. TrumpтАЩs antagonistic rhetoric serves as a rallying cry for a base that measures success by how effectively he torments the "other."
Fear as a Unifying Emotion
The divisiveness Trump exploits is not built solely on disdain for others but on deep-rooted fear. Research has shown that political conservatism often correlates with heightened fear responses (Hibbing, Smith, & Alford, 2014). These fears manifest in concerns over demographic changes, perceived threats to cultural identity, and economic anxietyтАФparticularly in the wake of globalization and immigration. For TrumpтАЩs base, he offers not only validation of their fears but also an outlet for their anxiety: the vilification of outsiders.
By acting against these outsidersтАФwhether through harsh immigration policies, vilification of the media, or incendiary tweets targeting "leftist elites"тАФTrump provides a sense of catharsis to his supporters. ItтАЩs not about building bridges or creating new opportunities; itтАЩs about protecting their identity and keeping perceived threats at bay. In their minds, TrumpтАЩs success is defined by his defense of the status quo against forces of change.
The Appeal of a Strongman
This dynamic is exacerbated by the allure of authoritarian leadership, often characterized by a leader who promises protection and order while silencing dissent. Trump's rhetoricтАФfilled with hyperbole, aggressive language, and dismissive attitudes toward political correctnessтАФresonates deeply with those who feel disempowered by societal changes. Studies have shown that authoritarian personalities are drawn to leaders who project strength and offer simple, binary solutions to complex problems (Feldman, 2003). TrumpтАЩs combative style against the "other" fits neatly into this framework.
In this context, Trump is seen as the protector, someone who will go to any length to defend his supporters from external threats. His aggressive behaviorтАФthough often condemned by criticsтАФis perceived by his base as a strength. In their eyes, his relentless attacks on groups like the media, the "deep state," or racial minorities are evidence of his success as a leader willing to do whatever it takes to secure their safety and identity.
The Role of Media and Propaganda
An essential factor in maintaining this dynamic is the role of right-wing media in amplifying TrumpтАЩs actions *against* others while downplaying or ignoring any lack of substantive achievements. Fox News, Breitbart, and other conservative outlets often frame TrumpтАЩs attacks on immigrants, liberals, and the media as necessary battles in a larger cultural war. Through selective reporting, these outlets reinforce the idea that TrumpтАЩs presidency is less about improving the lives of his supporters through policy and more about the symbolic victories he achieves through opposition to their perceived enemies.
Trump himself understood the power of media manipulation, often stoking controversy to keep his name in the headlines. As noted by philosopher Hannah Arendt, in authoritarian regimes, propaganda serves to simplify the world into friend versus foe (Arendt, 1951). By keeping the public focused on his skirmishes against the "other," Trump ensured that his base remained engaged and energized, even when his policies provided little material benefit to their lives.
The Social Contract of Aggrievement
This relationship between Trump and his supporters can be understood as a kind of *social contract of aggrievement.* While traditional politicians offer economic benefits, infrastructure improvements, or social programs, Trump offers emotional validation. His base, particularly those who feel marginalized by economic shifts or demographic changes, finds solace in his outward displays of aggression. His ability to provoke outrage in the "other" reassures them that they are still relevant in a world they fear is changing too fast.
Interestingly, this contract does not require Trump to follow through on traditional metrics of success like job creation or healthcare reform. His supporters are not primarily concerned with how he improves their lives directly. Instead, they focus on how he reinforces their worldviewтАФone where they are under constant attack and where Trump is their defender. This emotional satisfaction creates a loyalty that transcends policy, rooted instead in the shared sense of grievance and resentment.
Conclusion: A Loyalty That Transcends
In understanding TrumpтАЩs success, it is critical to recognize the unique metrics by which his supporters measure his achievements. His base does not primarily seek economic relief or policy victories; they seek validation of their fears and grievances. By acting *against* the "other," Trump provides emotional and psychological sustenance that traditional political figures often fail to deliver. His success, therefore, lies in his ability to symbolize and enact opposition rather than constructively improve the lives of his supporters. As long as Trump continues to antagonize those perceived as threats, his base will remain loyal, even in the absence of tangible benefits.
In the end, the tormenting of the "others" does more than sustain themтАФit defines them.
Humiliated, used, gaslit. HUG for short. These MAGA sheep remind me of the scene in Animal House, where the bad guy frat initiates the pledges with paddling on their butts, while the obviously sadistic and kinky Niedermayer enjoys inflicting the punishment. Kevin Bacon's character is seen grimacing and shouting "thank you sir, may I have another!"
Isn't that what Christian Nationalism is requiring of them? It is a big, big religious cult. Hard to escape if you are raised in it and not exposed to other ideas because of home schooling.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/christians-swarm-washington-pray-america-turn-god-electing-trump-rcna175162
We've been saying that across the spectrum ever since we all got wind of it. It is dumbfounding and very depressing not because of Trump but that it's even darker than that.
he planted people
They can never redeem themselves with me, because they are junior league when it comes to reporting this election. They are apparently not able to give it the gravitas it needs, and that is that.
I unsubscribed only a few months ago and of course I've been asking myself ever since why did I wait so long. Biggest disappointment on the planet they are.
Just so tired of them
You are hysterically funny. I needed that. We all do. Thank you.
Mine too.