Rich Logis, a former fervent Donald Trump supporter, shares his journey of leaving MAGA and discusses his concerns with COVID public health measures and the January 6 riot. He reflects on his political journey, dissatisfaction with the two-party system, and support for a third-party candidate. The speaker experiences the struggle of leaving MAGA, confronts propaganda and conspiracy theories, and emphasizes the importance of diversifying news sources. They discuss their project 'Reading MAGA' and the need to humanize and reconcile with MAGA voters for a functional democracy.
Rich Logis was initially attracted to the MAGA movement due to his dissatisfaction with the two-party system and saw Donald Trump as an outsider who could challenge the political establishment.
Concerns over the Republican Party's handling of public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the defense of the Capitol riot by many MAGA supporters were the key factors that led Rich Logis to disengage from the cult-like dynamics of MAGA.
Deep dives
Rich Lojis' Initial Attraction to MAGA Movement
Rich Lojis, a staunch MAGA supporter in the past, explains that his attraction to the movement stemmed from a dissatisfaction with the two-party system. He saw Donald Trump as an outsider who could challenge the political establishment, and identified with his stance on issues like economic outsourcing and the feeling of being left behind.
Lojis' Drift Away from MAGA
Over time, Rich Lojis' conviction in MAGA began to waver due to concerns over the Republican Party's handling of public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also became alarmed at the defense and endorsement of the January 6th Capitol riot by many MAGA supporters. These two lines of demarcation led to his eventual disengagement from the cult-like social and ideological dynamics of MAGA.
Leaving MAGA and the Creation of 'Reading MAGA'
After leaving MAGA, Rich Lojis established a group called 'Leaving MAGA' to help others navigate the process of disengagement and facilitate social reconciliation. He emphasizes the importance of finding relatability with MAGA voters and fostering understanding, rather than trying to persuade or change minds. Through accountable public discussions and diversifying news sources, he believes it's possible to repair the deep rifts caused by the movement.
Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Rich Logis, a one-time fervent Donald Trump supporter who’s now renounced his MAGA beliefs—and is trying to help others do the same.