Jeff, thanks for this take. There is some big talent going into the administration. I truly hope that the Trump admin can double down on border security and the economy.
It would be easier for me to believe in leprechauns, Santa Claus and the tooth fairy than to think his reptilian brain is going to adapt...but it's a nice, brief fantasy thought.
Interesting. All great character compel us because of their motivations. The deeper and more complex the motivation, the more dynamic the character. I see a deep seeded desire to dominate and humiliate and to be dominated and humiliated by this potential Superman. I also see a more surface level desire to elevate the self, promote and market the self, the narcism. Unfortunately, while I think the surface level motivation will inspire moments of legacy building, the deeper motivation will find ways to hurt others and itself.
I agree, and that's the base case. But what if his worst traits can be harnessed to advance democracy, like some sort of bell-shaped boomer superhero? It's unlikely and maybe batshit, but I'm open to being surprised.
It may sound odd, but I expect him to be easily successful in the FoPo dept, and to have a nearly impossible time with institutional reform. This annoys me, because if I had to pick, I'd happily take the latter, as long-term it puts the US in a far superior position.
Stranger things have happened. I would love it if Jeff were correct about this, but I am not exactly holding my breath. Even if all of these good things happen, I would still regard Trump as one of the slimiest human beings on the planet.
...this is a fun and really surprising idea and article Jeff...i think the condition most feel towards the incoming administration is well earned and closer to the likeliest possible outcome [dismal]...but in true WWE fashion what if America's greatest heel became its hero instead?...feels fun to seek optimism for the time being...now whether the dice rolls this way or snake eyes we will see...fingers crossed for the best...
The author seems to not realize that Trump already was president. We already saw what a Trump presidency was like. The man is 8 years older now, it is hard to see how he would be *more* energetic than before. I expect large amounts of executive time. If there is any foreign policy agenda enacted, I expect Bushian outcomes (for the same reason-strong personalities among underlings with an the absence of a strong, stable, energetic boss.
As I see it, Trump would be best served by trying to do as little as possible so as to avoid unforced errors and maximize his executive time. There is a reason he plans to be dictator on day one. Throw a bunch of shit at the wall when things haven't had time to go south, and then let his underlings figure stuff out.
I don't appreciate your passive-aggressive jab that I do not realize Trump was already President. Obviously, I do. As the piece makes clear, my expectation for this admin are not high, but I am open to being pleasantly surprised. If you disagree with that, that's fine — but don't come on my timeline insulting me or I will block you.
I did not mean to give insult. What I was calling attention to was that you did not seem to use the information available from Trump’s first term in your thinking.
Trump is a politician, who lies more than the average politician. One cannot use things he says as evidence for what he might do. But he WAS president, and there is the record of what he actually did. Actions speak louder than words. In 2016 Trump said he wanted to cut taxes and implement tariffs. He did this. So when Trump in 2024 says he wants to cut taxes and implement tariffs, I think he really wants to do this.
Trump talked a lot in 2016 about illegal immigrants in the US and how we planned to deport them and build a wall to keep more from coming in. But when in office he didn’t do these things. Trump used hire illegals, so there is every reason to suspect this was a campaign talking point and not really something he seriously wanted to do. So I don’t expect all that much on this issue.
You write “Imagine an America where border sovereignty is restored, illegal immigration curbed, and legal pathways strengthened.”
Why would Trump want legal pathways strengthened? It would not be popular with his base. I don’t recall him ever talking about that. Did he?
Then you say “To embody Superman, he must respect the rule of law, press freedom, and civil discourse.”
This is true, but when did Trump ever indicate through actions (or even words) that this is something he wants to do?
Like here you say “Trump could strengthen NATO....”
When did he say or do anything that suggested he wanted to strengthen NATO? NATO was to protect Western Europe from the USSR and the Warsaw Pact. When the USSR collapsed NATO no longer had a purpose, but it wasn’t disbanded. Instead, the US continued to play a major role in NATO allowing the European countries to free-ride on the US. I seem to recall Trump pointing out this free-riding back in 2016. I distinctly recall Trump questioning why we still have troops in S Korea sixty years after the war ended. And when in office he did try to get the Europeans to pay more because their free riding on us makes us suckers. I think he probably doesn’t like that.
