THOMPSON: The greatest American political debacle ever

It’s easy to fall in love with your own views. This is especially true when your viewpoint reaches crowd proportions. Millions of Americans fell in love with Donald Trump’s views…even though most turned out to be lies. 

A lot of us cautioned against Trump becoming president…twice. Those of us who knew him, knew very well that he was woefully unfit for the job. But too many people didn’t listen – preferring instead the hyperbole of a man with more complaints than solutions – and voted for him anyway…twice.

What, you ask, makes those of us who hated the idea of a Trump presidency any different than his supporters? Aren’t we just as guilty of falling in love with our own views. Yes, we are. The difference, of course, is between facts and, well, alternative facts.

Everyone from political pundits and cultural commentators to comedians have taken cracks at explaining why so many Americans voted for Trump…and still support him even today.

The so-called experts have laid racism, sexism, ignorance, nationalism, Islamophobia and economic determination – among dozens of reasons – at the feet of the electorate. There’s some truth in almost all of them.

But in my mind there is an over-arching reason – the French call it the raison d’être – to explain why people ever believed Trump was the solution to any problem. There was, indeed, a confluence of reasons contributing to what I believe is the greatest American political debacle ever. But it is one reason that stands out.

A deep cultural divide exists in America – transcending racism and sexism and nationalism – and it has been around as long as America. It is values…a complex concept to be sure. It is myth that a single set of values defines America. Not even early on – 240 years ago – when people coming to America came from diverse cultures and countries was that true. What they shared was a fear of where they left…and the belief in rights to certain freedoms.

Historically, people with separate but equal American values have found homes in two political parties for most of the past century…Republicans and Democrats. Today, however, more Americans identify themselves as Independents than either Democrats or Republicans…further blurring the lines marking vast differences in a nation of 341 million people.

I always cringe a little when I hear people talk about their values. Usually it’s as if they somehow possess something more noble that those who hold opposing views…or values. But as you would expect, there are both good and bad people in America…and they populate the Left and Right…Republican, Democrat and Independent…every shade of skin colour and every religion and even the absence of faith.

The determining factor in this big divide falls between those who believe in facts and those who believe in alternative facts…also know as fiction. Facts are truths…the essence of freedom…not just in America, but everywhere. The term alternative fact – coined by Kellyanne Conway, counsellor to President Trump eight years ago – has existed in practice if not name for some time. 

An alternative fact is, of course, nothing more than a lie…that often grows into a series of lies. Alternative facts and fake news are fuelled, of course, by incredible public ignorance. Today, Americans live in two separate planes that do not – and will likely never – intersect. A year ago, I was unsure what Trump supporters would have to see and hear to make them believe something beyond the lies and propaganda coming from the White House.

But today, affordability turns out to be the one thing Trump can’t lie about to voters. They buy groceries…and pay for healthcare…and places to live. It’s the economy, stupid.

Donald Trump has proven unfit to lead America. He ran a family business into bankruptcy six times. Quite frankly, he could never lead a publicly-traded company. He’s made more money grafting since becoming president a second time than from any business. His single strength is an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. 

Americans who need to get smarter…are doing just that. Ordinary citizens who once avoided government are paying attention at every level…local, state and national. Americans are beginning to understand that facts are facts…truths. There are no alternate facts…or versions of truth.

Entering Trump’s second year of his current presidency, there are many more Americans who disapprove (56%) of Trump than approve (39%). That’s three points below where he was one year into his first term…and seven points behind former President Joe Biden’s disapproval rating when he left office.

America has always flirted with fascism…it was dragged into the Second World War. Consider the other side of the coin…39% of Americans approve of Trump. It’s a slow and painful process…deadly for many innocent folks…but democracy will prevail.

There have been “lame duck presidents” before…but never one this crippled…never one this blind to the needs of people…and never with one with three years left in a four-year term.