As someone who was a giant Trump fan, but managed to escape the cult and now hates him vehemently:
I can say one of the big reasons that I blocked any criticism of him, was that the media lied so much about Trump and other subjects, that I didn't believe it when it was telling the truth.
Russia's $60k spend on ads didn't win Trump the election (certainly not against $2bn spent by clinton). The media lied/covered up the Hunter Biden laptop. So I was sure that the rest of it was also lies and just stopped reading NYT/CNBC/and all the rest of them.
The media ruined its credibility and we as society are paying the price.
One of the big moments I realized Trump was a grifter was his Crypto meme pump and dump. This was no longer a 'theory', when you see how he stole money from his fans essentially, it disillusioned me from any thinking that he cares about anybody else apart from himself.
Thanks for naming all the psychological ways 47 manipulates people.
Two other areas: they are anti-women (see the overturning of Roe and the SAVE act), and their educational levels are lower. It’s one reason why maga is against public education.
The third area: That Republicans are better on the economy than Democrats. We see with the reckless destruction of markets and allies that is a lie.
What gets me is that every post-COVID government was replaced. Inflation and higher interest rates did it. Even the best governments committed to their people got replaced.
The only method I have seen work is breaking people out of maga one at a time. Supporting them once they get out.
Boy, there are so many topics in this post, I am not sure where to begin. Years ago I was told there were two major visions of a President: a benevolent leader who will guide you into making good decisions and the stern father that tells you what to do and expects no protest. People who prefer the stern father or authoritarian were probably raised by stern parents and they are comfortable with being told what to do. People who were raised with parents who encouraged them to investigate and make their own decisions are uncomfortable with such a leader. I understand how an authoritarian leader may be attractive. Under such a leader, I would not have to investigate or think for myself. I could devote myself to other endeavors and just follow along. Democracy takes work and requires its citizens to learn, investigate and make decisions about their future. It requires one to think and engage in analysis. Of course, that may be difficult if a person chooses to follow one news source that is slanted toward a specific political viewpoint. While we may cherish democracy, there are those who feel democracy does not work for them. And there are those who would love to blow up democracy. I think there was big segment of voters who chose Trump out of financial insecurity. They were having trouble making ends meet and Trump promised a better future. Some could easily blame diversity or affirmative action. Those people may be persuaded to reconsider their choice given what is happening in the world. Then you have the MAGA hard core supporters and they may admire Trump as a cult leader. I doubt you will change their minds. Think Jim Jones and being willing to drink poisoned koolaid because you feel the world is against you. I would throw White Supremacists into that group, who see Trump as fulfilling Biblical prophecy and capable of making us into a white Christian nation and reversing the trend that minorities will become the majority. Good luck changing their minds. Then you have the billionaires who believe they know best and want to preserve and increase their wealth. They will follow the money. And remember that millions failed to vote at the last election, again believing that democracy does not work for them and all politicians are essentially alike. It’s hard to sympathize with people who did not even vote. Bu we also had a system of checks and balances, which has been eliminated as Republicans stand behind Trump - is it blackmail or insider trading - and Democrats who are now starting to speak out. Then you have the rule of law, which so many respect but it is being systematically dismantled. While many Dems would even agree to the deportation of violent criminals, they might insist on obeying the rule of law and providing due process to the accused. The courts are trying to hold off the actions of Trump. Finally, you have the people who are banding together to speak out. Their voices are getting louder every day and the protests are getting larger. Did anyone contemplate an evil person such as Trump becoming President? It shocks the conscience but I am not ready to give up hope. We are fighting back and more will join in.
So well said, Donna—and exactly why you had such a great run as an appellate lawyer.
I didn’t write this piece to tell people how to “fix” the red hats. I wrote it to help us better understand why some of our family members, neighbors, and friends think the way they do. Honestly, when it comes to changing their minds, many of them might be a lost cause.
What matters now is focusing on the 90 million eligible voters who didn’t show up in 2024. If we can help them feel empowered to vote—and I believe we can—we have a real shot at turning things around and taking back a majority in Congress in 2026.
Yes, there’s been a lot of damage. And yes, there’s a ton of work ahead. But it’s worth it.
We also need to double down on education. Too many people are falling for disinformation because they haven’t been given the tools to think critically—and that needs to change, fast.
Great chatting last week. Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
It really is. What this article tells me is that it's also going to be a challenge, if not impossible, to change how and why many people think as they do.
The way out of TrumpLand. Sing this song: https://on.soundcloud.com/waVDaLSMh0evIPKi1w
As someone who was a giant Trump fan, but managed to escape the cult and now hates him vehemently:
I can say one of the big reasons that I blocked any criticism of him, was that the media lied so much about Trump and other subjects, that I didn't believe it when it was telling the truth.
