By John Q. Hosedrinker Michael Moore recently made a bold statement, claiming that only a ‘landslide’ loss in the upcoming election will guarantee the permanent removal of Donald Trump from the public eye. As someone who, like many others, breathed a sigh of relief when Biden won, I can’t help but nod in agreement with Moore’s sentiment. The thought of never having to hear Trump’s voice again was a comforting one, only to have that feeling shattered when he resurfaced like a stubborn virus.
It’s no secret that Trump has a cult-like following, one that seems to be immune to the concept of defeat. The idea of losing, even by the largest margin, is automatically attributed to election rigging in their minds. This mentality is concerning, as it highlights the deep divide and polarization within our country. Regardless of the outcome, whether it be a landslide loss or a mere whisker of a defeat, the fervor and loyalty of his base seem unwavering.
However, as much as a landslide defeat and a potential prison sentence might seem like the ultimate solution to rid ourselves of Trump, there are valid concerns that Trumpism will live on even after his departure from the public eye. The influence he has had on the GOP base runs deep, and the ripple effects of his presidency may reverberate for years to come. The fear of another, perhaps more sophisticated version of Trump emerging in the future is a valid one.
The media’s obsession with Trump plays a significant role in keeping him relevant, and it is a cycle that needs to be broken. Even if Trump were to fade into the background due to a landslide loss, prison time, or media disinterest, the toxic legacy of Trumpism might persist. The dark undercurrents of hate, subversion, and disregard for laws and norms are not new, but they have been amplified and exploited during Trump’s reign.
While Moore’s assertion that a ‘landslide’ loss is the key to Trump’s permanent removal from the public eye may hold some truth, the complexities of politics and society suggest that the issue runs deeper than just one man. Trump is perhaps a symptom of a larger problem, one that involves money in politics, the entanglement of religion and government, and a deeply divided nation.
At the end of the day, the real question is not just about removing Trump from the spotlight, but addressing the root causes that allowed someone like him to rise to power in the first place. A focus on unity, accountability, and a rejection of the toxic rhetoric and division that he has sown may be the only way to truly move forward and ensure that history does not repeat itself. So, as we head into the upcoming election, let us remember the importance of not just defeating Trump, but addressing the issues that allowed him to thrive in the first place. Michael Moore’s recent assertion that only a ‘landslide’ loss in the upcoming election will guarantee the permanent removal of Donald Trump from the public eye is a sentiment that resonates with many who felt relief when Biden won, only to have that feeling shattered when Trump resurfaced. The unyielding loyalty of his base, regardless of the margin of defeat, is alarming and highlights the deep divide in our country.
The idea of a landslide defeat and a potential prison sentence being the ultimate solution to rid ourselves of Trump is appealing, but the looming shadow of Trumpism persisting even after his departure raises concerns. The lasting impact he has had on the GOP base and the fear of a more sophisticated version of Trump emerging in the future are valid worries that cannot be ignored.
The media’s role in perpetuating Trump’s relevance cannot be understated. Even if he were to fade into obscurity, the toxic legacy of Trumpism may endure, fueled by the hate, subversion, and disregard for norms that were amplified during his presidency. The cycle must be broken to prevent the perpetuation of such divisive rhetoric.
While a ‘landslide’ loss may be a step in the right direction, the complexities of politics and society indicate that the issue goes beyond just one man. Trump is a symptom of broader problems, including money in politics, the intertwining of religion and government, and a deeply fractured nation that must be addressed to prevent history from repeating itself.
As we approach the upcoming election, the focus should not solely be on removing Trump from the spotlight but on tackling the root causes that enabled his rise to power. Unity, accountability, and a rejection of the division sowed by Trump are crucial to moving forward positively and preventing similar figures from emerging in the future. Let us remember the importance of addressing these underlying issues as we look towards a future beyond Trump.