“How can anyone vote for someone so… racist, sexist, unconstitutional, hateful, unhinged?” This question echoes across the UK and the United States, particularly among those struggling to comprehend the enduring appeal of Donald Trump. Having spent considerable time observing Trump rallies and analyzing the political landscape, it’s clear that dismissing his supporters as simply uninformed or misguided is a profound misunderstanding of the forces at play.
The question itself often carries an air of intellectual superiority, suggesting that those who question Trump’s appeal are somehow more enlightened than his followers. This perspective assumes that the flaws of Donald Trump are so glaringly obvious that only the unintelligent or ignorant could fail to see them. However, what becomes evident when engaging with Trump supporters is not stupidity, but a potent mix of frustration, pain, and a deep yearning for respect that mainstream politics has seemingly overlooked.
Tucker Carlson, speaking at Madison Square Garden, aptly captured this sentiment: “They tell you, the people who can actually change a flat tire, who pay your taxes and work 40 hours a week, that you are somehow immoral. We have a message for them: you are not better than us, you are not smarter than us.” This quote encapsulates the core grievance felt by many Trump supporters – a sense of being condescended to and disregarded by a perceived elite.
The Sentiment of Disrespect and Being Overlooked
To simply label this phenomenon as the “politics of grievance” is to trivialize the very real feeling of disrespect and alienation experienced by a significant portion of the population. The sense of being “a stranger in your own land,” as some describe it, is a powerful motivator. This feeling is often rooted in the perception that the college-educated, urban-centric segments of society look down upon those without a college degree, those in rural areas, and those engaged in traditional working-class occupations. This perceived condescension fuels resentment and a desire for a leader who speaks directly to their concerns and validates their experiences.
Even after Trump’s electoral victories, a significant portion of the population remains bewildered, even angered, that he has regained power, often attributing it to what they perceive as a campaign built on falsehoods. The narrative of “lies,” particularly regarding the 2020 election, is certainly part of the story. However, for many of his supporters, Trump’s appeal is rooted in a deeper truth: the feeling that the economy and government are no longer working in their favor, and that mainstream political parties have failed to address their needs in recent years.
Economic Grievances and Political Disenfranchisement
This sense of economic and political disenfranchisement was palpable when speaking with Bill, a lifelong Democrat encountered at a Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh. Bill’s story is illustrative of a broader trend. He recounted feeling abandoned by the Democratic party after attending a fundraiser where he felt every demographic was addressed except for someone like him: a working father struggling to maintain a middle-class life. “I realized the Democrats were no longer for me,” Bill stated, highlighting a crucial shift in political allegiance driven by a perceived lack of representation.
While the fervent atmosphere of Trump rallies, with their sea of red MAGA hats and chants of “USA, USA,” can be easily dismissed as cult-like, and the presence of conspiracy theories is undeniable, it’s crucial to look deeper at the underlying motivations. For many attendees, the driving force is a feeling of lost order and control in their lives. Concerns about border security, economic instability, and the rising cost of living are not abstract political issues; they are tangible anxieties that directly impact their daily lives.
The Desire for Order and Disruption
In times of perceived chaos and uncertainty, the appeal of a “disruptor” figure becomes potent. Trump positions himself as someone who rejects the “stale, failed norms of political discourse,” an outsider who can “hack through the undergrowth” of a broken system, even if his methods are considered offensive or unconventional by some. His supporters believe that his perceived lack of political correctness and his willingness to challenge established norms are not flaws, but rather evidence that he is serious about enacting real change. Had Trump been “polite, generous, restrained and conciliatory,” his supporters might have found it impossible to believe he would deliver the radical shake-up of the system they desire.
Alt text: Donald Trump rally, supporters in MAGA hats listen attentively, highlighting the passionate base of support for the former president.
Democratic Missteps: Head and Heart
Trump’s enduring popularity is not an anomaly or an inexplicable aberration. It is a direct consequence of a disconnect between a significant portion of the electorate and the established political order. As evidenced by electoral shifts, the Democratic party has demonstrably “lost people” – both in terms of intellectual conviction (the “head”) and emotional connection (the “heart”). Failures in addressing issues like inflation and border security, coupled with a perceived inability to articulate a compelling narrative that resonates with struggling working families, have created a vacuum that Trump has effectively filled.
This situation presents a significant challenge for both the Democratic party in the US and parties of the left in other nations seeking to regain or maintain power. Trump’s rise could be a watershed moment, akin to Margaret Thatcher’s victory in 1979, signaling a fundamental shift in the political landscape and necessitating a comprehensive rebuilding of progressive political projects from the ground up.
Understanding Trump’s Appeal and the Path Forward
The path forward requires a fundamental re-evaluation of political priorities and strategies. A successful progressive agenda must be squarely focused on the needs and concerns of working people. This necessitates “heavy lifting” to develop and implement bolder policies addressing the cost of living, ensuring fair wages, securing borders, and acknowledging the aspirations of those who choose not to pursue higher education.
Furthermore, there needs to be a recognition that the current mode of governance is failing too many people and requires fundamental change to rebuild trust. Addressing the challenges of a fragmented and polarized media landscape and developing more effective communication strategies are also crucial. Ultimately, the creation of a compelling narrative centered on the common good, belonging, and mutual respect – one that is grounded in practical solutions and resonates across diverse segments of society – is essential to bridge the divides and build a more inclusive and effective political future.
Alt text: Diverse crowd at a political rally, illustrating the wide range of people drawn to Trump’s message and events.
Trump’s success stems from his ability to present himself as the candidate who offered a better message and, in the eyes of his supporters, a more viable path forward. While many may disagree with his policies and approach, and believe they will ultimately be detrimental, it’s undeniable that he offered “real hope” to millions – hope for economic improvement, increased security, and a reduction in global conflicts. He positioned himself as a protector against a world of rapid change and a patronizing elite.
The choice now lies between unproductive outrage towards Trump supporters and a genuine effort to understand the underlying reasons for his popularity. Instead of engaging in endless debates about labels and ideologies, a more constructive approach involves understanding the legitimate grievances that have fueled Trump’s rise and dedicating efforts to strengthening and expanding a progressive agenda that addresses these concerns with vigor and innovation. This path of curiosity and constructive action, rather than dismissive anger, is the only way to move forward effectively.
