Andrew Sullivan, political commentator and writer, discusses what he got wrong about Donald Trump. They cover topics such as Trump's authoritarian promises, the threat to the Republic, consequences of a second term, the possibility of a last-minute Democratic party switch, and the importance of constitutional process.
Trump's authoritarian rhetoric did not materialize, suggesting he is more interested in his ego than controlling others.
Trump did not fully realize the worst fears associated with his authoritarian tendencies, likely due to his ego-driven motivations and inconsistency.
Deep dives
Assessing Trump's Authoritarian Promises
In this podcast episode, Andrew Sullivan reflects on what he got wrong and right about Donald Trump and his authoritarian promises in 2016. Sullivan highlights the specific concerns he had, such as the potential deportation of unauthorized immigrants, the ban on Muslim immigrants, threats to opponents including Hillary Clinton, and support for war crimes. However, he acknowledges that Trump did not fulfill these promises. While there were instances where Trump exceeded his authority, such as sending the military to the border, it was not on the scale of what was feared. Sullivan suggests that Trump's authoritarian rhetoric did not materialize, and it is likely because he is more interested in his ego and personal glory than exerting control over others.
Challenges to Trump's Authoritarianism
Sullivan discusses how Trump's actions and behaviors did not align with his authoritarian promises. For instance, he did not aggressively pursue the deportation of unauthorized immigrants, build a substantial border wall, or declare martial law during times of civil unrest. Sullivan attributes Trump's inconsistency to his ego-driven motivations and lack of interest in wielding extensive power. While he acknowledges that there were concerns about Trump's willingness to violate laws and obstruct justice when it served his personal interests, Sullivan emphasizes that Trump did not fully realize the worst fears associated with his authoritarian tendencies.
The Phenomenon of Trump Derangement Syndrome
Sullivan addresses the concept of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) and rejects the notion that critics like him suffer from it. He argues that Trump himself is deranged and dangerous, pointing to Trump's statements about upending the Constitution, ruling as a dictator, and seeking immunity for arbitrary actions, including murder. Sullivan contends that responding to what Trump says and does is a necessary reaction based on his disregard for the law and his pursuit of personal interests. He highlights the importance of holding Trump accountable and emphasizes that the risks posed by his authoritarian tendencies should not be downplayed.
The Future Risks and Concerns
Looking ahead, Sullivan expresses concerns about potential constitutional crises and the erosion of the rule of law if Trump were to win again or refuse to accept election results. He warns that Trump's disregard for democratic processes and his belief in being above the law pose significant dangers to the foundations of a self-governing republic. Sullivan contends that voting for Trump implies a vote against the rule of law and the principles on which the United States was founded. He emphasizes the importance of respecting constitutional norms and the need to be cautious about empowering a leader who consistently demonstrates a lack of regard for democratic values.
