By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the weekend’s anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies, polling data reveals a significant portion of Americans share the protesters’ concerns. A recent survey shows a majority of Americans believe Trump is a potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited, with this sentiment nearly doubling since April. Furthermore, the survey indicates that a majority of Americans perceive Trump as waging an assault on constitutional balances. These findings suggest the core message of the “No Kings” demonstrations resonates with a considerable segment of the population, despite attempts by Republicans to marginalize them.
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Republicans are ridiculing ‘No Kings.’ A striking new poll shows Americans aren’t laughing. The now ubiquitous laughing emoji has become a symbol of the Republican party’s approach to dissent and critical voices. It’s a clear signal that the only things taken seriously are narratives designed to rile up their base. This strategy, aimed at portraying their minority support as some sort of silent majority, is falling flat for those still capable of seeing the reality of the situation. The polls are showing a clear disconnect with the American populace.
When over half of those surveyed believe the current president is acting like a dictator or violating the constitution, the MAGA crowd is forced to engage in a charade to validate his actions. They know their stance is unpopular, but they seem to care very little. Their talking points are so predictable, so uniformly delivered, that it feels like listening to a script read in unison. There’s little room for individual thought.
It’s a fact that getting a significant number of Americans to alter their routine is challenging. Yet, the protests are growing. The fundamental principles of freedom and liberty are being challenged in a way that is deeply unsettling. The constant attempts to undermine established systems of government are likely to backfire on this current “fascist” administration. Republicans are no longer conservative; they are contrarians and regressives. They seem to reflexively disagree, no matter the topic. Building a gaudy ballroom while simultaneously cutting social programs illustrates this point perfectly.
The fact that 41% of Americans see the president as a strong leader points to a deep and troubling divide. It’s hard to ignore the building of a gilded palace while cutting back on important benefits. This shouldn’t confuse anyone. The response from the right is predictable. Some say “No Kings” protests are Antifa terrorist rallies, while others dismiss the participants as weak and inconsequential. The very fact that they’re talking about the movement suggests it’s having an impact.
The level of support the president maintains is astonishing to many, especially in the context of global history. Hitler received a similar level of support in pre-war Germany. It’s truly terrifying that 43% of Americans appear to support the current administration.
Republicans seem to think that if they pretend something doesn’t exist, it magically disappears. A small victory such as the absence of mass shootings is sadly a very low bar. The constant barrage of scripted messaging coming from various corners of the right is a sign of desperation. The fact that the same talking points are repeated across various platforms is a sign of a coordinated effort to control the narrative. Republicans have become good subjects, mimicking their leader’s rhetoric. But the well is dry and they are starting to exhaust their tools.
There is nothing more anti-American than the concept of a king. The lack of social support will be another area where they will face the consequences of their actions.
The opposition to this ideology is growing. The phrase “it’s all old white people protesting” is an old and tired one. It is ironic that white supremacists are now calling for diversity at protests. The reality is that a significant portion of the country will not agree with what the president does.
The fact that the numbers aren’t higher is disappointing. A significant percentage of the country is firmly in support of the administration, while the remainder is more flexible in its views. The question remains: What will it take to wake up the country to the current situation? There are countless examples of the administration’s overreach. There are real fears for the economy, as well as freedoms.
The lack of morality and integrity among Republicans is a key reason many voters feel this way. Conservatives are now drawn to the career conman, long suspected pedophile, convicted felon, and babbling moron. Republicans have finally found their ideal representative.
They laugh at the opposition. This is their way of trying to distract from the reality of the situation. They will continue to peddle hate and lies.
“Democratically elected” needs an asterisk. The idea of 120% voter turnout is not realistic.
The familiar pattern unfolds: first, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.
These poll numbers often settle around the 50% mark because they are partisan. Republicans will support the president, no matter what. Christian nationalists desire a king. A protest can cause a disruption, but will the disruption be enough?
The GOP sees this moment as an opportunity to wait for something else to happen.
The GOP doesn’t care about the will of voters. The opposition needs to cause more disruption.