2.28.24

The worse it gets, the better.

The antecedent of “it” goes without saying. Never in living memory has such a horror hovered over our collective consciousness; seldom in history. Trump is worse than a mistake; he’s abominable, a repudiation of conventional human values, a contemporary anti-Christ. This is not hysteria screeching, but cool observation. Every day Trump provides more vivid evidence of his vileness, glorying in the abhorrence he stokes. He is not running for President, not really, but for Mephistopheles, the most memorable character of his age – an eminence he’s already secured. He may lose contests but he cannot be erased from memory. “Let them hate,” he can chortle with Caligula, whose notoriety likewise persists, “as long as they fear.”

Why anyone would seek such renown may puzzle us, but the phenomenon is hardly uncommon. Many the mass murderer who celebrates his celebrity. Such psychopaths rarely rise to public power, for politics, unlike homicide, is no do-it-yourself affair. The shock of Trump isn’t his ambition but his recruitment genius. How has he lured so many functioning intellects into his insanity?

Running for forever differs from running for President, therefore calls for different tactics. Politicians in pursuit of pluralities modify their positions to appeal to undecided voters who might put him over the top. Yes, they need to enthuse their core supporters, but in a close contest, which our Presidential contests almost always are, they need to persuade waverers. Running for immortality, you do nothing to dilute the purity of your brand. Crucifixion is preferable to compromise, even desirable, for it demonstrates commitment. Jesus could not have been Jesus without dying on the cross.

From the get-go, Trump has gloried in his ability to retain his adherents no matter what. No offense could unhorse them they’re so smitten. His Messianic assurance swells to utter certainty as he gallops toward coronation has his party’s Presidential candidate. He doesn’t believe he can lose – or that he’s ever lost: why should he change tactics now?

The prospect of such a President – and a second Trump Presidency would be incalculably more destructive than the first – makes any sane soul shudder. Even some fans will have to swallow hard to give him their vote. And that’s the good news. By November Fifth, every American, however dense, will know we face an existential, not a political, decision, a defining moment which could fundamentally alter America – and civilization – forever. Our vote will not be casual, but moral: we’ll be defining not just America but ourselves.

I predict we the people will be overwhelmed by last-minute nausea at the idea of Trump and revert to sanity. Many presently convinced they like Trump will have second thoughts. Some who advertise themselves as Trump voters will cast their ballots for Biden, whom they decry but can’t revile (name that Thune!). Trump will achieve the crucifixion he and his poor party richly deserve.

And if I’m wrong?

We’ll have learned something about ourselves. Only when tested does character discover itself. It’s easy to be generous with extra cash in your pocket or pleasant to strangers you don’t care about. Only hard choices reveal the soul. One of my little vanities is how I conducted myself when my being was threatened. I didn’t quail.

No two votes are identical. Forty-four years ago, after anguished deliberation, I cast my vote for Reagan over Carter. It was a mistake for which I’ll never forgive myself, but a mistake of comprehension, not character.

If we reelect Trump, we’ll deserve him – and the misery he spawns. How bad we are will be good to know.