Excellent piece. However, I keep wondering why Loomer is considered by Republicans to be a liability for Trump and why they're freaking out. From what I see she has said nothing more hateful than most Republicans in the public eye, including Trump and the people around him like Stephen Miller, routinely say. Considering the only thing Republicans have to offer are hate and fear, I see Loomer's behavior as business as usual. I really don't understand. You did a great job, Noah, but IMHO she's not beyond the pale and I realize that most of the people I respect in the media (very small group) have echoed that sentiment.
My guess is that the outraged old school folks are having the usual jealousy and hatred of a newcomer who displaces their comfortable place in the previously established hierarchy of worthlessness.
Maybe, but personally I think they are worried the truth will come out before the election. Would that harm Trump? At this point I don’t know. He seems immune to personal scandal, and he would deny it. But Loomer is clearly his “lady” in waiting.
She's saying what they thought was the quiet part out loud. The rest of us have been hearing it loud and clear for years now, but the boys (and a few girls) in the bubble have had their hands over their ears so they don't hear it.
Thanks much for the detailed background on Loomer (whose name is just itching for parody, but I'll resist -- for now). I've heard her rhetoric, I knew she'd lost a congressional race or two, but I didn't realize she was Jewish. Ethnicity for sure isn't political destiny, but when Jewish people (e.g., Stephen Miller) and Black people (e.g., Clarence Thomas) throw their lot in with a movement that is blatantly antisemitic and racist, what's going on in their heads? True, a majority of straight white women have been in the Trump camp from the beginning, despite its sexism/misogyny, and it's all related, but still -- it's a conundrum.
Well I'm better informed about Laura Loomer though I don't have the intellectual stomach to measure where she exactly stands on the (im)moral and (anti) intellectual cesspit that is the MAGA verse. What I will say is that extremist, hateful and stupid statements seem to be the way of advancement in Trump's circle, providing and only providing, you can convince him of your unconditional fealty. It surely makes him unfit for high office because a vital part of the job is the ability to choose wise advsisers and It's not to be wondered that people like Laura Loomer are doing fine in the race to get into Trump's favour.
I could be completely wrong, but I think in cosying up to Loomer, Trump knows exactly what he's doing - he is sending a message to his lunatic element that he is on their side, and preparing for Insurrection 2 when he loses the election. She is his nod to the ultra-right, and he doesn't much care who knows it.
“Loomer’s comments were so egregiously racist that even MAGA recoiled — or, alternately, they were an excuse for some in the GOP to try to pry her away from the president.” Was just about to point that out.
I'm actually not 100% sure that this is a case of those competing for access to Trump criticizing Loomer'sr racist views is a tactical move rather than them suddenly seeing the light. At best I fear it is criticism based on her apparent lack of political nous for saying such things openly.
All true except this: "Obviously, it’s embarrassing for Trump that he has chosen Loomer, white nationalist free spirit, as his personal muse and emotional support Nazi."
Let’s face it: The Donald is just a babe-magnet! Laura, Sydney, Ginni, Kristi, Lara Autotune, and so many more. Even my pulse gets to a-poundin’ … although that also could be just outrage.
Loomer is an excellent distraction for Trump's campaign. The more outlandish it becomes, the less voters will focus on Project 2025 and why Trump is so dangerous to democracy. It's also probably true that Loomer is Trump's new paramour. I read last week that Melania has moved with Barron back to NYC and lives in Trump Tower. She has not appeared anywhere on the campaign trail. And Loomer is crazypants, something Trump is attracted to like a moth to a flame.
January 6th was disqualifying. Everything else is a sideshow.
I completely agree Joe, but you got to admit there's a hell of a lot of quality sideshows out there!
Excellent piece. However, I keep wondering why Loomer is considered by Republicans to be a liability for Trump and why they're freaking out. From what I see she has said nothing more hateful than most Republicans in the public eye, including Trump and the people around him like Stephen Miller, routinely say. Considering the only thing Republicans have to offer are hate and fear, I see Loomer's behavior as business as usual. I really don't understand. You did a great job, Noah, but IMHO she's not beyond the pale and I realize that most of the people I respect in the media (very small group) have echoed that sentiment.
My guess is that the outraged old school folks are having the usual jealousy and hatred of a newcomer who displaces their comfortable place in the previously established hierarchy of worthlessness.
