Biden has supporters. Trump has a fanbase. That's my takeaway from the article, and that insight alone made the read worth it. But Mike Pence or Don Jr. can't pick up Trumpism and just play covers. A cover band does not fill stadiums. Trumpism is over. All future tour dates are cancelled. Fans hungry for encores will see shows where imitators play "Build the Wall" "Lock Her Up" and all the other favorites from the first album, but it won't be the same without the leading man. Cover bands pander, but Trump's genuine contempt for his fans is what made him seem like a rock star. It's something that other politicians will not dare do, because they deep down want to please supporters. Trump seemed manly because he transparently only wanted to please himself.
Biden has supporters. Trump has a fanbase. That's my takeaway from the article, and that insight alone made the read worth it. But Mike Pence or Don Jr. can't pick up Trumpism and just play covers. A cover band does not fill stadiums. Trumpism is over. All future tour dates are cancelled. Fans hungry for encores will see shows where imitators play "Build the Wall" "Lock Her Up" and all the other favorites from the first album, but it won't be the same without the leading man. Cover bands pander, but Trump's genuine contempt for his fans is what made him seem like a rock star. It's something that other politicians will not dare do, because they deep down want to please supporters. Trump seemed manly because he transparently only wanted to please himself.
One of the best explanations of Trumpism I've read. Thanks.
Good piece, Ross, but I think you are mistaken in repeating the mainstream (and still very-much-half-baked-bc-based-on-unreliable-exit-poll-data) analysis re: the Latinx vote. Juan Gonzalez of Democracy Now! broke it down yesterday: https://www.democracynow.org/2020/11/5/2020_election_ballots_electoral_college
Another great essay !! Thank you.