It seems to me that you have listed a number of things you want, but you do not explain why you think Trump wants these things.
I accept your broader point, though you get a lot wrong in your details and miss the spirit of the piece. (Examples: While he annoyingly disses NATO in words, member countries increased contributions during his first term when he accused them of free-riding. On immigration, he explicitly has gone away from his base in advocating for more skilled immigration, if you've been paying attention.) I am less optimistic about him being respectful to the press and institutions....
Moreover, while the past is usually the best indicator of future performance, his second term may not look identical to his first. My base case is that it will be net bad, but the purpose of this piece was to look at the optimistic case.
There's also a persuasion angle I was directing at Trump insiders (exhorting to be a democracy hero rather than a supervillain), but perhaps that isn't obvious to outsiders.
I did note that he pushed for larger contributions from NATO members. I simply see it as a response to their freeloading (which makes us suckers) rather than an effort to make NATO stronger.
As for the skilled immigration deviation (of which I was aware), this proves my point that immigration restriction is not something he cares about. His base does, but not he. But you implied that he did care about immigration and would try to secure the border more than it already is (border crossings are way down from a year ago).
“To embody Superman, he must respect the rule of law, press freedom, and civil discourse.” Even if he had focus and self-discipline, Donald won’t.
Aside side from his prospective nominees for State and Treasury, his list is not very talented in terms of public service (Musk and Ramasmarmy, for example), and several carry heavy ethical baggage (Hegseth, Gabbard).
And DODGY won’t happen, even if there are likely huge economies possible at DOD and in how Medicare is gamed.
Good article. You're talking about the mythology and not the man . . .
I read a study from the late 2000s indicating that the average American spent less than 5 minutes per day thinking about politics.
He's certainly changed that! - the "political awareness" is fucking DEAFENING.
I like my little apolitical bubble in HN. I was home for ONE year of his first term and it was patently ridiculous. My Dad was from East Germany, Mom from the USSR . . . "If people just stopped talking about politics they wouldn't know the difference."
Hence Aristotle's "moderation" . . . I think that in for years more people will have dropped out and just get over this. We idolise way too many politicians of lore who never had to withstand the scrutiny of the 24-hour news cycle, nevermind Twitter.
SOMEHOW I am already finding the shock worn off and I'm learning less.
Just ramblings. Thoughts. Do I have to submit a close reading assignment?
"Political awareness" makes for a more DEMOCRATIC society!! Obvious, no? Your argument isn't only about the man, it's about the discourse around him. I think that's pretty obvious . . .
Yes agreed, none of this is going to unfold in a predictable linear way, and in retrospect it may turn out to be the transformative shock we need to get us to a better place.
He's already won office, so the arsonist is already in the office! It's unlikely, and maybe batshit, but I think we should be open to positive outcomes.
Just the picture of Trump as Superman brought back a memory of the Genesis music video that has Reagan (portrayed by a puppet) putting on his Superman uniform to the lyrics…
“Oh, Superman, where are you now?
When every thing's gone wrong somehow?
Men of steel, these men of power
I'm losing control by the hour”
The song is all about ‘80s angst and a call to action for good… I think Reagan can be Superman, but the people are the ones to solve the problems. the video is absolutely nuts too (a lot snow consumed making that one 😂)
Does Trump realize he's been given the biggest mulligan in American history?
So true
Jeff, thanks for this take. There is some big talent going into the administration. I truly hope that the Trump admin can double down on border security and the economy.
It would be easier for me to believe in leprechauns, Santa Claus and the tooth fairy than to think his reptilian brain is going to adapt...but it's a nice, brief fantasy thought.
Ha! Fair enough... I'm not saying he'll change but that some good could come out of his admin.
