# A simple question for Trump supporters **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 3, 2019, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213 "2019-10-03T17:21:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 23
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2019, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/441 "2019-10-14T17:05:30Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’m not convinced that it wouldn’t have been a shitshow under Hillary, but I **know** Trump has been bad. There’s no “lesson” to learn except don’t nominate a garbage candidate (which both major parties did). That’s just silly. Hillary was a highly experienced career politician with reasonable centrist policy proposals. How does that portend a “shitshow”? If her presidency had turned out to be a bad one, relatively speaking, at worst it would have been bad within normal parameters, to use the apt expression coined by P.J. O’Rourke. There is no comparison with Trump about which nothing is even remotely normal, and all of it skewed from normality in the worst possible way. Hillary lost simply because too many voters are ignoramuses who are incapable of judging candidates beyond their most superficial attributes. Not that Trump had anything to recommend him on that score, but he was the anti-politician and anti-intellectual, and for government-hating ignoramuses, that was enough. If Democrats were at fault for nominating Hillary, it’s because once again they failed to heed the wise words of H.L. Mencken, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.” But remember that Biden had declined to run, and the only viable alternative at the time was Bernie. Now, I like Bernie a lot, but guess what would have happened if Bernie had been the candidate in the general. Refer back if necessary to the Mencken quote, keeping in mind that Bernie’s appeal was based on substantive issues of policy. Consider also the Democrat’s thinking in 1972 (McGovern lost 520-17 in the electoral college) and 1984 (Mondale’s loss was one for the history books, 525-13). ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/442 "2019-10-14T17:30:35Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’m not convinced that it wouldn’t have been a shitshow under Hillary, but I **know** Trump has been bad. There’s no “lesson” to learn except don’t nominate a garbage candidate (which both major parties did). False equivalency noted. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Annoyed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f04885/32.png) [@Annoyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annoyed)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/443 "2019-10-15T00:52:30Z")
> [@saje](#): > > Do you still support him? > Why? Yes. Because he has the best chance to win for the Republicans. > [@enipla](#): > > Amazing isn’t it. Trump supporters STILL can’t admit (even to themselves) that they made a huge mistake. It’s really beyond a mistake and damn near criminal stupidity to continue to support that corrupt moron. I’ve been quite satisfied with trump. There are a few things I really disagree with but not much. Turkey/Syria/Kurds being a big one. But on the whole I’m quite happy so far. > [@Monty](#): > > Wow. You really are dumber than dirt. But, then, trolls usually are. How’s your ban-quest going? Still making threads and trying to get me banned ya little bitch? > [@QuickSilver](#): > > He’s made his motives perfectly clear. He’s a deplorable cunt whose only interest is to stick it to the progressives. That’s it. That’s the extent of his pathetically shallow intellectual and moral depth. To recognize whatever the progressives are for, and to instinctively and vindictively be against it. If I’m standing at the ballot box thinking about voting, all I need to do is think about how toxic and vindictive you lot are and boom, straight-ticket republican. Plus, the Republican Party most aligns with my views, so it’s a win-win. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/444 "2019-10-15T01:05:05Z")
> [@Annoyed](#): > > Plus, the Republican Party most aligns with my views, so it’s a win-win. Of course they do, you fucking Nazi. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/445 "2019-10-15T01:38:28Z")
> [@Annoyed](#): > > If I’m standing at the ballot box thinking about voting, all I need to do is think about how toxic and vindictive you lot are and boom, straight-ticket republican. AKA “Wahhhh, it’s all your fault that I am a hateful vile piece of shit. You MADE me vote this way.” ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/446 "2019-10-15T01:40:07Z")
> [@Annoyed](#): > > … > But on the whole I’m quite happy so far. > … Which parts, specifically, are you happy about? ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/447 "2019-10-15T01:49:14Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > Don’t you know? It triggers the liberals. That is enough reason to support him. Everything after that (especially the open racism/sexism/bigotry) is just a bonus. Got it in post 4. There’s a guy at my gym that wears a T-shirt that reads, TRUMP 2020 let’s piss off the liberals again. ---
**Author:** ![Annoyed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f04885/32.png) [@Annoyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annoyed)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/448 "2019-10-15T01:56:36Z")
> [@Lucas\_Jackson](#): > > Got it in post 4. There’s a guy at my gym that wears a T-shirt that reads, TRUMP 2020 let’s piss off the liberals again. And here you are posting about it. So it’s had the desired effect. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/449 "2019-10-15T02:22:10Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Which parts, specifically, are you happy about? That you’re upset. People who are well adjusted take delight in the betterment of those around them; Trump supporters are the kinds of shitheads who like shooting mammals just to watch them die. They enjoy watching people in pain, and they enjoy your instinctive reactions of outrage to it. They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission. They take delight in your suffering. You can call me crazy and curse me all you want for my views, but I am the realistic one here: there is no easy way out. There’s going to be a fight. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/450 "2019-10-15T02:25:09Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > That you’re upset. > > People who are well adjusted take delight in the betterment of those around them; Trump supporters are the kinds of shitheads who like shooting mammals just to watch them die. > > They enjoy watching people in pain, and they enjoy your instinctive reactions of outrage to it. They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission. > > They take delight in your suffering. You can call me crazy and curse me all you want for my views, but I am the realistic one here: there is no easy way out. There’s going to be a fight. You keep wishing for a fight it seems. Maybe you are just predicting a civil war like others around these parts who take disagreement as an existential threat. What side wins in this upcoming war? