Why did Trump voters vote Trump?

Summary

In this rapid-fire Q&A, the speaker addresses key political questions surrounding Donald Trump's victory and the state of democracy. Topics covered include the surprising support from some marginalized groups for Trump, the potential dangers of mass political mobilization, and the impact of social media on elections. The discussion also touches on the issues of depoliticization, the ethical shortcomings of political leaders, and the disillusionment many voters feel. Ultimately, the speaker argues that while Trump’s support comes from a variety of reasons, the crisis of leadership and ethics in modern politics is a pressing concern.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gay voters aligning with Trump or similar parties is not inherently inconsistent, as some marginalized groups may feel alienated by cultural elites and hyper-identity politics.
• 😀 There are valid reasons for minorities, including black and gay individuals, to support Trump, such as frustrations with economic de-prioritization and cultural derision from the left.
• 😀 Trump's appeal to voters can be understood as a response to the perceived failures of the political system, with many voters seeking economic and cultural respect.
• 😀 Despite certain segments being toxic, the majority of Trump voters are motivated by a mix of values, including a desire for economic betterment and frustration with political elites.
• 😀 The concept of 'mass hysteria' in politics can be seen in the toxic mobilization of certain crowds, but the speaker warns against overapplying this label to the broader Trump base.
• 😀 False consciousness, or the idea that people's opinions are shaped by external power forces, is relevant to political discussions but difficult to apply to social media manipulation in modern politics.
• 😀 Social media platforms like Twitter (now X) played a role in targeting voters with misinformation, but the speaker emphasizes this is not the top factor explaining election outcomes.
• 😀 Depoliticization in the U.S. manifests as a hyper-participatory form of disengagement, where people engage with politics as a form of self-expression rather than actual political action.
• 😀 The decline in voter turnout from 2020 to 2024 may reflect a sense of depoliticization, but this trend is different from apathy seen in authoritarian regimes like Russia, where people disengage completely from politics.
• 😀 The ethical caliber of political leaders, particularly Trump, is seen as lower than that of ordinary citizens, contributing to voter disillusionment and internal conflict among his supporters.

Q & A

Why do some gay people vote for Trump or equivalent homophobic parties in the European Union, despite the rights revolution that supported inclusion?

There is nothing inherently inconsistent about being gay and supporting Trump. Some individuals from minority groups, including those who are gay, may feel that the elites' cultural and economic disregard for half of the population justifies their alignment with Trump, as he represents a backlash against those elites.

Is there a benefit for disadvantaged groups under Trump's leadership compared to Democrats?

While Trump may not be ideal for disadvantaged groups, some may see him as offering opportunities for greater economic and cultural respect. However, in general, his policies might not be as favorable for those genuinely disadvantaged as compared to the Democrats.

Can mass hysteria or similar phenomena occur on the scale seen with Trump in the United States?

Yes, mass mobilization and political hysteria can occur on a large scale, as history has shown. However, while there are toxic segments of Trump’s voter base, the majority of his supporters are motivated by a mix of values, political frustration, and a desire for economic and cultural respect, rather than mass hysteria.

What is the connection between the breakdown of trust and the spread of misinformation, particularly in political contexts?

Misinformation often arises from a breakdown of trust in institutions and a lack of political agency. Without a shared, quality public journalism system, misinformation becomes widespread, particularly on platforms like Twitter, which can significantly influence voter behavior.

Does the reduced voter turnout in 2024 compared to 2020 signal depoliticization in the United States?

In the U.S., depoliticization does not necessarily mean disengagement from politics but often takes the form of hyper-participation in apolitical forms of political expression, such as entertainment or identity politics. This creates a distorted relationship with the political system.

What are the key components of thought or character necessary for sustaining a healthy democracy?

A healthy democracy requires individuals to have a sense of responsibility, to think in terms of the public good, to respect institutions, and to communicate in ways that depolarize political discussions. These are crucial to preserving democratic values.

Why do some Trump voters seem to have broken hearts, conflicted about their support for him?

Many Trump supporters are not wholly enamored with him; rather, they vote for him with a sense of disgust or self-repulsion. This reflects the broader crisis of having political representatives who are often ethically worse than average citizens, leading to a sense of disillusionment among voters.

Is the idea that disadvantaged people are ethically pure a misconception?

Yes, it is a misconception. Disadvantaged individuals are not inherently pure or virtuous. As George Bernard Shaw argued, poverty can often lead to negative behaviors, and disadvantaged people can act with mixed motives, which are human and complex.

How does the problem of depoliticization in the U.S. differ from that in other countries like Russia?

In the U.S., depoliticization often manifests as an overparticipation in politics in apolitical ways, such as entertainment or self-expression, rather than disengagement. In countries like Russia, depoliticization is more about withdrawing from politics entirely due to political repression and lack of agency.

What role does targeted advertising, especially on platforms like Twitter, play in shaping voter behavior?

Targeted advertising can play a significant role in shaping voter behavior by influencing individuals with tailored misinformation or polarizing content. While this may be a factor in elections, it should not be viewed as the sole or primary cause of political outcomes. The broader issue is the lack of quality public journalism and the breakdown of trust in traditional media.