Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Ellis Weiner's avatar

Good essay. I think Trump's inability to stay on-Teleprompter is partly due to his other concerns and obsessions, but also due to one of his fundamental character flaws and insecurities: He chafes at being told what he can and can't do. So he can't *not* depart from the written text, to show others (and himself) how no one else is the boss of him.

And while it's true that a cabal of reactionaries are doing the intellectual and organizational heavy lifting for Project 2025, and Trump is too lazy, stupid, and greedy to care, it's also true that he is their only effective public face. JD Vance, let alone Stephen Miller, aren't going to bring home the bacon if something happens to him. So let's make something happen to him. Dems should (and already are, I think) do everything they can, from now til November, to harass Trump intellectually (sic), emotionally, and spiritually (sic). Campaign FOR Kamala Harris, yes. But also campaign AGAINST Trump's mental and emotional state. You never know what might crack. And it'll be fun!

Expand full comment
Cheez Whiz's avatar

You are the only person writing about Trump I can find that grapples with what he says, rather than projecting the fear of what he and his advisors are capable of onto his words. Its a distinction that makes little difference since if he gets back in power the really ugly stuff would be driven by minions while he focuses on revenge and cashing in. His "understanding" and interest in things like voting is limited to finding a way to game the system that puts and keeps him in power, how is a detail for the minions.

Expand full comment
10 more comments...

No posts