Many of you asked for more details about my hour-long conversation with Fred, a self-described “die-hard Trump guy,” who was outfitted in a Trump hat, shirt and giant belt buckle.
Agree. I’ve heard this other places though that Biden is wanting a rematch. I can’t think of anything likely less true. It’s also silly to think the Democrats (we, at least I) would pull an incumbent president, so just stop it. I get it we need a healthy political system but Republicans should stop acting like they don’t have clean up on aisle 45. It’s still not a functional party. Running any of these guys like Vivek is really embarrassing. He’s obviously unqualified to run the country as are most of the candidates. I’m only saying most because we did manage along thanks to career government workers even with Trump pulling the wheel. Republicans SHOULD be rebuilding rather than just looking for another bag of bones for the job.
In the context of Trump, someone who won’t lie 30,000 times while in office and someone who isn’t trigger happy and wanting to play Russian roulette with the nuclear football if he doesn’t get his way.
"What should I have said to him?" You should have said, "Oh! That was a joke! Biden was kidding around and said, 'I beat him once. I can beat him again!'"
As I read this I realize that politics is also about beliefs. Powerful is he or she who makes you believe so hard in something that you would vote for him who would sell your future, and the future of your children, and of your children’s children to the highest bidder, and who would stop at nothing to hold on to the power that you have conceded, even as to steal your freedom.
Belief is how prisoners stay in cages long after they have been unlocked and opened.
But unfortunately Biden is not a master manipulator snake oil salesman demagogue, because that’s what it takes to make you believe the things that these people believe without question. Unbelievable.
Wow, did your comment ever send me the down an Internet rabbit hole, from the Freuds and Edward Bernays to women smoking in public and commodification. Now I'm hungry. Consumerism strikes again.
Excellent response and I concur with your assessment. But, and it’s a big BUT, unless and until the US promotes real educational reforms, the current educational chasm between red and blue states will only widen and create more inequities and inequalities than are currently vivid to the world both inside and outside the US.
Love Mackinac Island. I think all cities and towns should have areas where there are no cars. I know, I know. We have a street here that is closed to cars. It is my favorite part of the city.
One thing I don’t understand is why the big negative about Biden. Did your buddy say why? What is your theory? I struggle with this. It is something I don’t understand.
I like Biden - I like his policies - MY problem with Biden is this. And I preface this remark with / WE ALL NEED TO SLOW DOWN- relax, Deep breath and have the patience to listen to what he is saying.
BUT
he is older/ His stuttering is showing more/ his mistakes in what he is saying is showing more..HE IS NOT RELAXED and Confident ..he also needs to wear Glasses ..and I am not sure why Presidents refuse to wear glasses ..but he needs to wear them .
He needs a delivery coach..but i think he is stubborn .
He raises his voice at inappropriate times / - I appreciate his slow and steady ways ...
I can see that in our fast moving society..that people lose patience with him
make fun of him (which is not right)
I was hoping that his presence would be calming ...
But again ...Trump has sucked the air out of the room
its been Trump Trump trump for 4 years
and then Trump trump trump for another 2 plus years and its fking ANNOYING
I seriously blame the MSM ...ex. Biden had the Prime minister of Japan and the President of South Korea at Camp David ...we saw 2 mins of that / and back to Trump.
why???
then Biden went to Maui ..we see 2 mins of that ...Back to trump. why?
trump should have been GHOSTED ...right after he lost .
Most of your comments center around Biden’s appearance and speech patterns. All performative, not substantive. Yes, I desperately wish the 24/7 Trump media circus would stop, too, but I also wish voters would focus on Biden’s accomplishments - which are historic - and not focus on his age or oratory skills or lack thereof. Remember there is only a 3 year age gap between the two, inevitable, nominees. And one is a mendacious criminal and the other one is Joe Biden.
The media isn’t touting Biden as it should. That doesn’t just automatically mean people are not hearing about his many striking accomplishments. Many people are wise to what’s happening in the media. They search elsewhere when they want to hear the truth. People know how much is on the line.
The Fact that our Country allows someone like trump to run again/ among overwhelming evidence and his mountain of Indictments AND that the Maggot republicans all circle around him in support ..
is INSANE . And FAR from NORMAL
I believe that the Republican Party and their voters . Don't really care about the accomplishments that Biden has achieved ..these are no issues or policies that they value . I mean Trump himself has said during his long winded speeches , many of these things he is going to overturn .
they don't want alternative energy
they don't want regulations that protect the environment
Just to name two.
I believe that if Trump gets into Power again / that is the end of our country as we know it.
With a Conservative congress and Senate/ or just one of those ...
trump will have unbridled , un fettered , NO oversight , Power. He will be able to do what he wants . Including staying in Power beyond his term .
the republicans want an Authoritarian leader - who will dictate how life in this country will be. Bankrolled by the same Oligarchs who bankroll the Supreme Court. It will be Their way/ or the High way..similar to - Orban in Hungary, Luchashenko in Belarus, Erdogan in Turkey, and Putin in Russia..Netanyahui is Israel ...
sure sure you have the APPEARANCE of being a democracy....
and SURE SURE you have the APPEARANCE that you can vote ...
but but ..miraculously the Authoritarian ...will always win .And so ..he stays on. This would be a civil war in this country..NOT immediate but ROLLING ..
pardon my crappy crap typing ..I am in a weird spot .
Like I said , I agree with you - and I’m not taking that back-
There is however , something to be said about having a commanding voice - that keeps your listeners engaged . Hillary had it -
Kamala doesn’t in my opinion . Both her and Biden are quiet achievers -
Hard to get past the loudmouths !
I see two things fundamentally different between the democrats and the republican voters
Republicans aren’t expecting results from their reps - at all !
They read the attacks, the finger pointing , the examples of where this administration is failing - and they cheer and agree and give their examples in support - but not once do they turn to that republican rep- and ask ? Hey , why aren’t you working on this with Dems in congress ? Or with the president to get this fixed for the country ? No none of them do !
Democrats seem to want results for the people - republicans want to eliminate the democrat party -
How do you navigate that? Republicans argue about life style choices as if they need to stress why they won’t date or marry us ! Lol
I agree with much about what you have written. While I did not agree to support him in 2020, I watched Bernie Sanders give an impressive speech recently. Don't know where it was - but he was addressing - with his vigor - the desires of the Working Person which the Republican Party has ignored. Have they done anything about inflation? No. Gas prices are still ridiculously high as is a box of cereal. Have they improved the lot of the average American? No They just seem worried about Hunter Biden and the 2% of the population that identifies as "trans". What about the other 98% of us? If the Democratic Party worked together with Sanders to craft a marketing strategy - they could break through the BS of the Republicans with economic facts hitting the average American. But they need to become aggressive and loud. Biden is neither. That is not the man's nature. He is a diplomat and negotiator. I also agree that he should wear glasses if he needs them. Biden is old, but the alternative is too.
