I have nothing intelligent to say because I've just been in a state of rage and grief since this happened. The cult of Trump is determined to destroy us. I will keep doing everything I can to push back, but the pain and disillusionment is unbearable. I was taught honesty, integrity, and courage in defense of democratic values, and yet now my country turns its back on all of those. It really, really hurts.
No, it IS NOT the model of governance we want, now what do we do about it? I think many people want to take a stand and make our voices heard, but are feeling deeply disempowered.
Keep communicating with friends and family in a kind, open way. Keep building personal communities with a foundation of equity and kindness. Keep contacting representatives, attending town halls, and putting pressure on local reps. It never feels like much, but I genuinely think it’s the best we can do.
Since 2015 I've been wondering where the line is. When we people stop supporting him? I don't think there is one. I'm asking with genuine curiosity, are there Trump supporters who can say where their line is?
Former Trump supporter here!! I started following Sharon just before the 2020 election. And while I did know what she shares is solid truth and it got me to step outside of the echo chamber, January 6th iced the cake for me. It also all helped me see the need to ditch political parties and stand for the principles of democracy.
I admire you so much for this. I've actually teared up reading it even though it's only a couple of sentences. Thank you for placing principle over party. <3
Thank you. I always tell people I've voted for the wrong person before. I'm ready to admit the mistake when it happens. It shocks me that so many people just doubled down.
Marti, thank you for sharing. I am a moderate conservative but a Never Trumper. My husband, in-laws and siblings all voted for him the 2016 and 2020 election. January 6th was a deal breaker for them too. My husband and FIL are veterans and to see the attack on our capitol broke their hearts. My in-laws have donated money to the Republican Party for years so I was shocked to see them flip. I think this is the first election they have ever voted for a democrat. I keep holding out for a few of my family members that still support the madness. It is freeing to not be part of either political party and to choose principle over party!
One ray of hope I can offer is a Ukrainian American trump supporter in my community changed his mind after the Friday meeting. He said, Trump is clearly a Putin operative. Better late than never I guess.
I think that you might be right for many people. When people in high control religious environments, like a cult, experience something that should prove the cult wrong, their beliefs often strengthen. I think that certainly applies to some people. Supporting Trump is wrapped up in their identity and it's hard to change at that point.
I also think there are some people who like him because they think he'll be good for the economy or they just felt that Biden/Harris hadn't done a good job. Those people must have a line where they'll change their mind.
I appreciate your hopefulness, but I don't share it. It's been a full decade of Trump at this point, and he's done countless harmful things... if people have not found their limit, it doesn't exist.
Further, regarding their economic concerns or issues with Biden, this means that they were willing to overlook everything that would harm OTHER people because they thought they would benefit them. So like, yeah those comments about Haitian immigrants endangered a whole community, but what really matters is MY investments. Or we might be stabbing our allies in the back and destabilizing the world economy, but there are fewer border crossings happening, so it all evens out. Support for Trump at this point is deeply selfish, not civic-minded.
So yes, I'd love to think their minds could be changed, but the available evidence doesn't support that. And personally, I'm done wasting energy trying to convince people. I'm instead using that energy to try to reduce the harm they're causing.
Back in 2016 I had someone tell me that I would change my mind about him when my husband's paycheck and our 401k went up. (I just need to point out that I also have a salary and retirement account, but they were just focused on my husband). I was horrified and offended. How could I care about those things when it meant promoting such hate?
Turns out the opposite happened and they switched to hating him when he mishandled covid so badly.
The mental gymnastics are Olympic-level for sure and I agree, the limit does not exist. Most of us live in communities. We share public facilities and resources and it doesn’t always go well. I think we’ve all muttered under our breath or aloud, a time or two, about the current condition of something that was once clean, tidy, and operational. Could be anything really, from a service lobby to a public park. For example-
I walk my dog twice daily in my neighborhood. From time to time, I see excrement on the property. Did they forget their bag? Did they not see it? Who knows. I’ve made it a point to carry extra bags and pick it up. Our HOA dues are astronomical. It’s a historic property, the upkeep is imperative to its longevity and frankly, who wants to see pet waste everywhere? Rather unsanitary but also unsightly, no?
Every now and then, there’s a mess (left by another dog owner) that I can’t clean up. There was one instance in particular, when I miscalculated the situation, and though I went in with my hand in a double-shield of my own fashioning, the yuck got all over me, my dog’s leash etc..
That example comes to mind because it reminds me that no good deed goes unpunished, but it also reminds me to sidestep the mess. See it for what it is, from far away if possible, and then avoid it.
Step over it. Switch course. Whatever it takes.
That applies to petulance. That applies to willful ignorance. That applies to dissociative disorder.
Skip it. Still doing my best for my community while sparing my sanity by actively avoiding exercises in futility. Win! Win!
