Trumpism is terrible. It also might be popular.

Authoritarianism, American-style fascism, Trumpism — or whatever other term you choose for the radical turn that the American right has taken — is terrible for our nation and the world. But something can be both terrible and popular. …

I think the most important explanation is that the sentiments that Trump-style politicians tap into are in some ways human nature. Defining some group of people or institutions (the media, the left, immigrants, a minority religious or ethnic group) as apart from everyone else and then blaming them for creating problems and subverting the true will of the people has been a successful political tactic in any number of times and places. There is no reason to think Americans are immune to it.

And the fact that some non-Christians and voters of color are drawn to Trumpism doesn’t disprove the idea that it’s based on identity or even bigotry. CONTINUED

Perry Bacon Jr., Washington Post


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