Common ground then is as simple as a truck. It’s often the obvious. You, Steve, took that to better questions - expressing an idea by asking questions: would Fred want the non-Surgeon General Vivek [yes on a mission to help not mix them up! A promise made to my South Indian friend, and to myself] to lead the Marines? Into battle? But what if Fred had said “better than Biden” as he did about whether he, Fred, would consider a Dem or a not-Trump? Why not Biden? I’m so curious to know why Fred wouldn’t vote for Biden or if it’s just the “D” by his political affiliation.
Thank you for pictures of the beauty of Michigan where your description of a diversity of people I’m guessing were visitors. What if they stayed?
Me too, Joan. I don’t understand this. Do people not want safe bridges? Do they not want lower prices for meds? My brain comes back every time to messaging-marketing.
I was thinking the same thing. The majority of policies from Democrats are aimed at helping the American people. I have two bumper stickers that say "Got Social Security? Thank Democrats" "Got Medicare? Thank Democrats".
Obama got the ACA/Obamacare passed, to help people who couldn't get health insurance. (Unfortunately, he gave up on the Public Option, in order to get Republican votes, who then voted against it anyway.)
The goal of all of Biden's policies is to improve the lives of the majority of Americans.
Steve, did you ask Fred what he thought about Biden's legislation to invest in America's neglected infrastructure, getting internet to rural areas, bringing manufacturing and good union jobs back to America, reducing insulin to $35 Seniors (bc Republicans voted against reducing the cost for everyone), and why do they hate Biden?
And the biggest questions of all, 1)what legislation did Trump pass that helped Fred, or people like him? (I can't think of anything)
2) Doesn't he believe in democracy?
Maybe if we could get the MAGA Trump supporters to ponder those questions, we could start a meaningful conversation.
Thanks to Trump, and Fox, the people at Trump rallies just spout buzz words, that they are unable to define or discuss.
True, yet when you ask these people if they like Obamacare, they so no, it’s the worst healthcare ever. Then, when asked if the like the Affordable Care Act, they say they love it!
So there you have it, they hate anything a democrat does; whether healthcare, prescription drugs, etc...But ask them about the policies separately, and they love it!...:)
They appear incapable of logical thinking and to realize actual facts do exist. Their brains appear ruined and taken over by false narratives. Thank FOX et al🤷♀️
I lived in between Ann Arbor and Detroit, MI for four years. In a large, diverse metropolitan area, I found the local Meijer supercenter to be the most diverse. Muslim families, white moms in a rush, Black families, senior citizens, Japanese, Korean, Chinese people, kids of many different colors. It felt like going to the UN. It was always interesting. It was so diverse because everyone needs groceries because everyone needs to eat.
My experiences in the A2 area were similar as a frequent visitor - unis l, in some cases, have an influence on communities and acceptance. My question was about the UP.
Will the fever break Steve? I am afraid that I don’t have the same belief in that as you. I did at first. I was certain that people would ultimately see Trump for what he is. But the last election told me otherwise. Even though he did not win, a lot of people wanted him to. A lot of those same people stormed the Capitol and would probably do so again if they thought it would put him back in The Oval Office. I pray that Justice will he served. But we will never be the same. This country will never be the same and this fever didn’t begin with Trump. He is a manifestation of it. There are many others who have a list for power and who think America belongs to “certain Americans”. Even though I don’t believe the fever will break, I am hoping it will. Change is what I’m praying for and hope is what I have.
I agree with you Kathy. I too hoped minds would change, but as Trump gets more & more unhinged, not nearly enough have jumped off the Trump train. As you said, “we will never be the same” has been swirling in my brain since 2016. The Magats will never ever go away…….they will continue to undermine Democracy. It’s difficult at my age (70’s) to feel differently. I truly wish I could.
Excellent points, and I agree. The Proud Boy sentenced to 10 years yesterday told the judge how much remorse he had, and that he was so sorry for all the damage he caused to the Capitol, it’s officers, and to our democracy.
The judge gave the man a dressing down and Sentenced him to ten years. In response, the Proud Boy screamed Trump won and smiled to the spectators when the bailiff walked him out of the courtroom.
So Much for remorse. The only remorse these people have is the that they didn’t succeed and got caught. This is not just about Trump. These people hate what America has become; in their obtuse minds, and want to burn the government to the ground and end democracy as we know it!
You are absolutely right. I was horrified when I heard what happened as he walked out of the courtroom. The upcoming trial for Trump and his motley crew will be a spectacle; just like our democracy is now. A spectacle and an embarrassment.
Steve, did you ask him if he believed the election was stolen? Or that Dems drink the blood of children or are pedos who traffick children? Or if Dems are communists? Because even if they don’t embrace all of Q, many of the reactionaries, whom the media still calls conservatives, believe at least part of the crazy. And that “lock her up” is performative? Why must a politician even say such a thing?
You may be able to have a civil conversation with a MAGA, even find common ground (your trucks), but I disagree heartily that this is a sign we will be all right. I’ve had similar conversations with MAGAs. But I wonder how he would have reacted if you said you were a democrat.
Nearly 20 years ago, before Obama, before Trump, my husband and I were traveling out West, in central Oregon to see the John Day Monument--those incredible painted hills. We were living in NYC and by chance our rental car had New York plates. Well, the first night we were there, someone tried to kick out both of our tail lights. The boot prints across both rear lights were the evidence. They were unsuccessful and we looked at the few other cars parked near us and none were touched. We hadn’t met anyone or told them who we were. We arrived too late for any conversations. I can only imagine what would have happened if then were now. This divide is deep and goes back years. I can’t be as sanguine about it as you. That he refuses to see Trump for the crook he is--as long as millions refuse to believe reality, that’s a problem.
To me, this is a multi tiered issue that must be addressed for a healthier country.
1. Ego maniacs sowed disinformation campaigns.
2. The media did not stop televising/spreading the disinformation. Profit before truth.
3. People bought into the propaganda.
I hope the fever will break. I’d love our younger generations to experience the sense of community I grew up in. We disagreed on political, for example, but remained respectful, honored the difference of opinion.
I love your thoughtful commentary, Steve, but—with love and respect—this read like one of those soft-ball interviews the political media just love to conduct with little clumps of Trump voters gathered in a coffee shop or a barbershop or at a county fair in Real Town, to “understand what Republican voters are thinking.” Not a single tough question. You seemed eager to find common ground but did you find it—beyond the ground your trucks were resting on?
A conversation is a two-way street. Trump Republicans typically show little interest in hearing, much less understanding, other points of view. They assume they know what you think and that’s where the “conversation” ends.
