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2024 ELECTION | UNITED STATES
The Surprising Efficacy of the “He’s Weird” Argument
Instead of solely pointing out Trump’s mounting crimes and threats to democracy, the Left has found unexpected results in a new line of attack
There were many moments during Trump’s run in 2016 that seemed as though they might spell the end for his candidacy and career in politics. From calling Mexicans “criminals” and “rapists,” to the time he invited Russian interference in our election (a request Putin was more than happy to oblige), to the release of the Access Hollywood tape — the now-infamous “Grab em’ by the pussy” comment.
But perhaps there was no plainer display of his character than what we saw when he made fun of reporter, Serge Kovaleski, a columnist who suffers from a congenital joint condition. It wasn’t a misspeak, or an issue of policy, but among his most abject failures to display standard human decency. It was a moment where he seemed not just like a bad leader, or a selfish, lecherous creep, but the epitome of a high school bully — a man who would happily deign to humiliate a disabled person in front of a crowd.
But it’s largely that most repugnant component of his character that’s resulted in his rise to political power. It’s because he attacks people on Twitter and Truth Social, comes up with middle-school monikers to denigrate opponents and dissenters, and knows vitriol better than he does policy.
The most scathing political accusations have struggled to stick to the figure who turns around and hurls petty insults. He’s been aptly labeled “Teflon Don” for his ability to slip free from legal consequences for his crimes and remain unsaddled by all ills in the eyes of his supporters.
One of his most effective strategies has been his ability to bury his opponents by shoving their apocalyptic cries of a government on the brink of collapse into a sea of noise. Each new scandal that emerged throughout his 2016 run for office, as well as throughout his presidency, was quickly buried by a new one. Behind us are the days when pointing out the apparent threat of Trump’s rule was enough to sway voters. The dire cautionings about his character and intentions…
