Donald Trump has a vague notion that he wants to revive the economy and society of the 1950s–one dominated in all respects by burly men working for good wages in manufacturing and construction jobs–but no coherent vision for the future. Instead, his appeal is based on the following two points:
- I’m STRONG. I stick my chest out and lift my chin like a gorilla. I always attack, and never retreat. I belittle my opponents constantly. In office, I threaten nuclear war and impose sanctions whenever someone displeases me. Republicans love this kind of manly behavior; it’s the antidote to an overly feminized society.
- I really, really, really, REALLY hate the left. No one hates the left more than I do. I will never sell out or even concede anything to them. I will scourge them with my mouth on a daily basis. Believe me. Believe me.
From such limited and unpromising materials, the New Right has stitched together an economic theory based on tariffs and deportations that is supposed to lead to the Godly Society. For all of his personal weaknesses, therefore, Trump is viewed by reactionaries as the gateway to a much-improved America. Good luck with that.