Big Hitchens fan here! Steve wasn't looking for progress in that situation. He wanted to understand Fred. Confrontation would have ended that conversation.
Excellent commentary as always Steve. My first impulse is to say that Fred seems for more cognizant of the real issues dividing American’s than most in the MAGAverse. By that, I mean he isn’t delusional and doesn’t sound like a Qanan whack-job. No Jewish lasers from space, or outrageously simplistic and obtuse answers.
As for the George Floyd protests. There was destruction and looting. Yet, every movement is infiltrated by a violent and criminal element who will use the protests for their own selfish means. However, when you consider how many people peacefully protested vs. the violent element; it was mostly peaceful.
How many police died or were hospitalized because of the BLM protests? Zero, Yet, two federal employees were killed by the Boogaloo Boys in Oakland during a BLM protest. Additionally, Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha, killing two.
So was there personal and business damage by some in the mob? Yes! But it was right-wing militias that did the killing. The same occurred on J6th.
As the adage goes: “Every great cause starts as a movement; evolves into a business and then devolves into a racket!” I’ll leave it at that!
“I think it amplifies the urgency of dealing seriously with the inciters of the event, as opposed to the participants who certainly committed grave offenses that day, but shouldn't hang alone.” ---Fred
I agree, many of the participants on J6th were led astray by the inciters and enablers of the insurgency. That doesn’t excuse their behavior. And we all agree, they shouldn’t hang alone. Trump and 19 of his minions are being tried federally, and at the state level in GA, MI and AZ, so far. And although, a good number of the instigators on J6th, haven’t been indicted at the federal level, they are unindicted co-conspirators, who could be charged at any time.
As for why he believes that Biden wants to run against Trump, he’s confusing the media’s expert (usually wrong) analysis with the Biden administration’s. However, even if it were the case, it would be because Trump is almost as old, and has worse likability numbers than Biden. Not to mention, Biden beat Trump before. So there’s that!
As for Vivek? Fred gave the usual “non-answer,”answer! Maybe they should just say, he’s the least known of all the other MAGAlite candidates, and he doesn’t know enough about him to make an educated guess. Or he knows enough about the others to consider Vivek a more likable candidate. Who knows for sure, least of all Fred, apparently!
“Fred was a nice man, like tens of millions of our neighbors, family members, friends and colleagues who support a cause that is immoral, unworthy and un-American. How should we think about them? With anger? Hatred? Venom? Love?”--Steve Schmidt
Yes, Fred sounds nice. And when you ask how we should think of him and the other 74 million MAGA followers? Only three words come to mind: Not at all!...:)
When asked how I think of Republicans/MAGA believers I can not find any redeeming characteristics. I have tried and over the past 7 years have struggled to hold on to a more hopeful belief but will no longer be naive or giving in any false assumptions of hope. Today I think, live and know the following:
irreparable damage to our democracy, a group determined to destroy a government structure that took years to establish to protect and provide for “the selfish self-serving irresponsible individuals, finger pointers with no sense of personal responsibility and all things difficult or bad are someone else’s fault (blames). People who are unable to think or seek knowledge and are slaves and owned by the ever growing monopolists and oligarchy of our ruling class. People in my area flying F*ck Biden/Impeach Biden glads, White Christian (yah, some Christian) Nationalist flags, Mothers of Liberty removing books, and political and social movements determined to take away existing and established law/rights of the majority who had codified them.
So Steve is generous in his attempts but I feel nothing less than futility. He had a conversation where nothing changed.
PS. I subscribe so I obviously am very grateful to Steve and learn so much from him and remain grateful to him for his ongoing attempts to “lead” some kind of breakthrough to benefit our former democracy.
I have been a free subscriber to your Substack for quite awhile, yet I’ve always wished I could comment on some of your essays. So, today I became a paid subscriber solely for the purpose of responding and asking you some questions about this one.
1. You mentioned that Fred said, “Yes, but Biden doesn’t run”. How did you respond to that? I’d be interested to hear more about how you think Biden’s policies are having an impact on the country…the economy, culturally and internationally. I also read Heather Cox Richardson and she is very positive about his policies. You concentrate a lot on the Republican candidates, but what about Biden? Personally, I think he is doing a pretty good job and many indicators support that. His age is a factor, but hey, give the guy a break.
2. Fred’s “words of wisdom” near the end puzzled me. I’m not sure Biden has come right out and said that he wants Trump as his opponent in 2024. This is the first I’ve heard that. Where did that come from?
I enjoy your take on things, but being a lifelong liberal, I don’t always agree with your political views. But, I have many friends like you. We enjoy each others company despite that one aspect. In fact, I often agree with many of my more moderate Republican friends. I think that politics is more than emotional. It so often reflects our individual take on what we consider the common good and American values. I just happen to lean toward the more left side of the center line. Unfortunately, the Republican Party today, as reflected by Trump’s values, is taking the country far right of that centerline toward fascism.
I go back to an incident that happened to me in 2014 while living in Oregon, I’m a veteran of the Vietnam War, so I parked in a Veteran’s parking spot at a store. I had an Obama bumper sticker on the car. A guy in a truck behind me leaned out of his window and asked, “are you really a veteran with that Obama sticker”, I walked away without saying anything, but I look back on that moment and wish I had turned to him and told him that I fought for the freedom to choose who I support. And many died for that freedom. What right did he have to question my choice?
I know I should probably have that same attitude with Trump supporters, but supporting a criminal and con man who really does not care about the country, is a bridge too far.
Excerpt: "There were gay couples holding hands, bi-racial couples, kids, teenagers, and all sorts of different types of people walking around and having fun. I felt the same way about them as I did Fred." I wonder, Steve, if Fred would be as accepting and open-minded? Honestly, I doubt it. The Freds of our country are heterosexist whites-only folk. Let there be no doubt.
I have friends who are retired U.S. Marine Corps officers, some graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy. My family has served our Military since the American Revolutionary War. To me, Fred is an anti-patriot. His is blind loyalty. He also is blind to the fact that Donald John Trump is an ENEMY of this country; a traitor. Yet, I also am aware how political 'loyalties" often fall along the lines of the officers' class and the non-com (enlisted) class. The disloyal belligerence of Trump supporters should be an awakening for the Freds of our society. The very fact that Donald Trump says he will lock up his opponents and those who have offended him is a shot across the bow, a shot so fierce and powerful that those Freds should be rethinking their choice of a leader. Or, simply stand down.
Your response is greatly appreciated. I have listened to a few comments from Vivek Ramaswamy, an atrocious person at best. I DO worry that things will get much worse before they get better.
