11 Comments

Good read Steve as i am always intrigued by those who actually are interested in their "better angels," but convince themselves that a vote for trump is logical. Terry's argument is classic in that it isn't trump's fault he's filled with hate. It's all because the democrats are evil, devil-worshiping, baby-eating socialists trying to destroy America. It's hogwash and it's a campaign built on and around winning at any price. Joe Biden has been a middle of the road, moderate democrat his whole life.

That's why your trump transformation story is so compelling. It didn't happen on an emotional level. Those 10,000 or 200,000 words could be a tutorial on why a reasoned person, who actually is willing to take a good hard look in the mirror, has to look away when the reflection they see is of trump.

And if we are to be really blunt (not talking about me as bleeding heart liberal), i'm looking at all of you who were legitimate conservatives who believed in small government, backing the blue, rule of law, separation between Church and State and fiscally sound policies. You know, the millions of real life conservatives who have run from the likes of trump and his ilk.

The argument is vintage trump, short two word answers with little or no thought; "deep state." It would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. Those who have left the party have refused to drink the koolaid or kiss the ring (take your pick on metaphors). Their principles were stronger than their adoration for the man who would be king.

I chatted with a friend the other day who feels compelled to write weekly letters to the editor on the joys of trumpism. We had a good-natured discussion as to why and his ultimate lament was, "while i'm troubled by how he talks and acts, i loved his policies."

This is where it all breaks down and why you and millions of others have left his side. You can't have one without the other. And frankly his policies pale when compared his bombastic, narcissistic love of himself. Thanks for sharing, i'm a huge fan of introspective analysis in such and open, honest and candid manor.

Expand full comment

Not just Trump, but a long line of GOP voices driving hatred and dehumanization of Democrats/liberals for decades.

Expand full comment

Name names, like who? George W Bush? Ronald Reagan? Mitt Romney? Let’s get specific before leveling big charges.

Expand full comment

There was undoubtedly an increase with Trump's rise, but are you really arguing that GOP media personalities and elected firebrands never used such language prior to 2015 - like Pat Buchanan, Newt Gingrich, personalities on Fox News, on political talk radio?

Expand full comment

No. I am arguing that there’s value in specificity. And yes, I can find firebrands on the Democrat side too. Both sides have gotten quite divisive. Republicans are much worse now. But you claimed “a long line” so for that charge we need to be specific.

Expand full comment

I'd call 30 years a long line, yes (Pat Buchanan declared a culture war in 1992).

Expand full comment

Interesting discussion and one we often want to point fingers at the other side for abusing. We're all guilty; at least i know i did my share of bashing of good republicans simply to try and get even with the shit show that was unfolding.

The shock-jocks were in for the money, whole other discussion. The unraveling of decency has been trending for years. trump took it to a whole different level. One that most normal human beings cringe at. I worry for those who laugh and think it's cute or funny. Thank God it's not up to me but i highly doubt there is any salvation for them.

Human decency and civility shouldn't be a right or left thing. Solving the problems we face shouldn't be a sum net gain or loss based on party affiliation. Sorry but that is counter-intuitive to our nature and our intelligence.

The trump show has spit on all of those because he wants to win. In spite of the ugliness we showed one another over the years, it was never at this level. Never. It's time we start pulling for this thing we call democracy to work. Perhaps we will see that phenomena in action come this November.

Expand full comment

If you cannot bring yourself to vote for Trump, please don't vote at all. This election is not really about Trump it is about direction. If Mike Pence was named as V. P. again I would sit this election out. I happen to support Tulsi for VP. Her eyes are now wide open when it comes to the party she used to belong to. Tulsi is what we would now call a Left/Center Republican. Just something for you to consider and perhaps hold your nose and vote.

I hate Socialism far more than I hate or like Trump. I hate Politico's who fall completely in line and never question decisions made for them and their party. No brain Minion's otherwise known as the Democrat Party. I would point you to the "Bloodbath" or "Animal's" mantra.

Voting Republican will help our future bench. In this, it has nothing to do with Donald Trump. It has to do with "What's Next" for non-minion people who think for themselves. Trump will simply set the stage and take the heat. Some justified and some not.

Expand full comment

Trump and the GOP must be defeated at the ballot box - at the very least in 2024, if not 2026 and 2028 as well. It's the only way to reduce MAGA's influence over politics - they have to be shown to be a losing political option.

Expand full comment

Pour out your wrath.

Expand full comment

:pat on head:

Expand full comment