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Timothy Patrick's avatar

I know a lot of people are hurting right now, including many folks in these comments, because of what's happening with the economy. I completely understand if someone reading this comment wants to tell me to shut up, and that's fair - I'm genuinely sorry about what you're going through. But I think there's an important point worth making here.

What we're witnessing is essentially Trump handing everyone the golden ticket to take him out of power permanently. His approval has always hovered around the same mediocre numbers, but the one thing keeping him afloat (if you consider always being unpopular “afloat”) was that people could say "he might be terrible, but my 401k has never been happier." That argument is evaporating fast. His economic approval rating, which sat at a comfortable 56% back in January, has now plummeted to 37% according to the latest Quinnipiac poll. And if you thought pausing the tariffs was going to restore his losses, I think Elise’s article illustrates that we are all about to feel the longterm harms of one man’s stupid, stupid fumble with the economy. The number one reason low-propensity voters gave him the benefit of the doubt has now become his biggest vulnerability.

So I think it's worth considering how to strategically harness this awful situation for the biggest silver lining possible: the end of Trumpism. But it's going to take some discipline. I don't mean to sound condescending—it's just a framework I've found helpful. Social media isn't your diary. It might feel cathartic to wish pain on fellow Americans for all to see, but that's shooting yourself in the foot. No stranger reading that will be convinced to see things your way. Find a more private outlet for that frustration. Group chats with likeminded friends can do wonders for this purpose. Or better yet, join a local political group you align with. They’ll be happy to vent with you.

When it comes to public discourse, I recommend wearing your altruistic hat. People will either regret their Trump vote or they won't. Some will stand by their decision for reasons that might seem incomprehensible to you, but being openly judgmental isn't productive. What brings people to the table are acts of service and genuine kindness. That doesn’t mean you have to forgive them for their role in this disaster, I’m just saying that acknowledging others’ humanity can go a long way toward your own interests.

I keep thinking about that woman who spoke to The Daily podcast in yesterday’s episode—the veteran turned entrepreneur who did everything right and was about to hit her big break when these economic forces hit. Now she's wondering if she'll lose her home. I haven’t finished listening to it yet, so I’m not sure if it covers her personal politics. I have no idea who she voted for, and frankly, it doesn't matter. She needs to sort out her own politics, not me. But if you want to win elections, you have to convince people your candidate will improve their actual lives. And a lot of people are about to see their lives in turmoil because of partisan politics.

It reminds me of the Young Lords in 1960s NYC. These college students had all the education to intellectually understand what their hometown community needed, but the community wanted action, not words. They had garbage piling up on sidewalks while the government ignored them. The Young Lords listened, then piled that garbage into the streets and set it on fire, causing massive traffic problems. Suddenly, the government paid attention, and the Young Lords earned community trust. For a while it seemed like they were on their way to being an enduring political force. Their eventual downfall came from internal politics, but the lesson stands: find a voter with a need, fill that need, and once you have their trust, don't abuse it.

This economic chaos gives us a chance to apply that lesson. Instead of mocking Trump voters who are hurting, what if we (average concerned citizens) organized community support networks for those facing foreclosure? What if we created job banks for people whose small businesses are failing under these tariffs? What if we assisted people who are suddenly finding it impossible to get their Social Security benefits? What if we showed up with actual solutions rather than "I told you so"? That's how you build a wider political tent—not through smugness, but through genuine service when people need it most. If this kind of thing sounds good to you, let me know because I want to help make this a reality.

As always, thank you to this little community of journalists and commenters for all of your insights. I look forward to reading what you write every weekday morning. Hang in there!

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Gina S Meyer's avatar

“Now the US. government is the preeminent source of turbulence and unpredictability.”

President Trump, everyone in his administration, and everyone that voted for and continues to support him are responsible.

Look in the mirror.

What part have you played?

What part will you continue to play?

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