I can totally understand how your party’s acquiescence to, and support of, genocide, pogroms and apartheid might dampen your enthusiasm for one of their candidates for higher office.
Patriotism is still, I guess, the last refuge of scoundrels. But for the past 45 years or so — ever since Reagan — economic growth has come a close second. The left isn’t completely free from this nonsense, but mostly what we see are right-wing politicians justifying cruel and/or irresponsible policies — massive tax cuts for the rich, harsh treatment of the poor and working class — with the claim that all will be well because these policies will unleash rapid economic growth.
Donald Trump has brought his own brand of nonsense, with claims that tariffs can make foreigners pay for everything. But the old voodoo is still very much part of the mix.
(No, I won’t abandon the term “voodoo economics.” It has a specific, well-known meaning with strong historical associations, and nobody actually believes that it’s an insult to anyone’s religion.)
Which brings me to Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary.
And if he didn’t do the right thing? Would republicans not go wild? We have to stop cringing. Republicans are gonna go wild. Do the right thing anyway. And then brag about it non-stop because people won’t notice for themselves.
The danger part is that most of the U.S. population ain’t equipped to survive in temperatures like this for long at all.
Half his supporters would freeze to death on The Mall just waiting for it to start, wearing their heaviest layers, some lightweight spring stuff.
Hope someone reminds him that it’s his last chance to get a really yuuuuuge crowd for the history books, and that all goes away if it’s just held inside the Rotunda.