That is a complex question that ultimately comes down to the appeal of
Populism, particularly when executed well. So, tough to answer succinctly. Trump filled a void felt by some Americans, who feel left behind by a rapidly transitioning knowledge based economy, and ignored by “elites” more interested in coming up with labels like LatinX than solving tangible problems, or by conservatives reflected in Romney’s infamous 47% remark. Trump provides scapegoats to focus on instead of the inevitability of change, and the virtual world gave him a populist’s dream toolbox for providing a sense of community; something to be loyal to. So the fact that the election fraud fantasy is fact-free is irrelevant - support for it is a matter of loyalty, and you do hear that rhetoric against the small sliver of remaining pro-democracy repubs - that they are traitors.
Which they are - traitors to this new community, which is a cult of a personality, and for which the only prerequisite for membership is fealty to the personality. Roughly speaking, that’s the fictional character who hosted The Apprentice.
Imo, Trump’s time as a game show host is no small part of this.
|
(
In response to this post by orangenblue)
Posted: 05/09/2021 at 4:44PM