Also, a neighbor’s camera has identified the culprit and guess what? He knows what’s happening. He’s holding the leash. He waits. He looks over his shoulder to make sure the coast is clear, leaves it and keeps right on walking. Turns out, we don’t all care about the same things. 🤷🏻♀️
As you noted in your last paragraph, and I agree, our energy is better served elsewhere. Onward!
Yeah. The fact that people are willing to accept an authoritarian regime if it gets them what they want has spelled that out in stone. I just wish folks here would be honest with themselves and others about what they value. It would help the conversation move forward. Pretending to value human life in Ukraine, for example, while asking Ukrainians to “come to the table” with their abuser isn’t honest. It’s manipulative.
yes. like you say it is a waste of your time. we can all use that energy in more productive ways even if that is just taking a nap! Or calling our congresspeople. or writing a letter to the editor..
I’m watching so many people who have never thought twice about anyone being transgender acting like their lives depend on banning trans girls from sports (I’m in Maine so they’re all calling for Gov Mills’ impeachment). They are acting like they are completely blind to every other thing happening. It’s like a death rattle of their movement as they latch on to whatever they possibly can to justify their support instead of showing an ounce of humility. I’ve had one Trump supporter tell me he’s no longer speaking his praises because his farm is being hurt by the USAID cuts. So maybe they’ll speak up when it’s their livelihoods at steak, but I hesitate to be that optimistic
This is one of my biggest concerns and I think is part of the reason Trump and team are going so hard after transgender individuals. Some of their other actions might be unpopular with their base, but this is red meat they can toss to them to keep them happy. The firehose of anti-transgender executive orders is almost daily. (Most recently, removing LGBTQ+ identity as a protected status for government surveillance. In other words, LGBTQ individuals and their families and allies can now be surveilled for no other reason than that they are part of that community.) I expect him to trot out his 'eradication of gender ideology' when criticism of his other actions gets too hot. Never mind that this is in no way a real issue impacting ordinary Americans, he has made it one. "Don't look at Putin! Look over here at these trans people existing!"
According to many town halls that happened in red states, the constituents are not happy. Not specifically about Ukraine, I heard it was more about Elon. But still, it shows that their eyes are being opened and there is less blind loyalty.
I was at a town hall in Texas last weekend. (And asked a question! Ack!) Can confirm that not one constituent spoke up in favor of the administration or our R congressman.
The issues raised were thoughtful and varied. The people were well-informed. I definitely wondered how many governerds were in attendance.
Topics ranged from a mom pleading for her son who has pancreatic cancer and has had his last hope medicine taken away because of the stripping of the NIH, veterans worried about jobs, skyrocketing insurance rates, asking to condemn the people making Na*i salutes (he wouldn't), support for Ukraine, Medicare/Medicaid cuts, to Elon, etc. etc.
I estimate about 10% of those in attendance were current Trump supporters, but NONE of them spoke up in defense of what is happening.
Notice that Trump came out today and posted that all of these town halls are filled with paid protesters. They're nervous and trying to make us lose our resolve.
Sharon, can we panic yet? I am honestly hoping Trump had crossed the line for many Trump supporters after Friday. However, I fear there is no line or they will continue to make excuses to draw a new line. At one point in time, I would be willing to bet at least 90 something percent of Americans said Russia was the bad guy. Now, I’m not so sure… we’re friends?…I know a lot of his supporters don’t support everything he does but there HAS to be a line where they will say “maybe it was a mistake voting for him” right?! Trying really hard not to spiral here.
I have a close relative in Dept of Def and living/working in a deep red state and the office is so tense and stressful with people not knowing from day to day if they will have a job and watching their colleagues get axed and have their workload piled on to those that are left. These are not cushy easy jobs. They are highly skilled technical engineering jobs that we all as Americans depend on whether you know it or not to keep us safe here in the states. I can tell you that yes there are people that are being vocal saying they regret their vote. People that voted for this administration aren’t bad people. They are just people trying to figure out how to best navigate their worlds just like everyone else. I ask myself on the daily where is the line for most of the folks that support the president and his policies. For many the policies could be not be cruel enough and they will never waiver but I don’t believe that’s the majority. Let’s not forget that Trump didn’t just appear out of nowhere back in 2015. This is decades of build up (or disintegration depending your viewpoint) culminating to where we are now starting with the advent of 24/7 cable news and in particular FoxNews / MSNBC partisanship and some would argue way before that. People mistakenly took it for news when it’s really salacious hogwash. It will most likely take decades to dig ourselves out from this hole we’ve created together so let’s try to keep finding common ground as free Americans rather than asking where’s the line because that’s another rabbit hole that leads to nowhere. Try not to spiral. It helps I think if you can talk about your feelings or even better journal them on a daily and remember that you’re not alone with how you’re feeling about things. You’ve got community and that’s the most important thing.