Russia's $60k spend on ads didn't win Trump the election (certainly not against $2bn spent by clinton). The media lied/covered up the Hunter Biden laptop. So I was sure that the rest of it was also lies and just stopped reading NYT/CNBC/and all the rest of them.
The media ruined its credibility and we as society are paying the price.
One of the big moments I realized Trump was a grifter was his Crypto meme pump and dump. This was no longer a 'theory', when you see how he stole money from his fans essentially, it disillusioned me from any thinking that he cares about anybody else apart from himself.
Roger Ailes legacy of perversion and spitefulness
No kidding. Spot on.
Thanks for naming all the psychological ways 47 manipulates people.
Two other areas: they are anti-women (see the overturning of Roe and the SAVE act), and their educational levels are lower. It’s one reason why maga is against public education.
The third area: That Republicans are better on the economy than Democrats. We see with the reckless destruction of markets and allies that is a lie.
What gets me is that every post-COVID government was replaced. Inflation and higher interest rates did it. Even the best governments committed to their people got replaced.
The only method I have seen work is breaking people out of maga one at a time. Supporting them once they get out.
Boy, there are so many topics in this post, I am not sure where to begin. Years ago I was told there were two major visions of a President: a benevolent leader who will guide you into making good decisions and the stern father that tells you what to do and expects no protest. People who prefer the stern father or authoritarian were probably raised by stern parents and they are comfortable with being told what to do. People who were raised with parents who encouraged them to investigate and make their own decisions are uncomfortable with such a leader. I understand how an authoritarian leader may be attractive. Under such a leader, I would not have to investigate or think for myself. I could devote myself to other endeavors and just follow along. Democracy takes work and requires its citizens to learn, investigate and make decisions about their future. It requires one to think and engage in analysis. Of course, that may be difficult if a person chooses to follow one news source that is slanted toward a specific political viewpoint. While we may cherish democracy, there are those who feel democracy does not work for them. And there are those who would love to blow up democracy. I think there was big segment of voters who chose Trump out of financial insecurity. They were having trouble making ends meet and Trump promised a better future. Some could easily blame diversity or affirmative action. Those people may be persuaded to reconsider their choice given what is happening in the world. Then you have the MAGA hard core supporters and they may admire Trump as a cult leader. I doubt you will change their minds. Think Jim Jones and being willing to drink poisoned koolaid because you feel the world is against you. I would throw White Supremacists into that group, who see Trump as fulfilling Biblical prophecy and capable of making us into a white Christian nation and reversing the trend that minorities will become the majority. Good luck changing their minds. Then you have the billionaires who believe they know best and want to preserve and increase their wealth. They will follow the money. And remember that millions failed to vote at the last election, again believing that democracy does not work for them and all politicians are essentially alike. It’s hard to sympathize with people who did not even vote. Bu we also had a system of checks and balances, which has been eliminated as Republicans stand behind Trump - is it blackmail or insider trading - and Democrats who are now starting to speak out. Then you have the rule of law, which so many respect but it is being systematically dismantled. While many Dems would even agree to the deportation of violent criminals, they might insist on obeying the rule of law and providing due process to the accused. The courts are trying to hold off the actions of Trump. Finally, you have the people who are banding together to speak out. Their voices are getting louder every day and the protests are getting larger. Did anyone contemplate an evil person such as Trump becoming President? It shocks the conscience but I am not ready to give up hope. We are fighting back and more will join in.
So well said, Donna—and exactly why you had such a great run as an appellate lawyer.
I didn’t write this piece to tell people how to “fix” the red hats. I wrote it to help us better understand why some of our family members, neighbors, and friends think the way they do. Honestly, when it comes to changing their minds, many of them might be a lost cause.
What matters now is focusing on the 90 million eligible voters who didn’t show up in 2024. If we can help them feel empowered to vote—and I believe we can—we have a real shot at turning things around and taking back a majority in Congress in 2026.
Yes, there’s been a lot of damage. And yes, there’s a ton of work ahead. But it’s worth it.
We also need to double down on education. Too many people are falling for disinformation because they haven’t been given the tools to think critically—and that needs to change, fast.
Great chatting last week. Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
Very interesting read. The mind is a powerful tool and deception is the art of manipulating a lost mind.
The mind is fascinating, interesting and always surprising. Thanks.
It really is. What this article tells me is that it's also going to be a challenge, if not impossible, to change how and why many people think as they do.
This is how cults form. And MAGA is a screaming example. This was eloquently explained here.
So let’s follow our good neighbors to the north. As the Canadians say, “elbows up!”
It’s really nothing new. It’s just on a scale never before seen. And the consequences could be devastating.
Agree. The impact is dangerous.
Best read of the day! Well done. Thanks
Glad it resonated with you Mark. Thanks!
Brain hurt!😑🫨😒🙄😐😒🤪🎃🤡👻