The Curious Case of Trump Support and the Cult of Trump
Many have puzzled over why so many Americans are so devoted to Donald Trump, including one notable rejection in 1987 when Australia denied him a casino license due to ties with organized crime. Some might argue that the reason is simply amusement at the chaos and misinformation he brings. However, delving deeper into the ‘Cult of Trump’ reveals a more troubling reality.
The Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception
“Trump he may be bad for the country but he’s great for ratings,” quipped Les Moonves, formerly of CBS. The media was initially infatuated with Trump’s unpredictability and lack of control, finding him amusing but not serious enough to be a credible presidential candidate. Yet, they eventually helped elect him by treating his candidacy as a sideshow rather than a serious political matter.
Ignorance and Cultural Divide
There's a common belief that a significant portion of Trump’s supporters, around 57%, couldn't find Australia on a map. This is not just ignorance, but a reflection of a larger cultural divide and lack of international awareness. Trump supporters, despite this gap in geographical knowledge, remain resolute in their belief that he is the right leader.
The Cult of Trump and Reality Distortion
Those in the 'Cult of Trump' are impervious to factual information or logical reasoning. They dismiss any contrary statements as “fake news” or attempt to distract with political rhetoric. The facade of political differences (such as conservative vs. liberal or Republican vs. Democrat) is easily shattered when one realizes that Trump operates outside of these frameworks, often crossing party lines in objectionable ways.
Legal Standards and Organized Crime Ties
Australia’s stringent measures regarding ties with the mafia, such as requiring a conviction, are stricter than those in the United States. This stricter enforcement reflects a more skeptical and cautious approach to potential ties with organized crime. In the U.S., the standards are not as stringent, allowing individuals like Trump to navigate legalities more easily.
In the U.S., certain individuals and groups may be using legal loopholes to form partnerships with organized crime. Those with dubious ties, like Trump, are often successful because they play a delicate game of leveraging their connections without getting caught in legal dragnets. America’s less vigilant approach to organized crime ties enlightens the broader issue of how these partnerships are often overlooked or ignored.
Suppressing Dissent and Ideological Immunity
As Trump's core supporters have become increasingly ideologically immune, cutting through the distractions and misinformation is nearly impossible. Their support remains unwavering, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. The title of the famous song "My Man" by Fanny Brice could be apt: "Oh my Trump, I love him so, he'll never know…” But he does know, and he capitalizes on their loyalty and ignorance.
For supporters who are working-class or below, Trump fosters a generally abusive relationship, promising an improvement in their overall status. However, his brilliance lies in his ability to appreciate their support when he is not playing golf. His lack of transparency and willingness to engage in deceit and misinformation further solidify his base.
Conclusion
The 'Cult of Trump' is a complex phenomenon driven by a combination of ignorance, ignorance of facts, and the ability to resist change. America’s less stringent legal standards regarding organized crime ties have allowed figures like Trump to navigate the legal system while fostering a cult of support that is resistant to rational persuasion.