Interesting. All great character compel us because of their motivations. The deeper and more complex the motivation, the more dynamic the character. I see a deep seeded desire to dominate and humiliate and to be dominated and humiliated by this potential Superman. I also see a more surface level desire to elevate the self, promote and market the self, the narcism. Unfortunately, while I think the surface level motivation will inspire moments of legacy building, the deeper motivation will find ways to hurt others and itself.
I agree, and that's the base case. But what if his worst traits can be harnessed to advance democracy, like some sort of bell-shaped boomer superhero? It's unlikely and maybe batshit, but I'm open to being surprised.
It may sound odd, but I expect him to be easily successful in the FoPo dept, and to have a nearly impossible time with institutional reform. This annoys me, because if I had to pick, I'd happily take the latter, as long-term it puts the US in a far superior position.
Reasonable take!
Stranger things have happened. I would love it if Jeff were correct about this, but I am not exactly holding my breath. Even if all of these good things happen, I would still regard Trump as one of the slimiest human beings on the planet.
...this is a fun and really surprising idea and article Jeff...i think the condition most feel towards the incoming administration is well earned and closer to the likeliest possible outcome [dismal]...but in true WWE fashion what if America's greatest heel became its hero instead?...feels fun to seek optimism for the time being...now whether the dice rolls this way or snake eyes we will see...fingers crossed for the best...
Thanks. As with many things, I think it's good to be clear-eyed and also open to surprise.
Broligarchs got me
The author seems to not realize that Trump already was president. We already saw what a Trump presidency was like. The man is 8 years older now, it is hard to see how he would be *more* energetic than before. I expect large amounts of executive time. If there is any foreign policy agenda enacted, I expect Bushian outcomes (for the same reason-strong personalities among underlings with an the absence of a strong, stable, energetic boss.
As I see it, Trump would be best served by trying to do as little as possible so as to avoid unforced errors and maximize his executive time. There is a reason he plans to be dictator on day one. Throw a bunch of shit at the wall when things haven't had time to go south, and then let his underlings figure stuff out.
I don't appreciate your passive-aggressive jab that I do not realize Trump was already President. Obviously, I do. As the piece makes clear, my expectation for this admin are not high, but I am open to being pleasantly surprised. If you disagree with that, that's fine — but don't come on my timeline insulting me or I will block you.
I did not mean to give insult. What I was calling attention to was that you did not seem to use the information available from Trump’s first term in your thinking.
Trump is a politician, who lies more than the average politician. One cannot use things he says as evidence for what he might do. But he WAS president, and there is the record of what he actually did. Actions speak louder than words. In 2016 Trump said he wanted to cut taxes and implement tariffs. He did this. So when Trump in 2024 says he wants to cut taxes and implement tariffs, I think he really wants to do this.
Trump talked a lot in 2016 about illegal immigrants in the US and how we planned to deport them and build a wall to keep more from coming in. But when in office he didn’t do these things. Trump used hire illegals, so there is every reason to suspect this was a campaign talking point and not really something he seriously wanted to do. So I don’t expect all that much on this issue.
You write “Imagine an America where border sovereignty is restored, illegal immigration curbed, and legal pathways strengthened.”
Why would Trump want legal pathways strengthened? It would not be popular with his base. I don’t recall him ever talking about that. Did he?
Then you say “To embody Superman, he must respect the rule of law, press freedom, and civil discourse.”
This is true, but when did Trump ever indicate through actions (or even words) that this is something he wants to do?
Like here you say “Trump could strengthen NATO....”
When did he say or do anything that suggested he wanted to strengthen NATO? NATO was to protect Western Europe from the USSR and the Warsaw Pact. When the USSR collapsed NATO no longer had a purpose, but it wasn’t disbanded. Instead, the US continued to play a major role in NATO allowing the European countries to free-ride on the US. I seem to recall Trump pointing out this free-riding back in 2016. I distinctly recall Trump questioning why we still have troops in S Korea sixty years after the war ended. And when in office he did try to get the Europeans to pay more because their free riding on us makes us suckers. I think he probably doesn’t like that.
