THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump’s Angry, Unhinged Rants at Presser Show Things Will Get Very Bad
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Jan 8, 2025 Joining the discussion is Jennifer Mercieca, a Texas A&M University professor and expert on rhetoric, especially right-wing and fascist tropes. She dives into the alarming implications of Donald Trump’s recent incendiary remarks about military force, threats to public figures, and expansionist nationalism. Mercieca highlights how such rhetoric normalizes authoritarian tactics, reshapes public perceptions, and could lead to a troubling future for American democracy. Her insights underscore the serious risks of capitulating to coercive language in political discourse.
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Authoritarian Control
- Authoritarians maintain power by controlling the media through coercion.
- Media outlets prioritize profit, often capitulating to authoritarians for financial gain.
Coercion vs. Persuasion
- Authoritarians use threats of force (ad baculum), a form of coercion, unlike democrats who persuade.
- They avoid accountability, relying on propaganda and wanting unquestioned obedience.
Trump's Base and Authoritarianism
- Trump's base wants him to wield power through threats, unlike Democratic politicians.
- This aligns with right-wing authoritarian personalities' desire for a strong, decisive leader.