Sigh...Where to begin? Please answer this one question. I value your opinion, and I dread your answer. The question is this: Do you think with the "fever breaking" there will be violence - much more than seen on Jan 6?
I ask this because of facts you have quoted: "60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 40% of Americans do not have $400 available for an emergency." And a quote today from Robert Reich: "3 multibillionaires now own more wealth than 90% of America- 291 million Americans. This is what oligarchy looks like." `Added to this, your opinion, that these disenfranchised masses, with their hopeless state of mind for themselves and their families futures, have developed a f*** you attitude toward the "other", a burn it to the ground - what do we have to lose? And this is now their "dogma, and it is unshakable", having lost all trust and belief in our government and institutions.
History does repeat itself. Is this not similar to the French revolution? I was reminded of that on Jan 6 when the insurrectionists erected a gallows for Pence.
There is a fever in our country. Sometimes it finally "breaks" - when the patient dies.
But once again this is not the whole of the MAGA base. Many of those who love Trump are middle and upper middle class voters who don’t believe in “society” like Thatcher and resent paying one cent in taxes. Many of the paycheck to paycheck people don’t vote at all. They aren’t reading substack or listening to the Bulwark podcast or watching MSNBC or even CNN. Thanks to the bothsiding of the media they are cynical if they care at all and claim both sides are the same. Which of course they are not!
People are just noticing now that they don’t have pensions? I lived through it as a young person watching the Reagan Revolution turn whatever they could over to Wall Street. Thank God they couldn’t privatize SS and Medicare, which they still want to do. Many of us who never voted for Reagan (he was elected on my 20th birthday) tried to point out what the GOP wanted to do but Americans didn’t want to hear it. And here we sre.
I agree with you that many of those who "love trump" are middle class - and have scratched their way up the ladder to be there. They live in a binary universe, with a zero sum ideology, that helping others up the ladder will necessitate their descendence. They unfortunately do not comprehend that they are just as vulnerable in an oligarchy as those who are currently less fortunate.
Perhaps Winston Churchill was wrong when he said: "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others." Perhaps we are learning that identity politics of all stripes poisons the well of tolerance and goodwill. When our political reality emphasizes how we are different and we seek power based on those differences, our democratic republic cannot stand. Where is the strength of the political force that pulls us together, rather than dividing us? We as a nation have created a Congress based on hatreds and gottchas, rather than one based on the Common Good. Will we ever learn?
No, I disagree. We as a nation did not create this Congress. This is bothsiding the problem. The furthest left Dem in Congress isn’t even close to the extremes of the GOP. The people on the left who want to tear it all down and watch it burn aren’t the ones voting for those they mockingly call moderates (they believe pretty much all are GOP lite).
It’s not Dems who won’t work with sane Republicans. This is a Dem president who still calls people like McConnell friend. The hatred and vitriol began with the likes of Rush and Newt Gingrich. My question is why didn’t the sane members of the GOP disavow them then? Why did they go on Rush’s show when he denigrated women? Because it gave them political power.
And those on the left who called them out--like Al Franken before he was a Senator--were dismissed as bombthrowers and partisan shills. Many members of the former GOP--people I like, including Steve, the bulwark boys, Tom Nichols, David Frum--have much to answer for. Some like Stuart Stevens have fessed up to the wrong they have done. Saying that, I still like and admire Steve and the rest and we are allies in the fight to preserve our democracy. But let’s not make it seem as if both sides are equally to blame for this mess.
I agree with you. And when the media legitimizes some of these scoundrels on right, and tries to make their arguments mainstream, they are committing journalistic malpractice. It’s a false equivalency, period!
Democrats are trying to be inclusive and improve lives for all Americans, while the other party is a bunch of demonic charlatans, religious fanatics, hate-mongers, who act like a bunch of petulant five year olds.
There is a lot of blame to go around. The MSN, politicians for ignoring the root causes and issues that allow these wing-nuts to exist and grow.
But most of of the blame should be directed at all of us, because of our apathy, our ignorance of the issues, and our willingness to vote against our interests, or not at all.
Less than 60% of registered voters vote each presidential election. Even less, vote during the mid-terms. If your wondering how we got here it’s because of apathy.
“The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.” ---Robert Maynard Hutchins
This might seem like a non sequitur, but as a lifelong student of American history, especially the Civil War, its causes and aftermath, my personal conclusion is that much of what is in reality, an unbridgeable national divide can be traced to America's two great national sins. The first is the still inadequately addressed genocide of the native population. The other, more immediate, pressing and indisputable truth is that, initially, much of this country was built on a foundation of slavery and later, on a still existing, virulent racism. It would not be where it is, good and bad in their absence. Steve's cordial conversation with a fervent supporter of an irredeemable monster and his would-be, fascist successors notwithstanding, the "fever" he refers to will not "break" without a long overdue national reckoning that does not seem to be visible anywhere on the horizon.
While all this is exacerbated by social media, generational bigotry and the lies promoted by Rupert Murdoch's empire of neuro-carcinogenic bullshit, we wouldn't be in this quagmire without the abysmal failure of Reconstruction. Whether that was ever even a realistic possibility is a separate question.
You have shown that there is hope, but building on it will require all of us to stop the grade school shaming and name calling. How do you negotiate with people who think you think the are “libtards” or “repubpukes”?
Carole King nailed it when she sang “.... you can’t talk to a man, with a shotgun in his hand..... who don’t want to understand....”. So, what is our end game and what is keeping us from getting there? What are the basics we must conquer? I think you have begun to uncover how.... however, I am not sure about everyone getting a monster Ford pickup😁😁 thank you for your courage and enlightenment!!
Biden doesn’t pick the nominee. Republicans will do that. Where has Biden said that he wants Trump nominated?
Agree. I’ve heard this other places though that Biden is wanting a rematch. I can’t think of anything likely less true. It’s also silly to think the Democrats (we, at least I) would pull an incumbent president, so just stop it. I get it we need a healthy political system but Republicans should stop acting like they don’t have clean up on aisle 45. It’s still not a functional party. Running any of these guys like Vivek is really embarrassing. He’s obviously unqualified to run the country as are most of the candidates. I’m only saying most because we did manage along thanks to career government workers even with Trump pulling the wheel. Republicans SHOULD be rebuilding rather than just looking for another bag of bones for the job.
Agree! No normal person wants Trump as the nominee.
Define normal.😂😂
In the context of Trump, someone who won’t lie 30,000 times while in office and someone who isn’t trigger happy and wanting to play Russian roulette with the nuclear football if he doesn’t get his way.
So agree civil servants take an oath to the Constitution and most will serve this country, despite the bad rap.
He said it kind of jokingly that he’d orefer to run against trump because he’s already beaten him once. Not that he wants trump to win!!!
