The Opinions Maureen Dowd on Trump the Narcissist, Act II
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Jan 30, 2025 
Maureen Dowd, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, dives deep into the political landscape shaped by Donald Trump's presidency. She discusses the drastic shift in power dynamics, questioning if Trump’s consolidated control is effective or merely performative. Dowd draws intriguing parallels between Trump and Nixon’s tactics, while reflecting on the role of Silicon Valley elites in today’s politics. The conversation also explores the impact of Trump's persona on public perception, addressing the challenges Democrats face in countering such a formidable figure.
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Trump's Projection of Power
- Trump's second term projects absolute power and control.
- This contrasts his chaotic first term, where he tried to play the Washington game.
Inaugural Visuals and Tech Elites
- Trump's inaugural visuals were likened to Versailles, symbolizing an oligarchy.
- Tech leaders, initially viewing Trump as a "toy", are now seen by him as his tools.
Trump's Elite Validation
- Trump craves elite adoration and was thrilled by Mark Zuckerberg's post-assassination attempt contact.
- Zuckerberg, tired of liberal criticism, embraced a "Trumpy" stance, rejecting fact-checking.