HOW WE GOT WHERE WE ARE

Trump’s core cult of deplorable ignorant racists makes up about 30% of voters.  Sadly almost 1/3 of Americans are deplorable ignorant racists.

These people have always existed, but never acted as a united force before.  In the past they were never taken seriously and, rightfully so, never spoken directly to by any legitimate political candidate.  But they found their savior and “white knight” (emphasis on the “white”) in Trump, who embraced them as they embraced him.  Who else would cheer Trump at his rallies – and his only reason for continuing a serious campaign was to hear the roar of the crowd.  These deplorable sheep will follow and actively support Trump no matter what he does or what “sin” he commits.  He was correct when he said he could shoot someone in broad daylight on 5th Avenue and not lose their support and adoration.

Trump galvanized and empowered the deplorable ignorant racists of America into a cohesive and consistent voting bloc - a voting bloc that, unfortunately, the Republican Party now takes seriously and courts.

Because these deplorables wrongly consider themselves to be evangelical Christians, Trump, the least “Christian” of any candidate, pandered to his core cult by also pandering to the religious right, increasing his base of support.  Trump truly represents all elements of dangerous and wrong-minded political philosophy, legitimizing and empowering hate, selfishness and feelings of superiority – three elements that define Trump’s motivation and behavior, and his very life.

Trump won the Republican candidacy for President because there were too many names on the ballot in the Republican primaries.  When there are 10 or more choices, a candidate with a consistent almost 30% of the vote will always come out ahead. 

Many people, especially Republicans, had an irrational hatred for the Clinton family, and, erroneously, believed Trump to be the “lesser of two evils”.  Clinton won her party’s nomination because there were too few candidates in the Democratic primaries.  If the Democrats had run any other candidate for President Trump would not be in the White House today.

One reason “normal” Americans even considered a person like who Trump was erroneously considered to be by some as an appropriate option was a justifiable frustration with the incompetence and inaction of Congress – a result of the excessive partisan contention and divisiveness that started when Newt Gingrich first became Speaker of the House – and with “traditional” politicians. 

Putin and Russia, recognizing that as the ultimate narcissist he could be easily played, wanted Trump in the White House, and did everything they could to accomplish this end.

And finally – we must never forget that Trump did not win the election.  He lost by 3 million votes.  He was placed in office by the Electoral College.  One of the reasons the founding fathers created the Electoral College was to prevent an irresponsible demagogue from taking office.  It certainly failed in 2016.

There is no doubt that Trump was the absolute worst choice for President.  No President in our history has been as ignorant, incompetent and totally self-absorbed.