I have heard it, I listen to You tube a lot. Biden knows he can beat trump.
"What should I have said to him?" You should have said, "Oh! That was a joke! Biden was kidding around and said, 'I beat him once. I can beat him again!'"
Never. Ignore the noise
I too have not heard this.
My thoughts exactly. I think Fox told him that Biden wanted Trump to be nominee.
Steve Schmidt has spoken on it several times recently.
As I read this I realize that politics is also about beliefs. Powerful is he or she who makes you believe so hard in something that you would vote for him who would sell your future, and the future of your children, and of your children’s children to the highest bidder, and who would stop at nothing to hold on to the power that you have conceded, even as to steal your freedom.
Belief is how prisoners stay in cages long after they have been unlocked and opened.
But unfortunately Biden is not a master manipulator snake oil salesman demagogue, because that’s what it takes to make you believe the things that these people believe without question. Unbelievable.
Perfectly said.
Engineering of consent. Edward Bernay
Wow, did your comment ever send me the down an Internet rabbit hole, from the Freuds and Edward Bernays to women smoking in public and commodification. Now I'm hungry. Consumerism strikes again.
Excellent response and I concur with your assessment. But, and it’s a big BUT, unless and until the US promotes real educational reforms, the current educational chasm between red and blue states will only widen and create more inequities and inequalities than are currently vivid to the world both inside and outside the US.
Yea. That’s kinda the point. That technique works on the group you describe. Nazis used it.
Love Mackinac Island. I think all cities and towns should have areas where there are no cars. I know, I know. We have a street here that is closed to cars. It is my favorite part of the city.
One thing I don’t understand is why the big negative about Biden. Did your buddy say why? What is your theory? I struggle with this. It is something I don’t understand.
Maybe an explanation for the dislike of Biden is the constant watching of Fox "News".
Agreed
I like Biden - I like his policies - MY problem with Biden is this. And I preface this remark with / WE ALL NEED TO SLOW DOWN- relax, Deep breath and have the patience to listen to what he is saying.
BUT
he is older/ His stuttering is showing more/ his mistakes in what he is saying is showing more..HE IS NOT RELAXED and Confident ..he also needs to wear Glasses ..and I am not sure why Presidents refuse to wear glasses ..but he needs to wear them .
He needs a delivery coach..but i think he is stubborn .
He raises his voice at inappropriate times / - I appreciate his slow and steady ways ...
I can see that in our fast moving society..that people lose patience with him
make fun of him (which is not right)
I was hoping that his presence would be calming ...
But again ...Trump has sucked the air out of the room
its been Trump Trump trump for 4 years
and then Trump trump trump for another 2 plus years and its fking ANNOYING
I seriously blame the MSM ...ex. Biden had the Prime minister of Japan and the President of South Korea at Camp David ...we saw 2 mins of that / and back to Trump.
why???
then Biden went to Maui ..we see 2 mins of that ...Back to trump. why?
trump should have been GHOSTED ...right after he lost .
period
No news reported about him again .
over
but no..ratings
Most of your comments center around Biden’s appearance and speech patterns. All performative, not substantive. Yes, I desperately wish the 24/7 Trump media circus would stop, too, but I also wish voters would focus on Biden’s accomplishments - which are historic - and not focus on his age or oratory skills or lack thereof. Remember there is only a 3 year age gap between the two, inevitable, nominees. And one is a mendacious criminal and the other one is Joe Biden.
The media isn’t touting Biden as it should. That doesn’t just automatically mean people are not hearing about his many striking accomplishments. Many people are wise to what’s happening in the media. They search elsewhere when they want to hear the truth. People know how much is on the line.
The Fact that our Country allows someone like trump to run again/ among overwhelming evidence and his mountain of Indictments AND that the Maggot republicans all circle around him in support ..
is INSANE . And FAR from NORMAL
I believe that the Republican Party and their voters . Don't really care about the accomplishments that Biden has achieved ..these are no issues or policies that they value . I mean Trump himself has said during his long winded speeches , many of these things he is going to overturn .
they don't want alternative energy
they don't want regulations that protect the environment
Just to name two.
I believe that if Trump gets into Power again / that is the end of our country as we know it.
With a Conservative congress and Senate/ or just one of those ...
trump will have unbridled , un fettered , NO oversight , Power. He will be able to do what he wants . Including staying in Power beyond his term .
the republicans want an Authoritarian leader - who will dictate how life in this country will be. Bankrolled by the same Oligarchs who bankroll the Supreme Court. It will be Their way/ or the High way..similar to - Orban in Hungary, Luchashenko in Belarus, Erdogan in Turkey, and Putin in Russia..Netanyahui is Israel ...
sure sure you have the APPEARANCE of being a democracy....
and SURE SURE you have the APPEARANCE that you can vote ...
but but ..miraculously the Authoritarian ...will always win .And so ..he stays on. This would be a civil war in this country..NOT immediate but ROLLING ..
pardon my crappy crap typing ..I am in a weird spot .
Like I said , I agree with you - and I’m not taking that back-
There is however , something to be said about having a commanding voice - that keeps your listeners engaged . Hillary had it -
Kamala doesn’t in my opinion . Both her and Biden are quiet achievers -
Hard to get past the loudmouths !
I see two things fundamentally different between the democrats and the republican voters
Republicans aren’t expecting results from their reps - at all !
They read the attacks, the finger pointing , the examples of where this administration is failing - and they cheer and agree and give their examples in support - but not once do they turn to that republican rep- and ask ? Hey , why aren’t you working on this with Dems in congress ? Or with the president to get this fixed for the country ? No none of them do !
Democrats seem to want results for the people - republicans want to eliminate the democrat party -
How do you navigate that? Republicans argue about life style choices as if they need to stress why they won’t date or marry us ! Lol
It’s weird
I agree with much about what you have written. While I did not agree to support him in 2020, I watched Bernie Sanders give an impressive speech recently. Don't know where it was - but he was addressing - with his vigor - the desires of the Working Person which the Republican Party has ignored. Have they done anything about inflation? No. Gas prices are still ridiculously high as is a box of cereal. Have they improved the lot of the average American? No They just seem worried about Hunter Biden and the 2% of the population that identifies as "trans". What about the other 98% of us? If the Democratic Party worked together with Sanders to craft a marketing strategy - they could break through the BS of the Republicans with economic facts hitting the average American. But they need to become aggressive and loud. Biden is neither. That is not the man's nature. He is a diplomat and negotiator. I also agree that he should wear glasses if he needs them. Biden is old, but the alternative is too.
