If issues were all that mattered, then for Trump, what matters is immigration. This currently stands as Trump's only section under his "positions" list. Trump makes a number of implications in his platform that are demonstrably false. For example, he implies that "illegal immigration" is accounting for a surge in crime. Studies have consistently shown this to be false.
Trump is far from unique among politicians from using the specter of crime, especially crime committed by the "other", as a political weapon. From Willy Horton to "tough on terror" campaigns. Trump is unique in part because he has also defined himself in opposition to "political correctness". The purpose with this is not to further any particular law or policy; the effect is more subtle. The purpose is to fight back against strides in social decency that have been made in recent decades. When Trump defends the usage of misogynistic slurs against women, he is not standing up for people's rights or free speech. He is asking for a microphone, and asking others to be denied from calling him out.
There's more to Trump than just his belligerence, though. Again, he is far from the only candidate to rail against "PC politics" - look at his most popular rival, Carson, for example. Trump prides himself on being a strong leader and dealmaker. His tone centers not on leadership as a form of cooperation, but rather as domination. He describes modern political relations as us "losing to China and Mexico". He openly advocates imperial conquest.
Trump's rhetoric, policy, and base of support have much in common with the ideology of neoreaction, also known as the "Dark Enlightenment". In the words of RationalWiki,
Hostility to modernity and democracy is the main point of agreement among neoreactionaries. Moldbug writes that "a reactionary is a believer in order, stability, and security. All of which he treats as synonyms ... Thus, the order that the rational reactionary seeks to preserve and/or restore is arbitrary. Perhaps it can be justified on some moral basis. But probably not. It is good simply because it is order, and the alternative to order is violence at worst and politics at best. If the Bourbons do not rule France, someone will – Robespierre, or Napoleon, or Corner Man."
Now, this isn't to say Trump is a true neoreactionary. There's no evidence of him intending to overthrow the American political system, or return to a feudal style of governmence. Yet, something about him certainly seems to catch the eye of prominent neoreactionaries.
Thisis from the blog "more Right", by Michael Anissimov, considered a "intellectual leader" in the neoreactionary movement.
Branches of the neoreactionaries also seem to enjoy him quite a bit. The " Red Pill"movement, a misogynistic belief in engaging women through manipulation and domination, describes Trump in very nice terms. This youtube video is of a popular Redpiller channel, describing him in positive terms as "intellectually raping" a female reporter.
Readers so far might find this to be rather disgusting. That's how most normal people should react. Trump's candidacy is not seen as a joke or entertainment for the neoreaction end of the spectrum. It's seen as a vindication for what they believe. A lone billionaire seizing the power of the executive branch for himself, and proceeding to run the government like they would a private corporation is the embodiment of their goal. His specific policies don't even matter - it's the idea that his candidacy represents. He is a man who seeks to reverse modern standards for decency and respect.
This should be a caution mark for progressives who eye him in a positive way. This camp falls under several categories, and I confess I dabbled in some of them previously. There are those who see him as entertainment, and enjoy him trashing on establishment Republicans. There are those who see him as a way to ensure Democratic victory by achieving the nomination. Unfortunately, there are also those who are swayed by his handful of vague "liberal" positions on taxes, healthcare, and trade, who due to their own circumstances are willing to look past his odious views on immigration.
All of these categories misunderstand him. His campaign is not based on policy, it is based on domination of his rivals. Any policy stance he takes is intended to force his opponents into awkward and hypocritical positions, weakening them. It should be a warning sign that his so-called "progressive" stances show far less prominence in his tone than his views on immigration, foreign policy, and "political correctness". And when Trump gets stronger, he emboldens his base. The people who view Democracy as a disease, and see women as tools for their own carnal pursuits, see their positions as gaining ground and are encouraged to push them further.
As Democrats, we must focus our efforts on strengthening our own party and making sure our nominee, whoever it may be, is capable of repudiating these views and offering a progressive alternative. If Trump says something that sounds cool on healthcare, we must make sure our candidates respond by pushing to improve and expand the ACA. As the GOP candidates tie each other up in debates over taxes, we must help both Sanders and Clinton emphasize their clear proposals on economic fairness. Overall, we must make sure that our party continues to uphold values that maintain respect and fairness for all Americans.
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