Jordan Peterson - My Psychoanalysis of Trump and Harris

Summary

The transcript covers a discussion comparing Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as potential U.S. presidential candidates. The speaker expresses support for Trump, citing his past performance in office, economic stability, foreign policy success, and personal courage. Trump's intelligence, humor, and leadership qualities are highlighted. In contrast, Kamala Harris is critiqued for her lack of policy knowledge and her association with the perceived failures of the Biden administration, especially in foreign policy. The speaker acknowledges a possible shift in the Democratic Party but remains skeptical about Harris' leadership potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses a preference for voting for Trump over Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election.
• 📊 The speaker believes Trump's past performance as president, including economic stability and no major wars, is a strong predictor of future success.
• 🌍 Trump is credited with establishing the Abraham Accords, which have held even during recent conflicts in the Middle East.
• 💡 The speaker notes that intelligence, rather than personality, is the best predictor of leadership effectiveness, and Trump has surrounded himself with influential figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• 💪 Trump is praised for showing personal courage in surviving assassination attempts and continuing his campaign with confidence.
• 😂 Trump's sense of humor and ability to make daring, comical statements is highlighted as a positive trait, contrasting with tyrannical figures who lack humor.
• 📈 Trump's ambition is seen as less about personal gain and more about a desire to address corruption and instability in Washington, D.C.
• 🤝 The speaker acknowledges the Democrats' shift away from the radical left, which is seen as a positive development, though the sincerity of this shift is questioned.
• 🌏 Kamala Harris is criticized for her perceived lack of strong leadership in foreign policy and her association with the Biden administration's handling of issues like Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.
• 👗 Harris's candidacy is viewed as being overly focused on image rather than substantial policy proposals or leadership qualities.

Q & A

What is the main argument made about Donald Trump's performance as president?

The speaker argues that Trump had decent economic performance, maintained a stable international situation without wars, and successfully established the Abraham Accords, which have held despite recent conflicts.

Why does the speaker believe Trump's personality is a weak predictor of his behavior?

The speaker suggests that intelligence is a stronger predictor of behavior than personality. Trump’s personality, while flamboyant and dominating, is less relevant than his documented track record during his presidency.

What significant alliances does the speaker mention Trump has built, and why are they important?

The speaker highlights that Trump has gathered powerful figures like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Robert F. Kennedy around him. This is viewed as a sign that Trump is serious about addressing issues in government, indicating he is more focused on reforms than personal ambition.

What are the speaker's thoughts on Trump's behavior after facing assassination attempts?

The speaker admires Trump's personal courage, noting that despite being shot and nearly killed, Trump continued to campaign and even made jokes about the situation, showing resilience and determination.

Why does the speaker argue that Trump's humor contradicts the notion of him being tyrannical?

The speaker points out that Trump’s sense of humor, willingness to make daring jokes, and ability to handle public ridicule set him apart from traditional tyrants, who typically cannot tolerate mockery.

How does the speaker assess Trump's motivation for seeking a second term?

The speaker believes Trump is not driven by personal ambition but by a genuine desire to fix the issues he discovered while in office. Trump initially became president by accident, but now takes the role seriously and seeks to continue his reforms.

What does the speaker criticize about Trump's debate performance against Kamala Harris?

The speaker believes Trump performed poorly in the debate, failing to focus on Harris's weaknesses and getting distracted by personal attacks. He missed the opportunity to highlight key issues like the Biden laptop controversy.

What positive change does the speaker see in the Democratic Party under Kamala Harris?

The speaker acknowledges that the Democratic Party has moved away from the radical left, which is seen as a positive shift. Harris has avoided emphasizing issues like the climate crisis, which the speaker views as unnecessary.

Why does the speaker doubt Kamala Harris’s ability to be an effective president?

The speaker argues that Harris has had her time in the White House and has not demonstrated enough force of character or policy knowledge. The Biden administration's failures in foreign policy and economic stability are partly attributed to her.

What concerns does the speaker have about the future of the Democratic Party under Harris?

The speaker predicts that a Harris presidency would likely continue the same policies as the current administration, particularly in foreign policy, where the Biden administration has been criticized for failing to stand up to threats like Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Outlines

00:00

🗳️ Analysis of Trump vs. Harris for U.S. Presidency

The speaker discusses the two contrasting candidates, Trump and Kamala Harris, in the context of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. They express a preference for Trump, citing his previous four years of presidency, marked by stable international relations, economic performance, and the Abraham Accords. The speaker acknowledges Trump's flamboyant personality but emphasizes his intelligence and documented track record as a better predictor of his future behavior. They also discuss Trump's evolution over time, highlighting his reduced bluster and increased humanity. The speaker notes Trump's association with influential figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy, suggesting it as a sign of self-awareness and humility. The speaker also admires Trump's personal courage, as demonstrated by his reaction to assassination attempts and resilience in continuing public campaigning afterward.

