Another excellent conversation. However, I think there were three MAJOR factors completely overlooked as part of this conversation. First, world-wide, the parties that were incumbent during Covid were taken out of power. It didn't matter left or right governments, people around the world were very displeased with whoever was in-charge in…
Another excellent conversation. However, I think there were three MAJOR factors completely overlooked as part of this conversation. First, world-wide, the parties that were incumbent during Covid were taken out of power. It didn't matter left or right governments, people around the world were very displeased with whoever was in-charge in the post-Covid chaos (really mostly during the periods of inflation and supply chain chaos). To me, Trump's win was more a reflection of this than anything else. Second, while the left was probably too hyperbolic and hysterical on the fascism messaging, the truth is that most of Trump's rhetoric and tactics ARE out of the authoritarian playbook. I know this is going to sound elitist, but to anyone who has studied history, the parallels are too scary to ignore—even if he might be just "joking" about it. I would love to hear a real conversation about how people on the left are supposed to re-center the conversation to core issues while also resisting Trump's authoritarian tendencies. Third and last, while Trump certainly did an effective job on centering the conversation on inflation, taxes, and immigration which most people care about, a lot of us on the left are frightened by the reality of the Project 2025 agenda of Christian nationalists. There is no arguing what's on their agenda, it's been printed. And there is no arguing that the architects of the plan are many of the people who will be influencing Trump and running the administration. I think it is incredibly naive to say "oh he won't do any of that." The right members of the Supreme Court certainly seem aligned to it, and despite the majority of the country opposing the Dodds decision, were still able to overturn Roe V Wade. Christian nationalists are minorities in this country now with disproportionate power and influence.
Another excellent conversation. However, I think there were three MAJOR factors completely overlooked as part of this conversation. First, world-wide, the parties that were incumbent during Covid were taken out of power. It didn't matter left or right governments, people around the world were very displeased with whoever was in-charge in the post-Covid chaos (really mostly during the periods of inflation and supply chain chaos). To me, Trump's win was more a reflection of this than anything else. Second, while the left was probably too hyperbolic and hysterical on the fascism messaging, the truth is that most of Trump's rhetoric and tactics ARE out of the authoritarian playbook. I know this is going to sound elitist, but to anyone who has studied history, the parallels are too scary to ignore—even if he might be just "joking" about it. I would love to hear a real conversation about how people on the left are supposed to re-center the conversation to core issues while also resisting Trump's authoritarian tendencies. Third and last, while Trump certainly did an effective job on centering the conversation on inflation, taxes, and immigration which most people care about, a lot of us on the left are frightened by the reality of the Project 2025 agenda of Christian nationalists. There is no arguing what's on their agenda, it's been printed. And there is no arguing that the architects of the plan are many of the people who will be influencing Trump and running the administration. I think it is incredibly naive to say "oh he won't do any of that." The right members of the Supreme Court certainly seem aligned to it, and despite the majority of the country opposing the Dodds decision, were still able to overturn Roe V Wade. Christian nationalists are minorities in this country now with disproportionate power and influence.