It is among the most familiar patterns of the Trump era.
First, Trump says or does something weird, rude or otherwise norm-defying. Some elected Republicans object, and the response from Trump and his minions is to shoot the messenger. The dynamic holds constant whether it’s big (Jan. 6 pardons) or small (tweeting “covfefe” just after midnight).
The essence of this low-road-for-me-high-road-for-thee dynamic rests on the belief that Trumpism is a one-way road. Insulting Trump, deservedly or not, is forbidden, while Trump’s antics should be celebrated when possible, defended when necessary, or ignored when neither of those responses is possible. But he should never, ever face consequences for his own actions.
This was the week Trump’s routine went global.
The hardest part is learning so much about fellow people you thought you knew.
I have a close person in my life, we used to organize together, went to rally’s, etc. and this person even claims to be responsible for my politics. But they lost their mind during Covid, went anti-mask and jumped both feet into the medical weirdness. Wound up being a big RFK fan.
Now that all this shit is happening, I keep trying to inspire some action. This person told me they were done, not willing fight, wants to let their kids and other people fight for them, they need to be a breadwinner.
So, just embraced the insanity, then stepped aside just in time for fascism to take over. When the fight matters, they just gave up.
Sucks, but at least I finally got to know the real them.
Sounds like a true leftist there.