05:00

😂 Humor and Personality Traits of Trump

The speaker elaborates on Trump's unique traits, including his humor and boldness in speech, which distinguish him from tyrannical leaders. They argue that Trump's sense of humor, including his entertaining and cutting remarks on social media, is not typical of a tyrant. Additionally, they point out that Trump does not seem driven by mere ambition; rather, his motivation seems to stem from his realization of the corruption in Washington, D.C., and his commitment to addressing it. The speaker criticizes Trump's debate performance against Kamala Harris, indicating that he failed to capitalize on her weaknesses and allowed his ego to interfere. They contrast this with Harris, noting her failure to provide a clear direction for the country, which the speaker believes is a major flaw.

10:02

🔄 Predictions for a Kamala Harris Presidency

The speaker speculates on what a Kamala Harris presidency would entail. They acknowledge the Democrats' shift away from the radical left under the current leadership and give some credit for this change, even if it may be performative. However, they criticize Harris's performance as vice president, arguing that she has not demonstrated the force of character required for the presidency. The speaker points to the Biden administration's poor foreign policy track record, including the failure to address issues with Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. They predict that a Harris presidency would likely continue the same path, as she does not appear to have the necessary policy knowledge or a transformative vision for the country.

Keywords

💡Polar Opposites

This term refers to the vast differences between the two candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, who are seen as having starkly contrasting political ideologies and leadership styles. In the script, this concept emphasizes the extreme divergence in their approaches and policies, making them symbolic of the broader political divide in the U.S.

💡Past Behavior

The idea that an individual’s past actions are the best predictor of their future decisions is discussed in the context of Trump’s presidency. The speaker suggests that Trump’s previous term in office, particularly his handling of the economy and foreign policy, should serve as an indicator of what a second Trump presidency might look like.

💡Abraham Accords

The Abraham Accords are peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, brokered during Trump's presidency. In the script, this is highlighted as one of Trump’s foreign policy successes, contrasting with current challenges in the Middle East. The speaker credits Trump for achieving what many believed to be impossible, framing it as a significant diplomatic accomplishment.

💡DC Swamp

This metaphor refers to the political corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency within Washington, D.C., often used by Trump to describe the establishment he claims to be fighting against. In the script, the speaker argues that Trump, initially shocked by the extent of this 'swamp', has grown more serious about his role in combating it, framing his second run as a mission to continue draining this corruption.

💡Narcissism

Narcissism refers to excessive self-centeredness or admiration of oneself. The script addresses Trump’s narcissistic traits, such as his flamboyant personality and desire for public attention, but argues that his willingness to share the spotlight with powerful figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demonstrates a more collaborative side, challenging the perception that his narcissism is out of control.

💡Moral Courage

Moral courage is highlighted in the discussion of Trump’s resilience after assassination attempts. The speaker praises Trump for his defiance in continuing to campaign despite threats to his life, framing this as a demonstration of genuine bravery and 'grace under pressure.' This quality is positioned as an unexpected but notable aspect of Trump’s character.

💡Radical Left

The 'radical left' refers to the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, often associated with progressive policies on climate change, social justice, and government regulation. The speaker notes a shift away from these positions under the current Democratic leadership, including Kamala Harris, and expresses approval of this move, whether genuine or performative.

💡Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

The script critiques Kamala Harris for her lack of policy knowledge and leadership force. The speaker suggests that her performance as vice president has been underwhelming and that her inability to take control of key issues, such as foreign policy or economic management, raises doubts about her potential to lead effectively as president.

💡Foreign Policy Disaster

This concept refers to the speaker's view that the Biden administration, with Kamala Harris as vice president, has failed in its foreign policy efforts, specifically mentioning the handling of Iran and the war between Russia and Ukraine. The script argues that these failures have contributed to global instability, painting a bleak picture of continued Democratic leadership.

💡Image over Policy

This criticism is leveled at Kamala Harris, accusing her of focusing more on her public image than on substantive policy work. The speaker contrasts this with Trump, whose past actions and policies are viewed as concrete evidence of his leadership abilities, while Harris is depicted as lacking depth in her political agenda.

Highlights

A key argument presented in favor of Trump is his track record during his presidency, particularly highlighting economic performance and international stability.

The best predictor of someone's future behavior is their past behavior, with the speaker emphasizing this regarding Trump's first term as president.

Trump's intelligence and personality are discussed, with intelligence being labeled as a stronger predictor of behavior than personality.

