This is a very important conversation as words have value and connotations deliver the "vibe". I also think that it's important that we don't succumb to personal insults. Insult Republicans' thinking, policies, way of talking, but we should stay away from personal name calling. I'm 71 but when I was growing up it was recognized that if you had to resort to name calling you've lost your argument and you don't have the ability to make an argument. We can draw attention to Republican name calling rhetoric by not using that tactic. I know that name calling is easy (they almost write themselves) and gives some personal satisfaction but it also validates their approach. Trump gave people permission to be their worst self; we don't want to copy that.
Patricia, I agree with you in spirit, but when Biden calls Trump a "loser," he's contrasting Trump from a "winner," which is categorically provable. It's not namecalling if it's provable.
I agree. I was thinking about comments such as those concerning Trump's weight, or hair or the make up he uses (although calling it orange is factual) - that sort of thing.
I think pointing out his extreme vanity is a legitimate criticism. When he does something that is cringeworthy shine the spotlight on it. It has been very effective with Katie Britt and her utter phoniness.
This interview with Merciera was great. I would love to her in front of some of my political groups…to discuss all of this. Can you tell me how to contact her please? Thanks so much again for another great read!!!!
Did you see the note that Prof. Altemeyer died in February? Thank you for linking to his website; many times over the years - even before 2016 - I have found the insight I was looking for in his scholarship.
Seems to me they prove in every stumble why they ,MAGA ,can’t govern. The droves leaving is base level and says one thing ONLY…fed up! A hint from Buck ‘more to come’ , leaves no doubt it just ain’t working, even backfired - BADLY.
This is NOT the time to sit back in our chairs,NOT time to gloat by any means. Time to say come on board! Revamp your party , straighten up , fly the flag PROUDLY, the American Dream is at stake.
Half of what motivates Trump is win vs. lose; it is his superpower and his kryptonite. He's never had any interest in serving as president, only in besting his opponents, and his policies are not his, they are 100% unfettered Republican. Only 3 of the 6 right-wing justices on the supreme court are his, as a simple example. And 100% Republican is out of step with what most Americans say or act like they want (i.e. no reproductive health care, no social safety net, no rule of law.)
Similar to what Patricia Jaeger advocates, reminding him and his supporters that he failed as president, lost elections, and isn't succeeding at the other half of what motivates him (money, beauty, status seeking, crime) is good to keep him off balance, but it is not a knock-out punch. In fact, there should be no knock out punch (because, to keep the metaphor going, he has no problem with low blows, the referee may be in his pocket, and his crew is ready to start a brawl in the arena - before anyone has even stepped out of their corner). He is never going to accept reality and needs to be provided an off ramp. An excuse to get out of the fight that leaves his image intact.
This is a very important conversation as words have value and connotations deliver the "vibe". I also think that it's important that we don't succumb to personal insults. Insult Republicans' thinking, policies, way of talking, but we should stay away from personal name calling. I'm 71 but when I was growing up it was recognized that if you had to resort to name calling you've lost your argument and you don't have the ability to make an argument. We can draw attention to Republican name calling rhetoric by not using that tactic. I know that name calling is easy (they almost write themselves) and gives some personal satisfaction but it also validates their approach. Trump gave people permission to be their worst self; we don't want to copy that.
Patricia, I agree with you in spirit, but when Biden calls Trump a "loser," he's contrasting Trump from a "winner," which is categorically provable. It's not namecalling if it's provable.
I agree. I was thinking about comments such as those concerning Trump's weight, or hair or the make up he uses (although calling it orange is factual) - that sort of thing.
I think pointing out his extreme vanity is a legitimate criticism. When he does something that is cringeworthy shine the spotlight on it. It has been very effective with Katie Britt and her utter phoniness.
Guilty!
The nation definitely needs President Biden to come out and talk the way he did at the State of the Union.
So who wants to tell the 🍊💩 that the orange makeup isn't working?
Excellent article. I really appreciate the depth of explaining what Trump supporters want. Now let’s not give it to them!
Ooops…Mercieca!
This interview with Merciera was great. I would love to her in front of some of my political groups…to discuss all of this. Can you tell me how to contact her please? Thanks so much again for another great read!!!!
Great to see Bob Altemeyer’s Right Wing Authoritarian Personality work recognized. BTW, his scale is available for free at theauthoritarians.org
Did you see the note that Prof. Altemeyer died in February? Thank you for linking to his website; many times over the years - even before 2016 - I have found the insight I was looking for in his scholarship.
Seems to me they prove in every stumble why they ,MAGA ,can’t govern. The droves leaving is base level and says one thing ONLY…fed up! A hint from Buck ‘more to come’ , leaves no doubt it just ain’t working, even backfired - BADLY.
This is NOT the time to sit back in our chairs,NOT time to gloat by any means. Time to say come on board! Revamp your party , straighten up , fly the flag PROUDLY, the American Dream is at stake.
Half of what motivates Trump is win vs. lose; it is his superpower and his kryptonite. He's never had any interest in serving as president, only in besting his opponents, and his policies are not his, they are 100% unfettered Republican. Only 3 of the 6 right-wing justices on the supreme court are his, as a simple example. And 100% Republican is out of step with what most Americans say or act like they want (i.e. no reproductive health care, no social safety net, no rule of law.)
Similar to what Patricia Jaeger advocates, reminding him and his supporters that he failed as president, lost elections, and isn't succeeding at the other half of what motivates him (money, beauty, status seeking, crime) is good to keep him off balance, but it is not a knock-out punch. In fact, there should be no knock out punch (because, to keep the metaphor going, he has no problem with low blows, the referee may be in his pocket, and his crew is ready to start a brawl in the arena - before anyone has even stepped out of their corner). He is never going to accept reality and needs to be provided an off ramp. An excuse to get out of the fight that leaves his image intact.
Thanks for this! It shares very helpful and actionable ideas for all of us to talk about the choice i the upcoming election.