Trump supporters
Credit: New York Times
The political corpse that is and was the 2016 presidential election continues to reveal its secrets. The newest revelation? Donald Trump’s public supported an incompetent, ignorant bigot and possible traitor largely out of greed and selfish impulses.
In his new article, “Personal values and support for Donald Trump during the 2016 US presidential primary,” published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, psychologist Ryne Sherman explains “a prototypical Trump supporter” as someone with “little interest in supporting social welfare programs,” “a strong desire for power,” “a strong desire to make money,” various “concerns about personal and financial safety” and a “preference for strictly adhering to social conventions (i.e., order, structure, and following the chain of command).”
Sherman concludes that “values perceived to be shared with Donald Trump” were “a key driver of support” during the 2016 primaries. “This was true of both Republicans and Democrats, regardless of political ideology. Those who felt more similar to Trump in terms of his values were more likely […]
MMM, Stephan, I must disagree. The democracy crisis is not on the shoulders of Donald Duck’s supporters; it’s on the backs of the gangster capitalists. There can be no legitimate democracy with a hierarchical top down governing. Check out Sheldon Wolin and his theory on Inverted Totalitarianism interviewed by Chris Hedges. This all began decades ago.
I think both you and John are correct. And there’s yet another factor, one where I see hope. The last Congressional election approx. 30% of elegible Dem voters voted. Something like a 40 year low. Paraphrasing Jefferson, a Democracy only works as well as its citizen’s participation. Our past history shows how those who do vote, often turn to other things once the election is over. Done and dusted! i remember shaking my head when Obama wone (I did and continue to admire and respect him), due to the naivete that swept through those who voted for him. Everyone was focused on this elegant, erudite man. The first African American President no less! But Presidents do not govern alone. The odds were stacked against him as Congress was stacked against him. And yes, Congress was and is bought and paid for. Trump was a long time coming, because too many turned there backs on DC. We’re in a precarious moment.. esp. with gerrymandering, and situations like Wisc. where elections in two districts have never been held, which leaves the GOP in charge. The state Supreme Court told Walker to do something about it. The state representatives have announced they’re going to write legislation that counteracts the Court’s mandate.
Personally, I think we’re in a moment of extraordinary potential for change. But to have that happen means citizens have to speak out, make demands, etc. about gerrymandering. Safe elections, etc. 35% is beatable! It’s hard not to be discouraged, but energy, hope and creative planning with others is invigorating. We need to focus on change.. see the things that are going wrong as opportunities for change and collectively conceive of what might work better. As far as the oligarchs, the 1%, we still have a huge tool… boycotting. And interestingly enough, over the last year, there’ve been investors, stock holders who changed their perspective and demanded companies address climate change. Bottom line: I’m worried, frustrated and even afraid at times. But those emotions hold me in stasis. Freeze me up. Daily, I make constant adjustments, returning my focus to how I can support those who are involved in life affirming change. And there are many – more each day. I’m so grateful for them.
John Adams warned Thomas Jefferson – and us – that the common man was a dangerous quantity to gamble balancing government upon. Adams lived amongst the common man, while Jefferson & his idealism was removed from it.
Ironically Jefferson, like Trump, inflamed & used the emotional reactiveness of the common man voters to defeat Adams, running the first deceitful & vicious presidential campaign of our country.
I’m not sure what all the points are here, but whipping up the ordinary voters and baiting & rebaitinf their ignorance is an old, old problem.
It’s merely much, much more dangerous now.