"...In some ways, it’s understandable that Republicans would impute secret virtues to Trump given both his historic political successes and his rapidly increasing wealth. Trump’s opponents have repeatedly underestimated his connection with a large segment of the American electorate, and his improbable victories have made him seem, at least to his allies, like an almost mystical figure. And if you truly believe that America’s capitalist system rewards merit rather than audacity and grift, the riches Trump has extracted from his office imply a measure of genius. He keeps winning. Surely he must know what he’s doing?
"It should be obvious,
however, that extraordinary skill as a demagogue does not necessarily
translate to wisdom as a ruler. If Trump’s lickspittles refuse to see
that, it could be because facing up to reality — that they are party to
the deconstruction of a once-great superpower — is at once shameful and
frightening. Far easier to invent a Trump who isn’t there, a canny
savant whose policy lurches are driven by some unseen strategic logic..." -- Michelle Goldberg, NYT (gift link), writing today on the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" endemic on the right. While MAGAts use the term to describe honest and accurate criticism of their cult leader, the point Goldberg makes is that the real derangement about the Malignant Fascist is on his side of the political spectrum. A good read, as always.
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