Of course people like Donald Trump
Liberals don’t understand how people can support Donald Trump. And conservatives don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t support Donald Trump.
In this case conservatives are right about one thing: Liberals should understand. They may not agree, but the reason behind Trumps’ support is pretty simple. It’s a two-step view:
- Government is messed up
- The solution is less government and a “simpler time”
Most people agree with point No. 1, with a nod to a few good things the government does, such as providing for the common defense. However, far right conservatives are willing to give up some those good things and consider them collateral damage: A little less good + a lot less bad = better overall. They believe a smaller government with more individual freedom is better than what we have now. Other issues – immigration, security, economy – are just details.
These conservatives see Donald Trump and his cohorts as the “less government” solution. As a non-politician (before now), Trump appears to be the last-best hope for fixing the government idiocracy, even if he isn’t the ideal presidential candidate. Or, at the least, they see Trump as a roll of the dice – but one that gives them better odds than anyone else.
The more complicated view
Government is both a problem and a solution – and on some issues, there’s a fine, fine line between “politics” and “government.” However, “the government” is a multi-tentacled beast.
“The government” is lying politicians willing to break into hotels, but it’s also humanitarian housing programs that help the lower class succeed. It’s agencies that keep American workers safe from greedy employers and laws that protect consumers from egotistical corporations. It’s even a military willing to pay $1,200 for a toilet seat yet also die to keep America free. It’s child welfare agencies that shield kids from abusive parents even if some those agencies appear to be run by ferrets with computers.
In fact, “the government” is a bit of misnomer. Beyond the source of a paycheck, it’s unfair to compare a soldier in Afghanistan to a clerk in the Library of Congress to Senator Paul Ryan to a social worker who looks for bruises on a child’s face – but they’re all part of “the government.”
Is smaller government better? Yes. And no. And it depends. And that question is far too simple.
In any case, liberals shouldn’t roll their eyes in wonder about conservative support for Donald Trump, nor should they assume his supporters are a bunch of fringe crazies that can never win a national election. “Make it smaller” may not be the best response to a dysfunctional government, but it’s one possible solution that fits nicely into a presidential candidate’s sound bite.
© 2016 SmithTakes.com
Karen Kimball
Perhaps you’d be interested in hearing from an actual conservative on this topic. I am a conservative. I am not sure where you are getting your information, and how you can speak for all conservatives, but I can tell you, as a conservative, that there are a few errors here as far as your general representation of conservatives goes.
First off, your first paragraph. “And conservatives don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t support Donald Trump.” This is not true. I don’t support Donald Trump. And many of my friends who are conservative don’t support Donald Trump. We realize that Trump is a petty, self-serving narcissist who is out, first and foremost, for Donald. We realize that he “pretends” to be a Christian when it’s really apparent that he is not. I mean, it’s ok if the president is not a Bible toting Christian. Just don’t embarrass yourself and pretend to be one, and then make it obvious by making obvious errors when you quote the Bible.
Next, your comment that “The solution is less government and a “simpler time” is also an inaccurate representation of “all” conservatives. There are those of us who realize that there is no such thing as a “simpler time.” Nor do we wish to go back to such. That is a very simplistic view of those who may harken back to the time of Reagan and the prosperity of the 80’s. Yes, most conservatives want less government. But that is because “more government” hasn’t solved the problems we have. More government does necessitate less freedom. And that’s where we have a problem.
Another comment, “Other issues – immigration, security, economy – are just details” is also not true. I and the other conservatives I know feel very strongly about immigration and national security, if that is what you are referring to when you say “security.” Of course, we care about the economy but truly, that is the lesser point here.
Trump scares me. He is a very petty, self-serving man. I hope that I do not have to make a choice to vote for Trump or Hillary. I am not sure what I will do then. Because Hillary is a corrupt, evil woman. But please, in the future, before you make broad generalizations of what you “think” all conservatives believe, try talking to, and interviewing at least 20 conservatives. Their answers to your questions may surprise you.
Kerry Smith
You’re right about lumping all conservatives into a single pot, and I apologize. At the very least, I should have started with “some conservatives” rather than a blanket statement. I suspect 90% of the liberals and conservatives in America could sit at the same table, discuss issues, keep voices at a moderate level and “agree to disagree.” In fact, I think the two of us could order a beer and have an interesting discussion. It’s tough to write about an issue without simplifying language, but that’s an explanation and not an excuse. I’ll try to watch that in the future – and thanks.