The Abraham Accords, which Trump helped establish, are noted as a significant achievement that continues to have international impact, even amid ongoing conflicts.

The speaker believes Trump has matured in his behavior over the last five years, becoming more defensive but also less blustery and more human.

Trump has gathered a powerful coalition around him, including figures like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Robert F. Kennedy, signaling a shift in political alliances.

The discussion highlights Trump's narcissistic tendencies but notes his willingness to share the spotlight with influential people, which is seen as a positive shift.

Trump’s personal courage is underscored, with specific examples of him continuing to campaign despite assassination attempts and injuries.

The speaker commends Trump's sense of humor, arguing that it sets him apart from tyrannical personalities who typically cannot tolerate humor or public jesting.

Trump's motivation for a second term is questioned, with the speaker suggesting that it is not driven by personal ambition but rather a sense of duty after witnessing corruption in Washington, D.C.

Kamala Harris is psychoanalyzed, with the speaker noting the Democratic Party's movement away from the radical left as a positive development.

Harris is criticized for not taking a more active or forceful role as vice president, with the speaker questioning her ability to be an effective leader.

The Biden administration's handling of foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, is harshly criticized.

Harris is framed as a candidate more focused on image than policy, raising concerns about her ability to effectively govern if elected president.

The speaker argues that Harris' presidency would likely result in another four years of similar policies to the Biden administration, without significant change or improvement.