Maybe, but personally I think they are worried the truth will come out before the election. Would that harm Trump? At this point I don’t know. He seems immune to personal scandal, and he would deny it. But Loomer is clearly his “lady” in waiting.
Good point! There is a lot of competition!
She's saying what they thought was the quiet part out loud. The rest of us have been hearing it loud and clear for years now, but the boys (and a few girls) in the bubble have had their hands over their ears so they don't hear it.
That makes sense. Thank you! I knew it had to be loud and clear to most of us who pay attention!
Thanks much for the detailed background on Loomer (whose name is just itching for parody, but I'll resist -- for now). I've heard her rhetoric, I knew she'd lost a congressional race or two, but I didn't realize she was Jewish. Ethnicity for sure isn't political destiny, but when Jewish people (e.g., Stephen Miller) and Black people (e.g., Clarence Thomas) throw their lot in with a movement that is blatantly antisemitic and racist, what's going on in their heads? True, a majority of straight white women have been in the Trump camp from the beginning, despite its sexism/misogyny, and it's all related, but still -- it's a conundrum.
"That Trump has allowed such a toxic figure to get into his inner circle is another sign that he is manifestly unfit to be president."
Her ability to weave her way into that circle must be driving MTG into fits of jealousy.
Yep. That's clearly happening.
Well I'm better informed about Laura Loomer though I don't have the intellectual stomach to measure where she exactly stands on the (im)moral and (anti) intellectual cesspit that is the MAGA verse. What I will say is that extremist, hateful and stupid statements seem to be the way of advancement in Trump's circle, providing and only providing, you can convince him of your unconditional fealty. It surely makes him unfit for high office because a vital part of the job is the ability to choose wise advsisers and It's not to be wondered that people like Laura Loomer are doing fine in the race to get into Trump's favour.
Reminds me, shudderingly, of a guy with the initials A.H.
I could be completely wrong, but I think in cosying up to Loomer, Trump knows exactly what he's doing - he is sending a message to his lunatic element that he is on their side, and preparing for Insurrection 2 when he loses the election. She is his nod to the ultra-right, and he doesn't much care who knows it.
Excellent piece; thank you. But the reference to DJT as “the president” had to be a mistake.
Thank you -- i added the word "former" there. Just didn't catch it while editing.
“Loomer’s comments were so egregiously racist that even MAGA recoiled — or, alternately, they were an excuse for some in the GOP to try to pry her away from the president.” Was just about to point that out.
I'm actually not 100% sure that this is a case of those competing for access to Trump criticizing Loomer'sr racist views is a tactical move rather than them suddenly seeing the light. At best I fear it is criticism based on her apparent lack of political nous for saying such things openly.
I've been thinking along those lines.
He’s not “the” President, he’s “that” President whom we no longer, justifiably, consider remotely fit for office.
Hear hear!
All true except this: "Obviously, it’s embarrassing for Trump that he has chosen Loomer, white nationalist free spirit, as his personal muse and emotional support Nazi."
The Orange Goon can't be embarrassed.
Likewise I wondered about "love" in the headline. Trump, love? Anyone but himself?
One of the best descriptions I can recall:
"Trump, of course, spends time with vicious bigots all the time, including when he’s hanging out by himself."
It almost sounds like Republican pushback has outpaced mainstream media Coverage of her outrages.
That is quite an achievement.
Wait,wait, wait. A guy named Daniel Webster fought a real devil in Florida and no one made a real meal out of that?
Let’s face it: The Donald is just a babe-magnet! Laura, Sydney, Ginni, Kristi, Lara Autotune, and so many more. Even my pulse gets to a-poundin’ … although that also could be just outrage.
Loomer is an excellent distraction for Trump's campaign. The more outlandish it becomes, the less voters will focus on Project 2025 and why Trump is so dangerous to democracy. It's also probably true that Loomer is Trump's new paramour. I read last week that Melania has moved with Barron back to NYC and lives in Trump Tower. She has not appeared anywhere on the campaign trail. And Loomer is crazypants, something Trump is attracted to like a moth to a flame.
More of a train wreck than Trump himself. Infinitely more dangerous if she has his ear. Another disgrace to humanity.
It is actually a delight to read all these amazing comments, thanks for sharing your views.
Also, thanks to Noah for another well written article.
And maybe worse: DJT can still win the election; 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
If you combine 'flattery' and 'puffery' you get fluffery, which I think would be quite the apt term here.