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/451 "2019-10-15T02:26:33Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > False equivalency noted. > > Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk Hillary lost to Trump. Doesn’t that make her a de-facto garbage candidate? ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/452 "2019-10-15T02:30:11Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Hillary lost to Trump. Doesn’t that make her a de-facto garbage candidate? Not according to the pop vote. And ignores the Russian meddling. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/453 "2019-10-15T02:31:14Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > That you’re upset. > > People who are well adjusted take delight in the betterment of those around them; Trump supporters are the kinds of shitheads who like shooting mammals just to watch them die. > > They enjoy watching people in pain, and they enjoy your instinctive reactions of outrage to it. They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission. > > They take delight in your suffering. You can call me crazy and curse me all you want for my views, but I am the realistic one here: I feel you could be a _trifle_ more realistic. If we’re to play armchair psychologist, isn’t it more likely that (a) they think you and yours are would-be enemies of America, and (b) when you say _“they take delight in your suffering”_, it’s not because of some free-floating desire to watch people in pain; it’s because they want to delight in _people like you_ suffering? ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/454 "2019-10-15T02:31:29Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > That you’re upset. > > People who are well adjusted take delight in the betterment of those around them; Trump supporters are the kinds of shitheads who like shooting mammals just to watch them die. > > They enjoy watching people in pain, and they enjoy your instinctive reactions of outrage to it. They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission. > > They take delight in your suffering. You can call me crazy and curse me all you want for my views, but I am the realistic one here: there is no easy way out. There’s going to be a fight. I’d like to hear his answer. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/455 "2019-10-15T02:39:37Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Not according to the pop vote. And ignores the Russian meddling. No one cares about the popular vote. The only vote that matters is the Electoral College. Trump beat Clinton. If Trump is a garbage candidate what does that make the most qualified candidate ever? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/456 "2019-10-15T02:42:39Z")
> [@Annoyed](#): > > Yes. > > Because he has the best chance to win for the Republicans. That’s your sole metric? You don’t care about any of the horrible things he’s done to the country, our allies, or just people in general? > [@](#): > > I’ve been quite satisfied with trump. There are a few things I really disagree with but not much. Turkey/Syria/Kurds being a big one. > > But on the whole I’m quite happy so far. So, you’re happy with unconstitutional actions, with targeting people based on prejudice and lies, with unchecked corruption and nepotism, to name just a few. How swell. > [@](#): > > Still making threads and trying to get me banned ya little bitch? Nope, you piece of crap. I’m not the one trying to get you banned. You are. If I’m standing at the ballot box thinking about voting, all I need to do is think about how toxic and vindictive you lot are and boom, straight-ticket republican. Plus, the Republican Party most aligns with my views, so it’s a win-win. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/457 "2019-10-15T02:46:38Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > You keep wishing for a fight it seems. Maybe you are just predicting a civil war like others around these parts who take disagreement as an existential threat. What side wins in this upcoming war? No, you misunderstand me. I’m not wishing for a fight. I wish it hadn’t come to this. I wish that the other side respected the norms of civility, the norms of democracy, the value of equality and justice. I didn’t want it to come to this. But what I see is that the conservatives have no interest at all in these values, these human values. Their values are inequality and injustice, and beyond that, they are perfectly willing to remove democratic mechanisms to ensure that popular response and sentiment is disadvantaged. They use the language of violence, the mechanisms of force. What is the natural reaction or response, then? ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/458 "2019-10-15T02:57:51Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > No one cares about the popular vote. The only vote that matters is the Electoral College. Trump beat Clinton. If Trump is a garbage candidate what does that make the most qualified candidate ever? So you admit Trump is garbage and most people agree with you. Got it. ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/459 "2019-10-15T04:36:26Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > I feel you could be a _trifle_ more realistic. > > If we’re to play armchair psychologist, isn’t it more likely that (a) they think you and yours are would-be enemies of America, and (b) when you say _“they take delight in your suffering”_, it’s not because of some free-floating desire to watch people in pain; it’s because they want to delight in _people like you_ suffering? I find the _“They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission.”_ part particularly appalling, it’s like someone complaining that the serfs got uppity, it positively oozes elitism. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Librarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_librarian/32/402_2.png) [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2019, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213/460 "2019-10-15T05:54:12Z")
> [@Ale](#): > > I find the _“They enjoy it because it gives them a feeling of power, which compensates for the impotence they feel in response to a world that has changed without their input and permission.”_ part particularly appalling, it’s like someone complaining that the serfs got uppity, it positively oozes elitism. I hate to bring it to you: There are people who despair because there are so many poor, poorly educated people living in areas especially vulnerable to Republican slash and burn policies that keep voting against their interests. Is that a little bit condescending? Sure. Is that condescension the worst thing in this scenario? Hell no. The naked exploitation of peoples fears and prejudices is an unbelievably transparent con. “If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.” — a quote from the sixties: It is appalling this still works. The rhetoric got a bit cruder to appeal to even stupider folks. Forgive me if I seem condescending to people who STILL fall for that shit. Racist idiots don’t seem to mind to be the sucker time after time as long they don’t get called out for being deplorable racists. – the GOP is a special kind of safe space, where you willingly go to be ass-raped as long nobody triggers your fear to be less than your darker neighbor. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-simple-question-for-trump-supporters/841213.md?page=24)