Transcripts

you've got two complete Polar Opposites

now running for president of the United

States if you were psychoanalyzing Trump

and carela Harris what would you

conclude right now based on everything

you've seen and

heard well if I could vote in the

American election I would vote for

Trump and I don't trust Harris now do I

trust Trump

well he was President for four years

like look the best predictor of

someone's future behavior is their past

Behavior if you're trying to hire

someone and you have documented history

of their efforts in precisely the domain

that you're attempting to hire for and

the evidence is clear and and valid you

use that in favor of all other

predictive what would you say predictive

markers so I think it's more appropriate

for me as a clinician who knows the

psychometric literature to point out

that independent of Trump's personality

which tends by the way to be a

relatively weak predictor of behavior

it's intelligence that's the best

predictor and then personality we have a

documented track record okay so what do

we know about Trump well as far as I'm

concerned we know this decent economic

performance

markedly stable International situation

no Wars plus and that's something no

Wars plus he established the Abraham

Accords and they've held even after

October 7th and everybody in the state

department told the Trump Administration

that that was that putting that

agreement together was impossible now of

course it's the Abraham Accords that

have infuriated and frustrated the bad

factors in Iran and that's pretty much

the entire political class there and fed

October 7th and produced this

catastrophe that's unfolding but putting

that at the feet of Donald Trump is a

very ill- advised thing to do so I would

say with regards to Trump well we know

what a trump presidency would be like

but there's something else to consider

too because you might say well you know

that was round one and now it's round

two and Trump is older and although I

think he's actually modified his

behavior to some degree

as a consequence of being beat up so

thoroughly over the last 5 years and

although he's a bit defensive he's also

less blustery and more human which I

think is a big plus but for me the other

thing that I've seen really switch

that's really been positive for me is is

that Trump has pulled a lot of hyper

powerful people together around him musk

telsey gabard um vac ramaswami Robert F

Kennedy most of whom would have being

Democrats in anything approximating a

sane and normal world and so you see my

sense is that somebody who's

narcissistic impulses are out of control

because Trump is a flamboyant and

dominating character who likes the

public light so you think well you know

does he tilt too far in the narcissistic

Direction it's like well why would he

share the spotlight with the rest of

this crew and the other thing that we

should consider is that look man I would

vote for Trump if for no other reason

than Musk himself has already agreed to

head something like a department of

governmental efficiency in the US it's

like okay yeah enough said you know and

then Kennedy is bringing the Public

Health crisis into the political realm

and both those two things are

revolutionary I would also Swami seems

to be R Swami is a very smart guy as

well I I completely agree with you um on

that also I think that Trump has shown

with these assassination attempts

something very surprising that I suspect

a lot of people would not have expected

and that is genuine personal courage I

mean the first time when he was actually

shot to insist on getting back up and to

punch the air defiantly was a remarkable

thing to do but I thought even more

remarkably was a week later he was back

on stage at another rally with an even

bigger crowd like nothing had happened I

spoke to him that night and he was you

know very gung-ho I'm just going to keep

keep doing it they're not going to stop

me that is personal moral courage I I

don't think you ever know whether you

have it until it happens and then you

saw again with this latest one you know

he was cracking jokes immediately

afterwards say well I wish I could have

finished my birdie put uh again the

reaction I mean I it's a quality of

trump that we haven't really seen until

you see it and you're never quite sure

how people will respond when there are

genuine threats to kill them and he's

actually being shot and then nearly got

killed again and yet he's back out there

continuing with the campaigning so

whatever you think of

I do think on the personal courage

aspect he's shown a lot of it

recently yes Grace Under Pressure but

also you pointed to something else is

that he was up cracking jokes you know

Hitler wasn't well known for his sense

of humor and the thing about Trump and

you can't deny this Trump is a funny

bastard right he's funny he'll say

daring things just because they're

comical he's really good at it and even

his Twitter usage his ex usage Twitter

of course because he's not really using

the platform now um

impulsive uh entertaining unbelievably

cutting and funny in a standup comedian

sort of manner and you know that just

doesn't go well with the tyrannical

personality because tyrants aren't well

known for being able to tolerate the

court gester let's put it that way and

so Trump is tough and funny the other

thing about Trump you got to think about

too is you know is he

ambitious well I don't think it's

ambition that's driving his pursuit of

this second term I mean first of all

Trump's an old man and second of all

he's already president and he's as

famous as you can get yeah and you might

say well his ambition is so overweening

that you know it's compelling him

forward regardless and I don't actually

think so I actually think that what

happened was that Trump accidentally

became president shocked the hell out of

him and then he got some sense of

exactly how

unstable and corrupt the DC swamp had

become and he started to take the role

seriously and now I think he's taking it

even more seriously and that's part of

why he's building this Coalition I think

he made a dreadful mistake in the debate

with camela Harris because well first of

all he didn't highlight the Biden laptop

spectacle which is like a a bit of

political maneuvering that outdoes any

deviant that I've ever seen since the

beginning of my political awareness

including everything that went around on

around Richard Nixon who was impeached

for his much lesser sins um Trump has

gathered these people around him and

he's ready to move forward now he didn't

make a case for that in the damn no

debate I thought he was actually I

thought he had a bad debate actually I I

thought that she she played him rather

cleverly she played to his narcissism

let's call it I think what it is a bit

about the crowd side is about all that

kind of stuff and rather than him laser

likee focusing on her weakness which is

that after four years the country

clearly is not in a better place that's

why she couldn't answer that question

and skewering her on her actual pity of

policy knowledge I mean she doesn't seem

to know what she would do if she ran the

country she sort of played into his

hands of allowing himself to be goed and

getting into a bit of a street fight and

then saying crazy stuff about cats and

dog and so on and so on um conversely if

you were looking at her right now yeah

how do you psychoanalyze kamla Harris

okay well let's let's give the devil is

due to begin with one of the market

things I have seen happening with the

Democrats since this switch in

leadership is their movement away from

the radical left and so I'd like to give

them credit for that I think now is it

real well maybe some of me doesn't care

if it's real even if it's performative

even if it's purely performative it's

long overdue and very welcome and so you

don't hear camela talking much about the

climate crisis which I'm perfectly happy

about because I think that's an absolute

load of anti-human rubbish in the main

and uh the more leftist types within the

Democrat Party have been effectively

sidelined at least as this campaign has

progressed so you know thumbs up on that

regard having said that on the principle

that previous performance is the best

indicator of future performance camela

has had her time in the white house now

you might say the vice presidency is a

secondary role but if you're the sort of

person that would only allow the vice

presidency to be a secondary role then

maybe you're not fit to be president you

don't have enough force of character and

we've already seen what a Biden

Administration looks like and what I see

the Biden Administration look like I

mean America is such an economic power

house that it's still trudging along

rampaging along like a bow in the china

shop like it always does but foreign

policy has been a complete bloody

world-ending disaster under the

Democrats they haven't stood up to Iran

which is a pack of vipers without

compare and we have this terrible brutal

and I think unnecessary war going on

between Russia and Ukraine which could

spiral out of control at any moment and

is highly likely to and so that's on

Harris and the Democrats and that's a

major issue so and then what we might

say well what will we get under camela

and maybe it's the case that the move

away from the radical left is real

although I need a lot more evidence

before I would believe that but the

easiest thing to predict is another four

years of the same thing yeah like why

wouldn't you predict that it's it's not

like she's the only one calling the

shots and as you already pointed out

maybe we could have more confidence that

she would be a transformative leader

pull the Democrats to the center what

would you say act in a stellar manner on

the foreign policy front and put the

economy in order Well we'd be a lot more

convinced of that if she was 10 times

more policy oriented than she appears to

be I completely agree yeah yeah I've

never seen a candidacy focused so much

on image in my life in any country