In a New York Times op-ed entitled "From Obama to Trump," Ross Douthat makes the case that "Obama-era trends in liberal politics have helped feed the Trump phenomenon." Labeling Trump "a reality TV demagogue leading a populist, nationalist revolt," Douthat writes:
"[T]he reality TV element in Trump’s campaign is a kind of fun-house-mirror version of the celebrity-saturated Obama effort in 2008.
. . . .
He’s also proving, in his bullying, overpromising style, that voters are increasingly habituated to the idea of an ever more imperial presidency — which is also a trend that Obama’s choices have accelerated. Having once campaigned against his predecessor’s power grabs, the current president has expanded executive authority along almost every dimension: launching wars without congressional approval, claiming the power to assassinate American citizens, and using every available end-around to make domestic policy without any support from Congress.
Obama is to blame for Trump's ascendancy? I don't think so. Rather, we live in an age of narcissism, and Americans apparently hunger for the opportunity to call one another stupid, boring, dumb, a total lightweight, a clown, and/or a fool, while cutting others off on the highway.
The real problem is that if Trump wins the nomination, and if the FBI recommends that Hillary be indicted, he just might find his way into the White House. That's when I stop writing this blog and build my underground bunker.
I'm afraid, Jeff, that's exactly what's going to happen. If Clinton has to run against Rubio, the calculation would be different. If Trump is the nominee, however, the administration will (mistakenly) reason that there is no need to follow any FBI recommendation. Clinton will only have to beat Trump, after all. Right? Start designing that underground bunker. I'm practically in tears.
ReplyDeleteIt may be a good time for Americans living outside the USA to revoke their citizenship.
ReplyDelete