I agree with you
Common ground then is as simple as a truck. It’s often the obvious. You, Steve, took that to better questions - expressing an idea by asking questions: would Fred want the non-Surgeon General Vivek [yes on a mission to help not mix them up! A promise made to my South Indian friend, and to myself] to lead the Marines? Into battle? But what if Fred had said “better than Biden” as he did about whether he, Fred, would consider a Dem or a not-Trump? Why not Biden? I’m so curious to know why Fred wouldn’t vote for Biden or if it’s just the “D” by his political affiliation.
Thank you for pictures of the beauty of Michigan where your description of a diversity of people I’m guessing were visitors. What if they stayed?
Travel on safely.
Me too, Joan. I don’t understand this. Do people not want safe bridges? Do they not want lower prices for meds? My brain comes back every time to messaging-marketing.
I was thinking the same thing. The majority of policies from Democrats are aimed at helping the American people. I have two bumper stickers that say "Got Social Security? Thank Democrats" "Got Medicare? Thank Democrats".
Obama got the ACA/Obamacare passed, to help people who couldn't get health insurance. (Unfortunately, he gave up on the Public Option, in order to get Republican votes, who then voted against it anyway.)
The goal of all of Biden's policies is to improve the lives of the majority of Americans.
Steve, did you ask Fred what he thought about Biden's legislation to invest in America's neglected infrastructure, getting internet to rural areas, bringing manufacturing and good union jobs back to America, reducing insulin to $35 Seniors (bc Republicans voted against reducing the cost for everyone), and why do they hate Biden?
And the biggest questions of all, 1)what legislation did Trump pass that helped Fred, or people like him? (I can't think of anything)
2) Doesn't he believe in democracy?
Maybe if we could get the MAGA Trump supporters to ponder those questions, we could start a meaningful conversation.
Thanks to Trump, and Fox, the people at Trump rallies just spout buzz words, that they are unable to define or discuss.
“Obama got the ACA/Obamacare passed.”
True, yet when you ask these people if they like Obamacare, they so no, it’s the worst healthcare ever. Then, when asked if the like the Affordable Care Act, they say they love it!
So there you have it, they hate anything a democrat does; whether healthcare, prescription drugs, etc...But ask them about the policies separately, and they love it!...:)
They appear incapable of logical thinking and to realize actual facts do exist. Their brains appear ruined and taken over by false narratives. Thank FOX et al🤷♀️
I thoroughly agree with your statements!
They don’t seem to want to understand the connections. Are there beliefs I hold that defy logic for those who are MAGA adherents? No doubt.
I lived in between Ann Arbor and Detroit, MI for four years. In a large, diverse metropolitan area, I found the local Meijer supercenter to be the most diverse. Muslim families, white moms in a rush, Black families, senior citizens, Japanese, Korean, Chinese people, kids of many different colors. It felt like going to the UN. It was always interesting. It was so diverse because everyone needs groceries because everyone needs to eat.
My experiences in the A2 area were similar as a frequent visitor - unis l, in some cases, have an influence on communities and acceptance. My question was about the UP.
Loved your question re: the "diversity of people" on Mackinac Island - guessing they were visitors.
Will the fever break Steve? I am afraid that I don’t have the same belief in that as you. I did at first. I was certain that people would ultimately see Trump for what he is. But the last election told me otherwise. Even though he did not win, a lot of people wanted him to. A lot of those same people stormed the Capitol and would probably do so again if they thought it would put him back in The Oval Office. I pray that Justice will he served. But we will never be the same. This country will never be the same and this fever didn’t begin with Trump. He is a manifestation of it. There are many others who have a list for power and who think America belongs to “certain Americans”. Even though I don’t believe the fever will break, I am hoping it will. Change is what I’m praying for and hope is what I have.
I agree with you Kathy. I too hoped minds would change, but as Trump gets more & more unhinged, not nearly enough have jumped off the Trump train. As you said, “we will never be the same” has been swirling in my brain since 2016. The Magats will never ever go away…….they will continue to undermine Democracy. It’s difficult at my age (70’s) to feel differently. I truly wish I could.
I’m right there with you. God help us.
Excellent points, and I agree. The Proud Boy sentenced to 10 years yesterday told the judge how much remorse he had, and that he was so sorry for all the damage he caused to the Capitol, it’s officers, and to our democracy.
The judge gave the man a dressing down and Sentenced him to ten years. In response, the Proud Boy screamed Trump won and smiled to the spectators when the bailiff walked him out of the courtroom.
So Much for remorse. The only remorse these people have is the that they didn’t succeed and got caught. This is not just about Trump. These people hate what America has become; in their obtuse minds, and want to burn the government to the ground and end democracy as we know it!
You are absolutely right. I was horrified when I heard what happened as he walked out of the courtroom. The upcoming trial for Trump and his motley crew will be a spectacle; just like our democracy is now. A spectacle and an embarrassment.
I am with you Kathy. Not sure the fever will break.
I agree Helen. I think we have past the point where we could be redeemed. It breaks my heart.
*passed
Until facts start permeating these right-wing numb skulls not much will change. The media is culpable.
AGREED!
Change is a given. The direction is concerning though.
Steve, did you ask him if he believed the election was stolen? Or that Dems drink the blood of children or are pedos who traffick children? Or if Dems are communists? Because even if they don’t embrace all of Q, many of the reactionaries, whom the media still calls conservatives, believe at least part of the crazy. And that “lock her up” is performative? Why must a politician even say such a thing?
You may be able to have a civil conversation with a MAGA, even find common ground (your trucks), but I disagree heartily that this is a sign we will be all right. I’ve had similar conversations with MAGAs. But I wonder how he would have reacted if you said you were a democrat.
Nearly 20 years ago, before Obama, before Trump, my husband and I were traveling out West, in central Oregon to see the John Day Monument--those incredible painted hills. We were living in NYC and by chance our rental car had New York plates. Well, the first night we were there, someone tried to kick out both of our tail lights. The boot prints across both rear lights were the evidence. They were unsuccessful and we looked at the few other cars parked near us and none were touched. We hadn’t met anyone or told them who we were. We arrived too late for any conversations. I can only imagine what would have happened if then were now. This divide is deep and goes back years. I can’t be as sanguine about it as you. That he refuses to see Trump for the crook he is--as long as millions refuse to believe reality, that’s a problem.
Agree with you MAP. I am not hopeful about MAGAs
Agree
LOVE this article.
To me, this is a multi tiered issue that must be addressed for a healthier country.
1. Ego maniacs sowed disinformation campaigns.
2. The media did not stop televising/spreading the disinformation. Profit before truth.
3. People bought into the propaganda.
I hope the fever will break. I’d love our younger generations to experience the sense of community I grew up in. We disagreed on political, for example, but remained respectful, honored the difference of opinion.
“I’d love our younger generations to experience the sense of community I grew up in.” ---Foster
It’s called social media, so good luck with that!...:)
I love your thoughtful commentary, Steve, but—with love and respect—this read like one of those soft-ball interviews the political media just love to conduct with little clumps of Trump voters gathered in a coffee shop or a barbershop or at a county fair in Real Town, to “understand what Republican voters are thinking.” Not a single tough question. You seemed eager to find common ground but did you find it—beyond the ground your trucks were resting on?
Steve wanted a conversation, not a confrontation.
A conversation is a two-way street. Trump Republicans typically show little interest in hearing, much less understanding, other points of view. They assume they know what you think and that’s where the “conversation” ends.
Big Hitchens fan here! Steve wasn't looking for progress in that situation. He wanted to understand Fred. Confrontation would have ended that conversation.
Excellent commentary as always Steve. My first impulse is to say that Fred seems for more cognizant of the real issues dividing American’s than most in the MAGAverse. By that, I mean he isn’t delusional and doesn’t sound like a Qanan whack-job. No Jewish lasers from space, or outrageously simplistic and obtuse answers.
As for the George Floyd protests. There was destruction and looting. Yet, every movement is infiltrated by a violent and criminal element who will use the protests for their own selfish means. However, when you consider how many people peacefully protested vs. the violent element; it was mostly peaceful.
How many police died or were hospitalized because of the BLM protests? Zero, Yet, two federal employees were killed by the Boogaloo Boys in Oakland during a BLM protest. Additionally, Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha, killing two.
So was there personal and business damage by some in the mob? Yes! But it was right-wing militias that did the killing. The same occurred on J6th.
As the adage goes: “Every great cause starts as a movement; evolves into a business and then devolves into a racket!” I’ll leave it at that!
“I think it amplifies the urgency of dealing seriously with the inciters of the event, as opposed to the participants who certainly committed grave offenses that day, but shouldn't hang alone.” ---Fred
I agree, many of the participants on J6th were led astray by the inciters and enablers of the insurgency. That doesn’t excuse their behavior. And we all agree, they shouldn’t hang alone. Trump and 19 of his minions are being tried federally, and at the state level in GA, MI and AZ, so far. And although, a good number of the instigators on J6th, haven’t been indicted at the federal level, they are unindicted co-conspirators, who could be charged at any time.
As for why he believes that Biden wants to run against Trump, he’s confusing the media’s expert (usually wrong) analysis with the Biden administration’s. However, even if it were the case, it would be because Trump is almost as old, and has worse likability numbers than Biden. Not to mention, Biden beat Trump before. So there’s that!
As for Vivek? Fred gave the usual “non-answer,”answer! Maybe they should just say, he’s the least known of all the other MAGAlite candidates, and he doesn’t know enough about him to make an educated guess. Or he knows enough about the others to consider Vivek a more likable candidate. Who knows for sure, least of all Fred, apparently!
“Fred was a nice man, like tens of millions of our neighbors, family members, friends and colleagues who support a cause that is immoral, unworthy and un-American. How should we think about them? With anger? Hatred? Venom? Love?”--Steve Schmidt
Yes, Fred sounds nice. And when you ask how we should think of him and the other 74 million MAGA followers? Only three words come to mind: Not at all!...:)
When asked how I think of Republicans/MAGA believers I can not find any redeeming characteristics. I have tried and over the past 7 years have struggled to hold on to a more hopeful belief but will no longer be naive or giving in any false assumptions of hope. Today I think, live and know the following:
irreparable damage to our democracy, a group determined to destroy a government structure that took years to establish to protect and provide for “the selfish self-serving irresponsible individuals, finger pointers with no sense of personal responsibility and all things difficult or bad are someone else’s fault (blames). People who are unable to think or seek knowledge and are slaves and owned by the ever growing monopolists and oligarchy of our ruling class. People in my area flying F*ck Biden/Impeach Biden glads, White Christian (yah, some Christian) Nationalist flags, Mothers of Liberty removing books, and political and social movements determined to take away existing and established law/rights of the majority who had codified them.
So Steve is generous in his attempts but I feel nothing less than futility. He had a conversation where nothing changed.
PS. I subscribe so I obviously am very grateful to Steve and learn so much from him and remain grateful to him for his ongoing attempts to “lead” some kind of breakthrough to benefit our former democracy.
I agree wholeheartedly...:)
Thank you Robert.
Thank you Helen, you are too kind...:)
I'd say, "Where did you hear Biden wants Trump as nominee, Fox News?? Oh, never mind ..."
It is something I have seen on Social Media. Not from Biden, but from others.
Exactly! And from some Dems in far-off corners too.
Yes
Steve has mentioned it several times.
Steve,
I have been a free subscriber to your Substack for quite awhile, yet I’ve always wished I could comment on some of your essays. So, today I became a paid subscriber solely for the purpose of responding and asking you some questions about this one.
1. You mentioned that Fred said, “Yes, but Biden doesn’t run”. How did you respond to that? I’d be interested to hear more about how you think Biden’s policies are having an impact on the country…the economy, culturally and internationally. I also read Heather Cox Richardson and she is very positive about his policies. You concentrate a lot on the Republican candidates, but what about Biden? Personally, I think he is doing a pretty good job and many indicators support that. His age is a factor, but hey, give the guy a break.
2. Fred’s “words of wisdom” near the end puzzled me. I’m not sure Biden has come right out and said that he wants Trump as his opponent in 2024. This is the first I’ve heard that. Where did that come from?
I enjoy your take on things, but being a lifelong liberal, I don’t always agree with your political views. But, I have many friends like you. We enjoy each others company despite that one aspect. In fact, I often agree with many of my more moderate Republican friends. I think that politics is more than emotional. It so often reflects our individual take on what we consider the common good and American values. I just happen to lean toward the more left side of the center line. Unfortunately, the Republican Party today, as reflected by Trump’s values, is taking the country far right of that centerline toward fascism.
I go back to an incident that happened to me in 2014 while living in Oregon, I’m a veteran of the Vietnam War, so I parked in a Veteran’s parking spot at a store. I had an Obama bumper sticker on the car. A guy in a truck behind me leaned out of his window and asked, “are you really a veteran with that Obama sticker”, I walked away without saying anything, but I look back on that moment and wish I had turned to him and told him that I fought for the freedom to choose who I support. And many died for that freedom. What right did he have to question my choice?
I know I should probably have that same attitude with Trump supporters, but supporting a criminal and con man who really does not care about the country, is a bridge too far.
Best Regards and safe travels.
Excerpt: "There were gay couples holding hands, bi-racial couples, kids, teenagers, and all sorts of different types of people walking around and having fun. I felt the same way about them as I did Fred." I wonder, Steve, if Fred would be as accepting and open-minded? Honestly, I doubt it. The Freds of our country are heterosexist whites-only folk. Let there be no doubt.
