By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amidst a looming government shutdown, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is urging her Democratic colleagues to resist President Trump’s demands. She asserts that the Republican Party’s strength is a facade, based on a perception of power that is unsupported by public opinion. Ocasio-Cortez believes that the public is turning against Trump and his Republican allies, and that this budget negotiation is a chance for Democrats to protect the Affordable Care Act subsidies and to stop the president’s actions in eliminating the federal workforce.
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Trump Is Far Weaker Than He Looks, and it seems the situation is already unfolding in ways that expose this weakness. The narrative, as some see it, is shifting. He’s no longer the confident, strongman figure. Instead, he appears to be trying to dodge responsibility, a stark contrast to his past behavior where he actively sought credit for shutdowns. This time, the weight of the situation seems different, as though the pressure is getting to him.
Considering his actions in the context of past events, like the near shutdown scenarios in the past, reveals a telling pattern. He used to relish the spotlight, basking in the attention and taking ownership of the political theater. Now, however, there is an apparent attempt to distance himself, to deflect the blame. This change suggests a vulnerability, a recognition that the current situation might be more precarious, and the potential consequences are more significant. The power dynamics have changed.
His public persona, particularly in recent times, reinforces this perception of weakness. There have been visible signs, from physical limitations to a reliance on others, that chip away at the strongman image. The constant need for caution and the apparent physical frailty, are not the hallmarks of strength, but rather a sign that this image is nothing more than a façade. It’s a house of cards, easily toppled by the realities of the situation.
The strategy of highlighting his weaknesses seems like a sound approach. It’s the age-old tactic of calling a bully’s bluff, of exposing the bluster for what it is: a lack of real strength. The people who are supporting him, the “MAGAts” often mirror this temperament – quick to anger, prone to overreaction, and seemingly unable to control their emotions. It is a carefully constructed illusion that cannot sustain itself.
It’s not just about perception, either. The potential political fallout for the GOP from the shutdown is significant. The Republicans are in the majority, so the responsibility for the government shutdown falls squarely on their shoulders. The option of making an effort to protect health benefits and prevent a shutdown was on the table, but they seem to have chosen a different path.
The idea is that by refusing to recognize his alleged strength, you take away his power. The underlying premise is the belief that a person with such a carefully constructed image is inherently fragile. His true power lies in the support of a devoted base, and that base’s unquestioning faith.
The political game is on. Some believe that by organizing, and standing together, we can expose these weaknesses. The hope is to show the vulnerability, and to illustrate that the current administration’s image of strength is nothing more than gaslighting. The plan is to break the spell.
There is a belief that people will stand against this, and it will fall. This is the core message of the political battle, and the underlying belief system is that Trump’s so-called strength is all for show. The reality is that it is a carefully crafted image, and the plan is to tear down the walls of illusion. The strategy of exposure is the key.