It seems to me that you have listed a number of things you want, but you do not explain why you think Trump wants these things.
I accept your broader point, though you get a lot wrong in your details and miss the spirit of the piece. (Examples: While he annoyingly disses NATO in words, member countries increased contributions during his first term when he accused them of free-riding. On immigration, he explicitly has gone away from his base in advocating for more skilled immigration, if you've been paying attention.) I am less optimistic about him being respectful to the press and institutions....
Moreover, while the past is usually the best indicator of future performance, his second term may not look identical to his first. My base case is that it will be net bad, but the purpose of this piece was to look at the optimistic case.
There's also a persuasion angle I was directing at Trump insiders (exhorting to be a democracy hero rather than a supervillain), but perhaps that isn't obvious to outsiders.
Thanks for the feedback.
I did note that he pushed for larger contributions from NATO members. I simply see it as a response to their freeloading (which makes us suckers) rather than an effort to make NATO stronger.
As for the skilled immigration deviation (of which I was aware), this proves my point that immigration restriction is not something he cares about. His base does, but not he. But you implied that he did care about immigration and would try to secure the border more than it already is (border crossings are way down from a year ago).
“To embody Superman, he must respect the rule of law, press freedom, and civil discourse.” Even if he had focus and self-discipline, Donald won’t.
Aside side from his prospective nominees for State and Treasury, his list is not very talented in terms of public service (Musk and Ramasmarmy, for example), and several carry heavy ethical baggage (Hegseth, Gabbard).
And DODGY won’t happen, even if there are likely huge economies possible at DOD and in how Medicare is gamed.
As this essay repeatedly acknowledges, all of this is probably true, but there’s still some chance good can come out of his admin.
🤞🏻
Your taking a long time to wake up
Apparently, you don't know my history. Write one more comment like this on one of my essays, and I will ban you. Also, it's "you're."
Good article. You're talking about the mythology and not the man . . .
I read a study from the late 2000s indicating that the average American spent less than 5 minutes per day thinking about politics.
He's certainly changed that! - the "political awareness" is fucking DEAFENING.
I like my little apolitical bubble in HN. I was home for ONE year of his first term and it was patently ridiculous. My Dad was from East Germany, Mom from the USSR . . . "If people just stopped talking about politics they wouldn't know the difference."
Hence Aristotle's "moderation" . . . I think that in for years more people will have dropped out and just get over this. We idolise way too many politicians of lore who never had to withstand the scrutiny of the 24-hour news cycle, nevermind Twitter.
SOMEHOW I am already finding the shock worn off and I'm learning less.
I don’t understand your point or how it relates to the article.
Just ramblings. Thoughts. Do I have to submit a close reading assignment?
"Political awareness" makes for a more DEMOCRATIC society!! Obvious, no? Your argument isn't only about the man, it's about the discourse around him. I think that's pretty obvious . . .
No worries. I do expect people to make coherent points when they comment on my platform and was just trying to understand you.
I love you optimism Jeff, but isn’t this a bit like asking the arsonist to step in to help put out the fire?
Yes agreed, none of this is going to unfold in a predictable linear way, and in retrospect it may turn out to be the transformative shock we need to get us to a better place.
He's already won office, so the arsonist is already in the office! It's unlikely, and maybe batshit, but I think we should be open to positive outcomes.
Whoa… I got a flashback to the Genesis music video for Land of Confusion. Songs lyrics are also relevant.
Fascinating, lol. What do you see as the connection between that and this essay?
Just the picture of Trump as Superman brought back a memory of the Genesis music video that has Reagan (portrayed by a puppet) putting on his Superman uniform to the lyrics…
“Oh, Superman, where are you now?
When every thing's gone wrong somehow?
Men of steel, these men of power
I'm losing control by the hour”
The song is all about ‘80s angst and a call to action for good… I think Reagan can be Superman, but the people are the ones to solve the problems. the video is absolutely nuts too (a lot snow consumed making that one 😂)