I think this is an excellent analysis. Have you put much thought into why people so intensely defend politicians and parties as cult figures instead of as vehicles to achieve worthy goals?
I'm not talking about someone like Ted Cruz who went from being a strong deficit hawk to silent on the budget when Trump took over. His incentives are clear.
I'm talking about the more numerous supporters who evaluate each new event based on how it reflects on Trump.
I've come up with a theory of tribalism. People take base their identity on affiliation to a larger group; a political party, a college, a sports team, etc. Once they've done that anything that reflects badly on the group makes them feel bad about themselves. Which leads us to a place where people who spent a lifetime supporting the free market want government control as soon as that market produces media companies that they feel disrespect them.
Anyway, your piece is a good one and I just wanted to add that thought.
It might help if people decided there is value to having a consistent moral code.
Was your friend "captured by his audience," or was he genuinely persuaded to change his views?
I think this is an excellent analysis. Have you put much thought into why people so intensely defend politicians and parties as cult figures instead of as vehicles to achieve worthy goals?
I'm not talking about someone like Ted Cruz who went from being a strong deficit hawk to silent on the budget when Trump took over. His incentives are clear.
I'm talking about the more numerous supporters who evaluate each new event based on how it reflects on Trump.
I've come up with a theory of tribalism. People take base their identity on affiliation to a larger group; a political party, a college, a sports team, etc. Once they've done that anything that reflects badly on the group makes them feel bad about themselves. Which leads us to a place where people who spent a lifetime supporting the free market want government control as soon as that market produces media companies that they feel disrespect them.
Anyway, your piece is a good one and I just wanted to add that thought.
It will be interesting to see if your critique of the incoming administration includes its adherence to the Constitution.
Or that you consider the possibility that, say, the People’s Republic of China may not have our best interests at heart.
Or that the Second Amendment is not an individual right.
Or the latest Twitter theme, “Hang Pence” is appropriate.
In any case, take heart. Your anti-Trump street cred will probably protect you from cancellation...or worse.
Frankly, I look forward to the day when I can vote FOR a presidential candidate instead of AGAINST one. Such has been the case for me since 1992.