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For many individuals, especially those with liberal views, the reasons against Donald Trump’s candidacy for president appear straightforward. This has led to a growing curiosity: How can anyone still support Trump?
Critics of Trump reference a multitude of controversies surrounding him, such as his two impeachments, multiple criminal indictments at various governmental levels, and even a felony conviction. Detractors explore the notion that Trump poses a threat to democracy, labeling him as misogynistic, racist, a serial liar, and even a rapist.
Polling data shows that approximately 78% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents believe that Trump acted unlawfully in his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. In stark contrast, less than half of Republicans agree with this accusation.
As an anthropologist specializing in peace and conflict, I have been observing what could be termed the “Trumpiverse” since 2015, when Trump announced his candidacy. This exploration culminated in my 2021 publication, “It Can Happen Here”.
Recently, I have shifted my focus to studying toxic polarization and potential solutions for it. Many initiatives designed to bridge polarized viewpoints start with a crucial step: encouraging individuals to listen and understand one another.
Why do people support Trump?
To better grasp this dynamic, I have attended Trump rallies, various populist events, and gatherings aimed at fostering dialogue between Democrats and Republicans. Conversations with a diverse range of Trump supporters, from devoted MAGA fans to moderates who reluctantly support him, reveal a complex voting base.
Often, individuals on the left overlook who Trump supporters are and fail to recognize their diversity. His base cannot merely be categorized as racists or “deplorables”, as some have suggested. In reality, Trump voters typically represent demographics that are older, white, rural, and religious, while also including those outside these groups.
Numerous voters come to their support for Trump through thoughtful reasoning, despite the influence of polarizing narratives and media outlets.
Here are five major rationales that inform Trump supporters’ decisions:
1. Perceived media bias
Those who lean right often interpret political media scrutiny of Trump as an example of what some call Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). This line of reasoning posits that the media’s leftist leanings distort the interpretation of Trump’s actions and language. Some supporters claim that engaging too deeply with this biased media can lead to a skewed and emotional aversion to Trump.
Moreover, hardcore supporters assert, albeit without tangible evidence, that the media’s portrayal of Trump is part of a broader deep state conspiracy aimed at undermining Trump’s authority and the will of the electorate.
Also, many Trump advocates resonate with his assertions of being unjustly attacked, similar to how they’re sympathetic towards defendants of the January 6 Capitol riot who claim they face persecution.
2. Economic concerns
Many Trump supporters answer Ronald Reagan’s poignant question, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” with a resounding no. They often associate Trump’s presidency with favorable tax laws, economic prosperity, and significant gains in the stock market.
While statistics indicate that job and wage growth improved under President Biden, some Trump supporters feel that the ongoing inflationary pressures, with prices surging nearly 20%, overshadow any positive effects from the current administration.
Despite a recent drop in inflation, many voters still confront high prices daily, leading to a perception that Trump might handle economic challenges more effectively than Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Economic stability remains a primary concern for voters, particularly for Republicans.
3. Immigration issues
Another driving force behind Trump’s support is his stance on immigration.
Under Biden, the number of illegal border crossings has surged. Many Americans, perceiving this as an urgent crisis, recall that during Trump’s presidency, the number of illegal crossings dropped significantly.
A 2022 poll revealed that approximately 70% of Republicans believed that open borders served a political agenda aimed at altering the constituency of the U.S. populace.
Trump capitalizes on fears that undocumented immigrants contribute to a series of societal issues, such as rumors about their negative impact, which are often exaggerated or completely untrue.
In 2022, about 82% of Republicans expressed that they considered immigration to be a critical issue, reinforcing Trump’s narrative centered on border security measures and illegal immigration enforcement.
4. Evaluating records
Some Trump supporters directly compare his record to that of the Biden administration and conclude that Trump holds the advantage.
This perspective extends beyond the economy and immigration issues. Under Trump, the U.S. did not engage in any new military conflicts, while the Biden administration now grapples with various international crises, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine and conflict in Gaza.
Many Trump supporters perceive him as better equipped to deal with the geopolitical challenges posed by China, another point of contention in the current political climate.
5. The appeal of populism
While some supporters of Kamala Harris view Trump as damaging to political norms and civility, many of his proponents see him as a bold and dynamic leader capable of shaking up the status quo.
This “bull in a china shop” persona, characterized by his aggressive style and commitment to battle against his adversaries, resonates deeply among followers. Some even regard him as a savior, on a mission to rescue America from perceived threats posed by leftist ideologies.
For those deeply entrenched in the Trump-supporting demographic, the MAGA movement embodies a struggle to reclaim an America they feel is slipping away.
Source
www.yahoo.com