Oddbean

Gm stacker. Meh. I don't like Trump it's clear neither does this writer. Always funny how they will point out cult like following and demigoguery when not their choice, but not see the same from their side.

"My knowledge of Trump’s first occupation of the Oval Office suggests that chaos is the most likely consequence of a Trump victor" "No-one looking at the so-called eight “swing states” can have that same assurance that virtuous and intelligent electors will guard against a politician lacking core principles except for a desire for power and adulation" "They pointed out an alarming difference between the consequences of electing a flawed individual in 2016 and what may happen in 2024. In the next term Trump will face fewer constraints by surrounding himself with those unwilling to challenge his decisions" "...the American media this problem is referred to as the removal of the guardrails that restrained Trump..." "Will the rules-based international order be entirely disrupted by a president who admires those who have acquired power by whatever means instead of seeking to create a more just global order" "Trump has demonstrated very little interest in the actual work of being president in international relations, domestic policy or in creating a “more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, [and] promote the general Welfare” "...seems doubtful that Trump will take any more seriously the presidential oath in 2025 to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” "...more polarised, chaotic and disunited national and global order is the most likely consequence if Trump returns to the White House." Nope not projecting just going off the tone of the article.

You make my point. This tone you write about is a result of your perspective. From my perspective the writer states facts from the past and probabilities about the future. If last time there was more polarization and chaotic foreign relations why wouldn't there be next time?

Oh and I agree regardless of who holds POTUS that there will be more polarization. It will depend on who holds office for foreign relations, and potentially for improved peace, but I have no idea. I'm a subscriber to 4th turning principles and this was bound to occur anyways.

How am I making your point? This is all perception based even from the authors own language. You could easily argue this "...same assurance that virtuous and intelligent electors will guard against a politician lacking core principles except for a desire for power and adulation..." is projecting because it's making the assumption that's they way it happens anyways. "...Trump will face fewer constraints by surrounding himself with those unwilling to challenge his decisions..." Why? this is every presidency. None if very few presidents do this anyways, which is why they pick their own cabinets and people who run agencies. "...the removal of the guardrails that restrained Trump..." well the separation of powers and what's currently democrat controlled houses are the guardrails, not his cabinet,. I'm willing to say the Constitution, but it's been neutered and redacted over the past 40yrs so I'm willing to give on that if that's the way you want to argue that. "...have used Fascism to describe a future Trump administration, while others predict chaos instead of regimentation under a dictatorial leader." Seem excessive both ways. I could at least lean towards a neo fascism since industry clearly dictates policy at this point. "...significant is not Trump but the Americans who disregard narcissism, incoherence, authoritarianism, post-truth rhetoric..." fits current POTUS and cabinet "the editors predicted that a re-elected Trump “will degrade the values, defy the norms and dismantle the institutions” of the federal government and do the same for the international order while failing to confront the “global problem of climate change”. Are they and you saying this isn't already happening without him in office? "seems doubtful that Trump will take any more seriously the presidential oath in 2025 to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" applicable to every POTUS and cabinet past at least 25 -30yrs. So, kind of a nothingburger since it's already wrecked and only paid lip service too. ""...more polarised, chaotic and disunited national and global order is the most likely consequence if Trump returns to the White House." When did the shift to this occur? It's become super chaotic since the cheetoh has been out of office. This country has been increasingly divided since the cult of 44 and continued to cult of 45. I'm not sure how I'm proving your point. The writer is not acknowledging actual past behavior from previous administrations unless it fits their narrative for their perception. I appreciate your willingness to have dialogue on this though, but I can't really agree. Plus the demagoguery has been happening since 44 it's not just Trump. They just don't like the guy, and I don't blame them. There's plenty not to like. Even if he wins the empire is dying regardless of who is at the helm, but this administration has been even more hot garbage than the last lol.