Trump’s Angry New Attacks on “Traitors” Show 2025 Plans Getting Darker
Dec 9, 2024
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Brian Beutler, author of the insightful Substack Off Message, shares his sharp analysis on Donald Trump's troubling views on loyalty. He discusses Trump’s regret over appointing 'traitors' and the implications for potential nominations. Beutler emphasizes the urgent need for Democrats to effectively communicate the dangers to democracy posed by Trump-aligned candidates. The conversation also highlights the challenges related to pardons for January 6th rioters and the importance of proactive strategies to confront rising authoritarianism.
Trump's loyalty test for nominees emphasizes personal allegiance over qualifications, raising concerns about accountability and governance in a potential second term.
Democrats must effectively communicate the dangers of Trump's appointments to frame the narrative and mobilize public resistance against authoritarian tendencies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Loyalty in Trump's Appointments
Donald Trump's recent expressions of regret for appointing those he deemed 'traitors' highlight a concerning trend where loyalty to him personally is prioritized over qualifications. This loyalty test extends to potential nominees, particularly in regards to their beliefs about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection. Those who acknowledge the truth about the election's outcome or criticize the insurrection are unlikely to secure positions within his administration. This situation raises significant questions about the implications for confirmation hearings, as Democrats must navigate whether to disavow these nominees based on their allegiance to Trump's agenda.
Communications Strategy for Democrats
Effective messaging is vital for Democrats as they prepare to react to Trump's appointments and policies. The argument is made that Democrats need to proactively define Trump's nominees and draw clear contrasts between their motives and qualifications. By communicating the dangers of appointing individuals who prioritize personal loyalty over legal and ethical considerations, Democrats can inform the public and frame the narrative before nominees are confirmed. This approach could counteract Republicans' longstanding media advantages and ensure that voters understand the implications of these appointments.
Energizing the Grassroots Response
The potential for a grassroots pro-democracy movement hinges on how aggressively Trump pursues his agenda upon taking office. Democrats are encouraged to act decisively against any actions perceived as corrupt or authoritarian, such as pardoning the January 6 rioters. By framing these pardons as a betrayal of the rule of law, Democrats can mobilize public sentiment and actively engage constituents in resistance efforts. The effectiveness of this strategy will rely on a commitment to holding Trump accountable and linking his actions directly to the potential consequences for democracy and public safety.
The New York Times reports that Donald Trump is telling advisers that his biggest regret from his first term was that he appointed “traitors.” As a result, his transition team is grilling prospective nominees to gauge their loyalty to Trump. Is there some way for Democrats to drive home how dangerous all this is? We chatted with Brian Beutler, author of the excellent Substack Off Message. He argues that even as Trump’s second-term plans are getting more overtly dangerous to the rule of law, Democrats need to do a lot more to alert the public to what’s coming—not just because it’s good politics, but because the country needs it.