This essay was motivated by a German TV documentary broadcast on March 11. It tells the story of the Republican Party since Reagan - its long slide from the business and economic focus of 50 years ago to today’s MAGA. The roles played by Newt Gingrich and Fox News were explained, but, surprisingly, there was no discussion of Rush Limbaugh. The main focus was on Newt's proof that division and hate are more effective grassroots politics than any elaboration of policy, and how Republicans have effectively utilized this strategy. The Republican Party has effectively leveraged the resentful and gullible masses, assisted by big money from super-rich libertarians who resent any form of government regulation (e.g. the Koch brothers, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk). They want to effectively replace government with themselves. The liberal drift of society (minority and women’s rights, reduced influence of religion, loss of white male dominance) motivates the religious zealots, racists, misogynists and hidebound conservatives wanting to go back 100 years. The Republicans have leveraged these resentments effectively. There was no discussion of how income and wealth has steadily shifted from from the poor to the rich. Is this is really so politically unimportant?
Trump was portrayed as the most skillful beneficiary of this strategy. His public speech is full of hate and resentment. His open advocacy of more power for himself and his rich friends has not made him politically noxious.
John Bolton was interviewed. He thinks Trump sincerely believes that Putin is his friend, whereas Putin sees Trump as a useful idiot.
Another Bolton opinion: many Republican politicians who are accused of cowardice for failing to be truthful about Trump, do not fear Trump’s political wrath as much as physical harm to themselves and their families. (Bolton is among those who's security protection was recently canceled by Trump.) I am skeptical. This does not explain Lindsey Graham and the many enthusiastic Trump sycophants who go out of their way to praise Trump. They either lust for his approval, or they truly believe in his destructive politics.
