Evaluating impact/consequences of Biden vs Trump verbal mistakes, Biden’s gaffes are harmless or humorous, do not affect his policies or decisions. Trump’s are dangerous/misleading having negative effects on his governance/credibility.
Now...
One perspective is that Trump’s rhetoric is indeed authoritarian and appeals to his supporters who share his authoritarian disposition. According to some studies, authoritarianism is a personality trait that favors obedience, conformity, and hierarchy over freedom, diversity, and democracy. Trump’s language often invokes themes of power, revenge, dictatorship, and hostility, which resonate with his authoritarian followers who seek a strong leader who can protect them from perceived threats and enemies.
[ref., Dr. Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny"]
This is the best and obvious description of what Trump is actually doing.
Another perspective is that Trump’s rhetoric is not necessarily authoritarian, but rather populist and nationalist. Populism is a political style that claims to represent the common people against the corrupt elites, and nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and identity of one’s own nation over others. Trump’s language often emphasizes his connection with his supporters, his opposition to the establishment, and his pride in America. These messages appeal to his supporters who feel disenfranchised, disillusioned, and patriotic.
This is cover Trump walks the line between authoritarianism and populism. But in walking that line, as this kind of thing actually works in function, it is authoritarianism masquerading as anything else whenever possible.
A third perspective that Trump’s rhetoric is neither authoritarian nor populist, but rather persuasive and effective, is overt camouflage. Persuasion is a communication process that aims to change the attitudes or behaviors of others, and effectiveness is a measure of how well a communication achieves its intended goals . Trump’s language often uses simple, emotional, and repetitive words and phrases that capture the attention, arouse the feelings, and reinforce the beliefs of his audience . These techniques appeal to his supporters who are attentive, emotional, and loyal.
Donald Trump is an authoritarian, pure and simple. His skills a manipulating mobs is effective and yet rather bizarre.
He is dangerous. This, is dangerous and why it has historically been avoided by American leadership in order to protect our democratic republic.
Now...
While average weekly earnings for workers increased under Trump, what had he done for that to happen and what did it negatively affect, that another person would have been more careful in doing? It was clear Trump acted without much finesse or care for repurcussions in associated issues to whatever he desired that was to make him look better.
Bing AI:
During President Trump’s administration, several policies were implemented that could have contributed to the increase in average weekly earnings for workers:
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: This act created a single corporate tax rate of 21% and made numerous changes that continue to affect individual filers. The tax rates for most income brackets were lowered, the standard deduction was raised, the personal exemption and healthcare mandates were suspended, and the rules regarding some itemized deductions were changed.
Deregulation: The Trump administration pursued a broad deregulatory agenda, which some argue could have stimulated economic activity and potentially contributed to wage growth.
Trade Policies: President Trump increased import duties on goods from China and announced new import taxes on steel, aluminum, and solar energy panels3. These policies were intended to protect domestic industries, but they also had the potential to increase costs for consumers and businesses.
However, these policies also had potential negative effects:
Increased Trade Deficit: The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services in 2020 was the highest since 2008 and increased 40.5% from 20162. This was despite Trump’s promises to reduce the trade deficit.
Increased Federal Debt: The federal debt held by the public went up, from $14.4 trillion to $21.6 trillion2. This could have long-term implications for the U.S. economy.
Potential Wage Disparities: While average weekly earnings increased, it’s important to note that averages can sometimes mask disparities. For instance, if high-income earners saw significant wage growth while low-income earners saw little to no growth, the average would still increase.
Potential Negative Impact on Certain Industries: The increased import duties and new import taxes could have negatively impacted industries that rely on imported goods, potentially leading to job losses in those sectors.
Compiled with the aid of Bing AI
Here's what I don't get about these court trials with Donald #Trump.
When the DOJ & Judges KNOW how important it is for these trials regarding our 2024 election, they should be clearing calendars for this.
To b culpable in a criminal becoming POTUS (again)?
Seriously?
The problem I have with exception not being given to these Donald Trump trials is it means our Government really cannot recognize an existential domestic threat against us & act accordingly with greater speed and all due prejudice.
US Capitol Police investigated 8,000 threats against lawmakers last year. In 2015, before Trump's 10,000s of disinforming lies? 3,939 investigations...against all threats.
Trump is simply not good for flowers and children and all living things...
Finally...
Sigh...
Donald Trump: "I didn't take an oath to support the Constitution...just to preserve, protect and defend it."
Jordan Rubin, Deadline White House legal blog said the quote is:
"Too stupid to consider."
Good grief...
Trump’s claim that he did not take an oath to support the Constitution is a false and illogical argument. Here are some reasons why:
The presidential oath that Trump took in 2017 was to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution, not to “support” it. However, these words are synonyms and have the same meaning in this context. To preserve, protect and defend something is to support it. Therefore, Trump did take an oath to support the Constitution, whether he used that word or not.
