Ep 28: The Left's failure to confront the Trumpism menace with writer Matt Johnson
Feb 4, 2024
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Matt Johnson, US journalist and author, discusses the threat of Trump and the lack of a center-left coalition to confront him. They explore the reasons behind Trump's rise and the appeal of Brexit. They also discuss the upcoming 2024 election and concerns about Biden's age.
The American left's lack of broad coalition-building and focus on identity politics hinder their ability to effectively challenge Trump and build a strong opposition.
Trump's ability to rally his supporters and maintain their loyalty poses a significant challenge for those opposing him.
Deep dives
Trump's dominance in the Republican Party
Despite facing legal challenges and criminal investigations, Donald Trump continues to have a strong and enthusiastic support base within the Republican Party. His dominance and influence within the party, even after inciting an insurrection against Congress, raises questions about the reasons behind his enduring popularity.
American left's failure to build a broad coalition
The American left's approach to fighting fascism and opposing Donald Trump has been criticized for its lack of broad coalition-building. Instead of emphasizing unity and compromising for the greater anti-fascist cause, the left has been divided and focused on identity politics. This approach has made it difficult for them to effectively challenge Trump and build a strong opposition.
Trump's support and the appeal of his personality cult
Despite Trump's controversial actions and behavior, he continues to command a loyal following. This is partially due to his ability to create a personality cult and appeal to certain segments of the population who feel marginalized and ignored. Trump's ability to rally his supporters and maintain their loyalty poses a significant challenge for those opposing him.
Biden and Harris's vulnerabilities and concerns about the future
Critics point to Joe Biden's age and potential senility as a key concern, as well as the unpopularity of his deputy, Kamala Harris. While the American left acknowledges the danger of Trump and his impact on American democracy, the weaknesses and unpopularity of the Democratic candidates raise doubts about their ability to effectively combat Trump in the 2024 election.
Nick Cohen gets The Lowdown from US journalist and author Matt Johnson on the threat posed - yet again - by Donald Trump and his deranged far right MAGA cult that has captured the Republican Party.
Matt - @mattjj89 - the author of How Hitchens can save the Left, explains how there is little evidence so far of a tangible centre-left coalition to confront Trump - who is a dead cert to be the Republicans' nomination to run for the presidency in 2024, despite facing 91 felony charges..
Incredibly, despite trying to overturn the result of the 2020 general election and provoking the January 6th insurrection, Trump is running against the incumbent Joe Biden who is 80 now and will be 86 were he to survive a second stint in the White House.
Trump himself is 78 but exudes a certain demonic energy in comparison with Biden whose age and unpopular running mate, Vice-President Harris Kamala Harris, could prove to be telling factors counting against a successful re-run.
Nick asks Matt what can be done to save the US and the world from the undoubted calamity of a second Trump presidency?
Listen to The Lowdown from Nick Cohen for in-depth analysis of the issues and events that shape our lives and futures. From Ukraine to Brexit, from Trump to the Tories - we hope to keep you informed - and sane! @NickCohen4