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.
I wholeheartedly believe that there are many on the left that would go as hard against MAGA and their supporters as Zion goes against the Palestinians. A lot more on the left would be comfortable watching people like ICE and the Proud Boys get back as good as they’ve given. They might fundamentally oppose brutality (and seeing others enjoy dishing it out), but people are fed up and revenge is… pleasing. Long term, sustained, no excuses genocide against every MAGA supporter though? The left would turn on itself if it industrialized eliminating them all. It’s much easier to stomach the idea of a middle aged Oathkeeper getting wiped in a fire fight than it is to toss someone’s MAGA loving granny into the meat grinder because it’s her turn in line.