How Trump’s Insane Rant About “Gutless” Bill Barr Unmasks GOP and MAGA
Apr 29, 2024
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Amanda Carpenter, a prominent Never Trumper and editor at Protect Democracy, discusses the viral CNN interview with former Attorney General Bill Barr endorsing Trump despite his unhinged rant. They delve into GOP's loyalty to MAGA, Barr's motivations, Trump's authoritarian tendencies, and the evolution of conservatism towards Trump's influence.
Barr's endorsement despite Trump's humiliation reflects elite Republicans justifying support for MAGA.
GOP's capitulation to the MAGA movement signifies a shift towards authoritarian politics within the conservative movement.
Deep dives
Bill Barr's Capitulation to Trump and the GOP
Former Attorney General Bill Barr's endorsement of Trump despite Trump's ranting and accusations against him showcases a trend of elite Republicans justifying their support for Trump. Barr endured ritual humiliation from Trump and even admitted to Trump privately discussing executing rivals, reflecting a broader GOP's capitulation to the MAGA movement.
The Role of Humiliation and Capitulation in MAGA Politics
Within the MAGA movement, humiliation and capitulation play a significant role, even extending to loyal supporters like Bill Barr. Trump's rhetoric and demands of extreme loyalty create a culture where individuals like Barr justify supporting Trump despite his controversial actions and statements, highlighting a shift towards authoritarian politics within the conservative movement.
Conservative Evolution into Trumpism and Authoritarian Politics
The conservative movement, exemplified by Barr, progressively aligns with Trump's authoritarian tendencies, rationalizing Trump's abuses of power in the name of combating leftist threats. The GOP's convergence towards Trumpism indicates a broader acceptance of authoritarianism and a shift towards prioritizing executive power and loyalty over traditional conservative values.
Over the weekend, a CNN interview with former attorney general Bill Barr went viral after Barr performed a spectacular on-air capitulation to Donald Trump. The former president had posted an unhinged rant that mercilessly belittled Barr, yet Barr affirmed his endorsement of Trump and downplayed the threat he poses, including a bizarre aside about Trump talking about “executing” rivals. We chatted with Amanda Carpenter, the prominent Never Trumper and an editor at Protect Democracy, about what this whole saga says about today’s GOP and its broader capitulation to MAGA.