Republican Fantasies: Trump

Donald Trump is unimportant except for the fantasies Republicans project onto him. During the last campaign, one Republican voter said Trump would raise tariffs to protect American industry and called me a traitor for disagreeing. Another Republican was “100% sure” Trump wouldn’t raise tariffs and wouldn’t vote for him if he had any doubt.

The very emptiness of Trump is what allows Republicans with opposite convictions to believe he’s their champion. Some Republicans believe he’s for law and order; others like him for being a rule-breaker and disruptor. Some want him to expel immigrants; others are sure he’ll lower prices. Some admire him for being assertive, others for withdrawing from the world.

These are the issues of the day. What enduring Republican fantasies does Trump capture?

Decline: The U.S. is being taken advantage of by other countries; we were stronger “before.” Reality: The U.S. economy is still the largest and most dynamic in the world, and rivals like China and Russia are on a downward trajectory.

Business: “Liberals” threaten free markets and entrepreneurship; we need a businessman in the White House to cut taxes and regulations. Reality: The notion that business is at risk in the U.S. is as absurd as Catholicism being at risk in Vatican City.

Competence: Common-sense Republicans will let the efficient, innovative private sector solve problems. Reality: Republicans prefer to ignore problems. Since they despise government, they bungle any crises they’re forced to address.

Strength: Patriotic, law-abiding conservatives must fight against liberals, minorities, and immigrants, who use trickery and violence to try to take control. Reality: Republicans are unaware of American history and culture. Conservatives commit 70% of political violence.

Trump is merely today’s vehicle for the fear and magical thinking that have motivated Republicans for decades. Republicans will find other outlets for their fantasies after Trump leaves politics unless Democrats systematically expose them as fantasies. When a Republican tells you something they like about Trump, point out that many Republicans believe Trump holds the opposite position. Challenge them to explain how Trump can deliver contradictory results or why they think they’re not the one being fooled by Trump’s rhetoric.

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