An Insightful Analysis on Trump’s Political Method
A thought-provoking reflection by The Economist‘s US editor, John Prideaux, in a subscriber-only newsletter sheds light on an interesting aspect of Donald Trump’s political strategy. In a recent statement regarding the devastating fires in and around Los Angeles, Trump’s response on Truth Social was far from conventional. Instead of offering sympathy to the victims or outlining plans for recovery, he chose to blame Governor Gavin Newsom, stating, “Gavin Newsom should resign. This is all his fault!!!”
Prideaux highlights a key element of Trump’s appeal – his willingness to defy expectations and say things that go against the norm. While a typical politician would express empathy and reassurance, Trump’s direct attack on Newsom resonates with his supporters who share his disdain for the governor. This tactic, while unconventional, taps into the underlying currents of animosity in politics, as eloquently expressed by Henry Adams: “politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been the systematic organisation of hatreds.” Trump’s ability to harness this sentiment has been a significant factor in his political success.
This approach can be linked to Anthony de Jasay’s theory of the state, which posits that any action by the state inherently involves discrimination in some form. In a democratic setting, this leads to a cycle of demands for privileges from different groups, ultimately culminating in a state where equality is only a facade, with certain individuals wielding disproportionate power and influence.
Looking ahead, figures like Trump and Joe Biden may just be fleeting figures in a larger narrative of power dynamics within the state. The concept of a “Plantation State” as proposed by de Jasay envisions a society where equality is a facade maintained by those in power, while discontent simmers beneath the surface.
In this hypothetical scenario, individuals may harbor resentment towards the state but are compelled to suppress their feelings due to the pervasive nature of discrimination and privilege. The dynamics of power and inequality continue to shape the political landscape, with figures like Trump using divisive rhetoric to maintain and expand their influence.