The 14th Amendment, which Trump is accused of violating, does not require the president to take an oath to support the Constitution. It only applies to anyone who has taken an oath of office to support the Constitution, which includes the president, members of Congress, and other government officials. The argument that Trump did not support the Constitution in his oath is irrelevant to the 14th Amendment.
Trump’s argument is also an example of an argument from authority, a common logical fallacy. He implies that his opinions and actions are correct because he was the president and he calls the shots. However, being in a position of power does not make someone immune to the law or the truth. Trump’s authority does not justify his alleged crimes or his disregard for the Constitution.
Trump’s argument is also dangerous and anti-democratic, as it suggests that he believes he has “full”, “total” and “complete and total presidential immunity” over acts committed in office. This would mean that he could do anything he wants, even if it violates the law, the Constitution, or the rights of the people.
This would make Trump a dictator, not a president. The core idea of the Constitution and the founding of the United States is that no person is above the law, and that the president is accountable to the people and the checks and balances of the government.
The relationship between narcissism and autocracy is complex. Narcissism can indeed influence autocratic leadership1. Research suggests that narcissism can afflict autocratic leaders, and their actions can be volatile and difficult to manage1. Autocratic leaders often rise to power by presenting themselves as patriots and building trust, with their more tyrannical behaviors surfacing years later.
However, it’s important to note that not all narcissists become autocratic leaders, and not all autocratic leaders are narcissists. The progression from narcissism to autocracy is not inevitable, but rather depends on a variety of factors, including the individual’s environment, opportunities, and personal choices.
So, while there is a connection between narcissism and autocracy, it’s not accurate to say that narcissism is a “failed paradigm that inevitably leads to autocracy”. It’s more accurate to say that narcissism can potentially contribute to autocratic behavior under certain circumstances.
Effective leadership requires a balance between the “great” and the “granular”. Leaders must be able to see the big picture and make strategic decisions, but they also need to understand the impact of those decisions on individuals.
In national leadership, this means considering how policies and actions will affect the everyday lives of citizens. It’s not enough to view people as “units” or statistics. Each person is unique, with their own needs, challenges, and aspirations.
Leaders who ignore this granular level can indeed cause harm, even when their intentions are good. This is why empathy, understanding, and a people-centered approach are so important in leadership. It’s about ruling over people, not just managing resources or achieving targets.
So, while narcissistic leaders might be capable of doing “great things”, their lack of attention to the granular can lead to negative outcomes. This is a key reason why narcissism is often seen as problematic in leadership contexts.
I asked Bing AI about explanations for Trump's physical posture and orientation toward others. While it says below, "more subjective and controversial topic. There is no definitive evidence that Trump is intentionally scamming anyone...", I would beg to differ in that there is a lot of evidence...
There are many possible explanations for Donald Trump’s posture, aphasia, and mental aberrations, but none of them are conclusive or definitive. Some of the factors that may contribute to his condition are:
- Age: Trump is 75 years old, which is considered a high-risk age for developing cognitive decline and dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 60% of people with Alzheimer’s disease are over 65 years old1.
- Genetics: Trump has a family history of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. His father, Fred Trump, died of a heart attack at age 73. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, died of Alzheimer’s disease at age 852. He also has a brother, Fred Jr., who suffers from dementia3.
- Medications: Trump has been taking various medications for his health issues, such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Some of these medications may have side effects that affect his balance, coordination, and speech4.
- Neurological disorders: Trump may have some underlying neurological disorders that cause his symptoms. Some of the possible conditions that could explain his posture are Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, movement disorders of the basal ganglia, or normal pressure hydrocephalus4. These conditions can affect the brain regions that control movement, cognition, and emotion.
- Psychological factors: Trump may also have some psychological factors that influence his behavior and communication. Some of these factors could be stress, anxiety, depression, personality traits, or cognitive biases. These factors can affect how he perceives reality and interacts with others.
As for his orientation toward scamming others, this is a more subjective and controversial topic. There is no definitive evidence that Trump is intentionally scamming anyone or that he is aware of the consequences of his actions. However, some people may argue that he is using various tactics to manipulate his audience and gain political advantage. For example:
- Lying: Trump often lies about facts and figures in his speeches and tweets. He may do this to mislead people or to create a false impression of himself or his opponents.
- Diverting attention: Trump often diverts attention from himself or his policies by attacking or insulting other people or groups. He may do this to avoid accountability or to rally support from his base.
- Appealing to emotions: Trump often appeals to emotions such as fear, anger, pride, or patriotism in his rhetoric. He may do this to influence people’s feelings or opinions.
- Using repetition: Trump often uses repetition in his speeches and slogans. He may do this to emphasize his main points or to create a sense of urgency.
These are some of the possible explanations for Donald Trump’s posture in leaning forward as he does and his aphasia and mental aberrations and orientation toward scamming others. However, these explanations are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive. There may be other factors that contribute to his condition that are not yet known or understood.
Just a few interesting links, do with them as you will:
