A small business owner who voted for Donald Trump recently posted a video on TikTok, pleading for help as crushing tariffs on China threatened to bankrupt his operation, which imports alloy wheels. His call for support, however, drew little sympathy from some fellow Americans.
“Votes have consequences,” he was told, with many comments from Twitter/X users relishing the notion that another MAGA voter was suffering because of their political choice. The backlash prompted a second video from the man, in which he dropped several F-bombs while criticizing the apparent heartlessness of those celebrating his hardship.
One can be both stupid and fearful. In fact, Trump needs his minions to be both of these things, because with intelligence and rationality, comes the notion that one need not fear things like the LGBTQ+, or women.
When people are stupid enough to believe they have something to fear, the solution can be easily sold to them.