Any thoughts on what the point of the "nouveau-Nazi rally" [great phrase] was? Did they really think they'd mobilize more of their base than turn off undecided/persuadable voters, since they've gotten away with so much racism already? Was it to rile up the extreme base to be ready for a J6 sequel if he loses at the ballot box? They think this plays well in swing states? They just can't stop themselves?
Great question, Sharon, and I can't claim to have a good answer. My approach to Trump has always been to look for a psychological explanation when something he does makes no strategic sense. The rally was a chance for Trump to bask in the adulation of his supporters, which is why he talked about it in terms of the love he experienced. He no longer can fill arenas in areas with lower population density, so it may be no more than that.
NYT talked to a focus group of about a dozen grumpy Michigan voters who claimed to be independent, but were mostly leaning toward Trump. The gist of their reasoning was that Kamala’s sunny optimism is “fake,” and that Trump’s dark outlook is authentic and (as I understood them) more reflective of their personal angst. So, with some people, the darkness has appeal.
There seems to be an excess right now. So, our task - after winning the election - is to create the circumstances in which there will be fewer of them.
I no longer believe any of these media focus groups of 'independent' voters after the incident where an alleged undecided voter had been making social media posts for Trump. That said, I do believe that there are people who are generally angry and like the fact that Trump is angry too.
To which, I should add a comment from the NYT’s “The Daily” podcast that Democrats have not acknowledged that democracy (as presently filtered through the mesh of big money, etc.) is not working for many.
Outstanding article. Perfect ending.
Any thoughts on what the point of the "nouveau-Nazi rally" [great phrase] was? Did they really think they'd mobilize more of their base than turn off undecided/persuadable voters, since they've gotten away with so much racism already? Was it to rile up the extreme base to be ready for a J6 sequel if he loses at the ballot box? They think this plays well in swing states? They just can't stop themselves?
Great question, Sharon, and I can't claim to have a good answer. My approach to Trump has always been to look for a psychological explanation when something he does makes no strategic sense. The rally was a chance for Trump to bask in the adulation of his supporters, which is why he talked about it in terms of the love he experienced. He no longer can fill arenas in areas with lower population density, so it may be no more than that.
NYT talked to a focus group of about a dozen grumpy Michigan voters who claimed to be independent, but were mostly leaning toward Trump. The gist of their reasoning was that Kamala’s sunny optimism is “fake,” and that Trump’s dark outlook is authentic and (as I understood them) more reflective of their personal angst. So, with some people, the darkness has appeal.
There will always be grumpy old men and people who choose to wallow in mud.
There seems to be an excess right now. So, our task - after winning the election - is to create the circumstances in which there will be fewer of them.
I no longer believe any of these media focus groups of 'independent' voters after the incident where an alleged undecided voter had been making social media posts for Trump. That said, I do believe that there are people who are generally angry and like the fact that Trump is angry too.
To which, I should add a comment from the NYT’s “The Daily” podcast that Democrats have not acknowledged that democracy (as presently filtered through the mesh of big money, etc.) is not working for many.