I have friends who are retired U.S. Marine Corps officers, some graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy. My family has served our Military since the American Revolutionary War. To me, Fred is an anti-patriot. His is blind loyalty. He also is blind to the fact that Donald John Trump is an ENEMY of this country; a traitor. Yet, I also am aware how political 'loyalties" often fall along the lines of the officers' class and the non-com (enlisted) class. The disloyal belligerence of Trump supporters should be an awakening for the Freds of our society. The very fact that Donald Trump says he will lock up his opponents and those who have offended him is a shot across the bow, a shot so fierce and powerful that those Freds should be rethinking their choice of a leader. Or, simply stand down.
Your response is greatly appreciated. I have listened to a few comments from Vivek Ramaswamy, an atrocious person at best. I DO worry that things will get much worse before they get better.
Sigh...Where to begin? Please answer this one question. I value your opinion, and I dread your answer. The question is this: Do you think with the "fever breaking" there will be violence - much more than seen on Jan 6?
I ask this because of facts you have quoted: "60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 40% of Americans do not have $400 available for an emergency." And a quote today from Robert Reich: "3 multibillionaires now own more wealth than 90% of America- 291 million Americans. This is what oligarchy looks like." `Added to this, your opinion, that these disenfranchised masses, with their hopeless state of mind for themselves and their families futures, have developed a f*** you attitude toward the "other", a burn it to the ground - what do we have to lose? And this is now their "dogma, and it is unshakable", having lost all trust and belief in our government and institutions.
History does repeat itself. Is this not similar to the French revolution? I was reminded of that on Jan 6 when the insurrectionists erected a gallows for Pence.
There is a fever in our country. Sometimes it finally "breaks" - when the patient dies.
But once again this is not the whole of the MAGA base. Many of those who love Trump are middle and upper middle class voters who don’t believe in “society” like Thatcher and resent paying one cent in taxes. Many of the paycheck to paycheck people don’t vote at all. They aren’t reading substack or listening to the Bulwark podcast or watching MSNBC or even CNN. Thanks to the bothsiding of the media they are cynical if they care at all and claim both sides are the same. Which of course they are not!
People are just noticing now that they don’t have pensions? I lived through it as a young person watching the Reagan Revolution turn whatever they could over to Wall Street. Thank God they couldn’t privatize SS and Medicare, which they still want to do. Many of us who never voted for Reagan (he was elected on my 20th birthday) tried to point out what the GOP wanted to do but Americans didn’t want to hear it. And here we sre.
I agree with you that many of those who "love trump" are middle class - and have scratched their way up the ladder to be there. They live in a binary universe, with a zero sum ideology, that helping others up the ladder will necessitate their descendence. They unfortunately do not comprehend that they are just as vulnerable in an oligarchy as those who are currently less fortunate.
Perhaps Winston Churchill was wrong when he said: "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others." Perhaps we are learning that identity politics of all stripes poisons the well of tolerance and goodwill. When our political reality emphasizes how we are different and we seek power based on those differences, our democratic republic cannot stand. Where is the strength of the political force that pulls us together, rather than dividing us? We as a nation have created a Congress based on hatreds and gottchas, rather than one based on the Common Good. Will we ever learn?
No, I disagree. We as a nation did not create this Congress. This is bothsiding the problem. The furthest left Dem in Congress isn’t even close to the extremes of the GOP. The people on the left who want to tear it all down and watch it burn aren’t the ones voting for those they mockingly call moderates (they believe pretty much all are GOP lite).
It’s not Dems who won’t work with sane Republicans. This is a Dem president who still calls people like McConnell friend. The hatred and vitriol began with the likes of Rush and Newt Gingrich. My question is why didn’t the sane members of the GOP disavow them then? Why did they go on Rush’s show when he denigrated women? Because it gave them political power.
And those on the left who called them out--like Al Franken before he was a Senator--were dismissed as bombthrowers and partisan shills. Many members of the former GOP--people I like, including Steve, the bulwark boys, Tom Nichols, David Frum--have much to answer for. Some like Stuart Stevens have fessed up to the wrong they have done. Saying that, I still like and admire Steve and the rest and we are allies in the fight to preserve our democracy. But let’s not make it seem as if both sides are equally to blame for this mess.
I agree with you. And when the media legitimizes some of these scoundrels on right, and tries to make their arguments mainstream, they are committing journalistic malpractice. It’s a false equivalency, period!
Democrats are trying to be inclusive and improve lives for all Americans, while the other party is a bunch of demonic charlatans, religious fanatics, hate-mongers, who act like a bunch of petulant five year olds.
There is a lot of blame to go around. The MSN, politicians for ignoring the root causes and issues that allow these wing-nuts to exist and grow.
But most of of the blame should be directed at all of us, because of our apathy, our ignorance of the issues, and our willingness to vote against our interests, or not at all.
Less than 60% of registered voters vote each presidential election. Even less, vote during the mid-terms. If your wondering how we got here it’s because of apathy.
“The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.” ---Robert Maynard Hutchins
Bravo. Completely agree.
Fair enough, and I get your point, but maybe we need to better job educating our friends and family. If not us, than who? Just asking?...:)
Fair enough, it’s just to fathom that I have family and friends who have jumped into the abyss and there’s no turning back.....:)
This might seem like a non sequitur, but as a lifelong student of American history, especially the Civil War, its causes and aftermath, my personal conclusion is that much of what is in reality, an unbridgeable national divide can be traced to America's two great national sins. The first is the still inadequately addressed genocide of the native population. The other, more immediate, pressing and indisputable truth is that, initially, much of this country was built on a foundation of slavery and later, on a still existing, virulent racism. It would not be where it is, good and bad in their absence. Steve's cordial conversation with a fervent supporter of an irredeemable monster and his would-be, fascist successors notwithstanding, the "fever" he refers to will not "break" without a long overdue national reckoning that does not seem to be visible anywhere on the horizon.
While all this is exacerbated by social media, generational bigotry and the lies promoted by Rupert Murdoch's empire of neuro-carcinogenic bullshit, we wouldn't be in this quagmire without the abysmal failure of Reconstruction. Whether that was ever even a realistic possibility is a separate question.
Excellent!!
You have shown that there is hope, but building on it will require all of us to stop the grade school shaming and name calling. How do you negotiate with people who think you think the are “libtards” or “repubpukes”?
Carole King nailed it when she sang “.... you can’t talk to a man, with a shotgun in his hand..... who don’t want to understand....”. So, what is our end game and what is keeping us from getting there? What are the basics we must conquer? I think you have begun to uncover how.... however, I am not sure about everyone getting a monster Ford pickup😁😁 thank you for your courage and enlightenment!!