Around this time four years ago, I made an appeal for voters not to re-elect then-President Trump. I remain astounded that it’s necessary to make the same plea again, as we face, unbelievably, a third election featuring this most unworthy candidate.
There were soooooooooo many reasons not to vote for this man in 2020. Of course, there were plenty in 2016, including the Access Hollywood tape that should have ended his campaign and political career. There are far more reasons now. The list is absolutely exhaustive. It includes, of course, his crucial role in the events of January 6, 2021. Another worth recalling is that he is now a convicted felon, found guilty by a jury of our peers. In most states he would be unable even to vote.
And then there are many reasons that can be wrapped up in his character, or lack thereof: he is childish in all the bad ways, and none of the good.
Like a spoiled, angry child, when faced with potential conflict, he follows a well-worn playbook. He declares, loudly and with vehemence: I didn’t do it! You did it! or I’m not! You are!
Most of us can remember at least one or two childhood acquaintances who made regular use of this old familiar taunt. It was, almost always, a blatant lie. I didn’t kick the dog! You did! I’m not a cheater! You are!
And for most of us, the absurdity of the tactic was always readily apparent. We knew, even as children, that we’d be called out immediately as a liar and a fraud. Many of those who relied on it in their youth have likely outgrown it with age.
But for bullies, who wield power through fear, and never, never, back down from the lie, it can be highly effective.
We watched as the former president brandished the strategy like a light saber, time and time again. Others remarked on it, referring to the practice as “projection,” a psychological coping mechanism in which one’s own shameful or unwelcome thoughts or hostile actions are projected onto another.
Whatever one calls it–whether projection or the I’m not, you are tactic, it’s one of his signature moves.
Remember when Hillary Clinton accused him, during a debate, of being Putin’s puppet? His reply: “I’m not a puppet. You’re the puppet.”
Take note of his repeated references to the “Biden crime family.”
Three generals who worked for the former president–his Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, his Defense Secretary James Mattis, and his former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, have all declared Trump to be unfit for office, a threat to the Constitution and to the institution of our military. What does Trump say? A Harris administration will be a threat to our democracy.
We should pay close attention to these projections. When he says he won’t do some terrible thing, but the other side will, watch out. A second Trump term will lack the responsible minders who babysat him during his previous term. There will be no one to reign in the whims of the whiny man-child, the elderly bully boy. The consequences could be dire.
But we, the people, we can stop him. Trump’s Republican colleagues didn’t have the guts to do so when they could, during one of his two impeachments, or after he was voted out of office. It’s up to us, the voters, to say, “Enough.” We can vote for the capable, responsible, intelligent candidate who will work for us. We can vote for Kamala Harris, former District Attorney, Attorney General, U.S. Senator and current Vice President. We can vote, not for the criminal, but for the candidate who seeks to uphold the law and make it work for the American people.