Trump’s Angry New Threats of Bloodshed and Revenge Should Alarm Us All
Sep 9, 2024
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In this thought-provoking discussion, A.B. Stoddard, a columnist for The Bulwark and a staunch critic of Donald Trump, dives into the alarming threats Trump has made against his enemies and his disturbing rhetoric on immigration. Stoddard sheds light on how Trump is preparing his supporters for potential violence post-election and critiques the normalization of authoritarian tactics in today's political climate. With polls showing a tight race, the episode raises urgent questions about voter awareness and the challenges facing Democrats in conveying the gravity of Trump's dangerous message.
Trump's alarming rhetoric about prosecuting political enemies and threatening violence indicates a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism that should concern voters.
His aggressive immigration plans, including mass deportations, reflect a performative approach designed to energize his base while raising practical feasibility questions.
Deep dives
Trump's Authoritarian Threats
Donald Trump has made alarming threats against his political opponents, vowing to prosecute them if he wins another term as president. He has broadly defined 'cheating' to include not just voters but also lawyers, political operatives, and election officials, essentially creating a climate of fear aimed at galvanizing his supporters. This rhetoric can be interpreted as a call to action, suggesting that any unfavorable outcome in the upcoming election will be considered illegitimate, which further polarizes the political climate. This raises concerns about the potential for violence as Trump appears to be preparing his base for conflict should the election not go in his favor.
Mass Deportation Plans
During his rally in Wisconsin, Trump outlined plans for mass deportations of migrants, indicating a willingness to use aggressive tactics, including potentially setting up military-run detention camps. This rhetoric not only targets undocumented immigrants but also incites his supporters by framing such actions as necessary for national security. The language used is designed to energize his base, promising a 'spectacular' execution of these plans that appeals to their desire for dramatic change in immigration policy. However, the feasibility of executing such mass deportations raises significant questions about practicality, leaving many to view this as mainly performative posturing rather than a realistic policy outline.
Voter Perception and Misunderstanding
Recent polling reveals that while a significant portion of voters perceive Trump as a risky choice, there is a troubling lack of awareness regarding the full extent of his authoritarian threats. Many voters remain oblivious to the implications of Project 2025, which outlines a radical shift in governance under Trump, including plans that could endanger democratic norms. The messaging from Democratic leaders needs to effectively communicate the severity of Trump's intentions to ensure that the electorate fully understands the stakes involved. Ultimately, the challenge remains for Democrats to break through the noise and illuminate the very real risks associated with Trump's candidacy, particularly among undecided voters.
In an unhinged weekend rant on social media, Donald Trump made his most expansive threats yet to prosecute his enemies if he wins. He also flatly threatened at a rally to unleash “bloody” mass removals of migrants. Meanwhile, new polls show a very tight race. So why isn’t Trump paying a political price for running on explicit threats of authoritarian rule? We talked to A.B. Stoddard—a columnist for The Bulwark and a clear-eyed Trump critic—who explains how he is priming his supporters for violence after the election, and why the Trump threat is so hard to communicate to voters.