I have strived to understand the continued attachment of many conservatives to the gifted demagogue former President Donald Trump and his election lie by talking to Trump supporters. The secret sauce seems to be social media, FOX “News” and Newsmax. Employing time-tested propaganda techniques seen in other countries, there is an emphasis on emotion, anger, fear and resentment, and of course, repetition. It works. Supporters of this Christian white-nationalist conservative agenda are “patriots.” All will be lost if Marxist Democrats have power.
Some Trump supporters are so deluded, they literally believe whatever they hear from Trump and right-wing media or social media. While committed in their beliefs, they do not possess the minimal intellectual curiosity to simply watch Trump’s people testify under oath about what happened at the Jan. 6 hearings.
The other group of Trump supporters acknowledge that Trump had lost the election, yet they still defend him despite his efforts to retain power illegally. Spoiler alert: They don’t care about democracy. Real patriots promote and support enforcing their conservative or religious beliefs on society. If democracy can be circumvented with illegal or unethical conduct – it is of no concern – the ends justify the means.
What is really sad is how Trump supporters must raise their kids to support this narcissistic, sociopathic grifter. A man who instead of supporting the United States, attacked the roots of American democracy for his own self-interest. Shocking that these patriots have sold out their country so cheaply.
Thomas R. Williamson
Durango
