We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident: Trump Is a Lawless Authoritarian Who Tore Up the Constitution
17th July 2022
The phenomenon is indeed very noticeable, and has been almost from the start of Trump’s political journey. It is in the nature of a creed – a formal statement of faith – rather than an observation requiring proof, defense, or even discussion.
Not only that, but belief in this creed is also a badge of honor and a sign of belonging to the righteous and the reasonable. Disagree with it, or even ask that an example be given, and receive disdain. You will be marked as an outsider to virtue, and perhaps even a Trump supporter or Trump defender, which puts you beyond the realm of reasoned discourse.
I am not overstating this. It’s not universal, of course, but it is very common on the left and even in rank and file Democrats. I think it accounts at least in part for the position of the NeverTrumpers. The effect is amplified, as all such effects are, by the echo-chamber nature of the left and of the MSM. If all the “smart people” believe that Trump is all those awful things, the only ones to doubt it must be dumb or evil or both. And a related conclusion is that if Trump is tearing up the Constitution, then the opposition is also justified in cutting constitutional corners and “cutting a great road though the law to get after the devil.”