Yeah my husband is active duty military and he’s in a position where his boss is a civilian. His boss is currently looking for a new job after all that’s come out and since the DoD is not hiring anyone, if he leaves, my husband will not only have his duties but may need to take over his boss’s position. I don’t think most Trump supporters are bad people. I do think some are: The Tate Brothers, Ye, those who wish Trump can go for a third term or longer. I am also trying to reshape my thinking and rephrase my comments in the future to ask something like “so what’s the common ground here where both sides can agree is wrong?” I think it should be in this case, Putin is a dictator and we should not be seeing him as a good person who we can trust.
Why is it important to you that Trump supporters feel some kind of regret for their vote? Does this provide validation to you?
I don’t know of anyone who voted for Trump having any regrets. I believe we see things very differently and wishing Trump supporters share some kind of regret- only adds to the division.
Its incredibly important that some Trump voters start working to resist this administration if we’re going to have any chance. I think the fear is that many Trump supporters have pledged their allegiance to a man/MAGA rather than to any solid ideals, that they’ll never speak out against him even as he destroys the country.
Yeah, this is what I wonder also. What *are* the ideals for MAGA republicans? Is it really about “saving” tax dollars? I can’t find a unified theory of MAGA or a positive vision that doesn’t just involve a homogenization of society.
I've been stewing on this Summer, and I think you're right that there is no positive vision. I've come to the conclusion that almost everything in MAGA can be traced to a victim mentality with two main oppressors: the liberal 'elite' that govern and tell them they're wrong, and the poor people/immigrants who are getting a free ride off their tax dollars.
Even those policies Republicans might categorize as positive (like America First, immigration reform, or lower taxes) stem from those beliefs. And those beliefs aren't new to this time, but I think the Fox News of it all has stoked the fire to such a degree that they can no longer change their mind; any information counter to their narrative is automatically corrupt and untrustworthy.
My parents, who are very average Fox News-driven Trump supporters, just cannot stomach the idea that what they've been told has been a lie. They also refuse to see their own hypocrisy (they built a wonderful life off of three business/careers that wouldn't exist without tax payer dollars: farming, crop insurance, and public school teaching).
I need to keep thinking about this because I want to be charitable in my interpretations of their motives…I can see freedom as a theme, but it seems to be freedom limited to a certain type of person or a certain way of being…your observations about victim mentality definitely ring true for some segments of the electorate :(.
So what you’re saying is Trump voters are ok with him putting shackles on freedom of speech by punishing neutral outlets like the AP, leading us to state-run media by enforcing only what the government wants to see reported put out publicly on platforms (where I’m seeing even the local national guard base posting “we are going through our posts to conform with the guidelines of this administration” on Facebook), getting rid of apolitical positions by placing partisan cronies instead, influencing even the arts by taking over things like the Kennedy Center, indiscriminately firing people who were in charge of nuclear program protection, etc? I mean, we could point out more but that’s enough for me this early in the morning. Most of all, Trump voters are ok with upsetting decades of global accord by SIDING WITH RUSSIA? Isolationism didn’t work out so well for us the last time, I don’t think.
This. This is why people want to know if Trump voters regret their choice. So we can work together to combat this damage being done for future generations. My grandfather and the Greatest Generation didn’t fight the Axis just to see two generations later squander his efforts.
There is a lot in here. Not everything the Administration is doing is reason for panic and/or regret. I’m sure there are some people who will regret their choice- but I’m not sure how that is impactful. I know what doesn’t work- shaming voters for their choice. This goes both ways.
I truly don’t want my tone to be shaming and if it was I apologize. I just want to understand where the other side is because the things I listed are things to take note of, not necessarily “panic”, as they are fundamentally against some constitutional concepts that both sides claim to love (the free speech, control of the press, etc). I want to listen to understand where the line is. I appreciate your thoughtful comments below, as well.
Yes. It is important that Trump voters feel regret because it would show that you aren’t all entirely morally bankrupt and /or brainwashed by the cult of MAGA. Believe it or not, not everything is as simple as “agree to disagree”. 100% of Americans should be standing up to Trump right now, refusing to let him write revisionist history about Putin starting the war in Ukraine. 100% of Americans should be standing up to Trump and telling him to put on the breaks of controlling the press outlets in the White House. Every time his MAGA supporters agree with him when he does something like this he edges closer and closer to more and more outwardly undemocratic practices and the like pushes back again…
He is destroying decades of European alliances and international security. He is putting our country at grave risk aligning with Putin.
Standing up for what is right is always right, no matter who you voted for. And turning our back on our allies IS NOT RIGHT.
I am curious if you watched the entire meeting with Zelensky to form your opinion? I did watch the entire segment and didn’t get it at all that we are siding with Putin. I saw it as trying to make a deal to end the war. Isn’t that what we all should 100% be standing for? Is the war ending? Less people dying and our money isn’t spent sending it to Ukraine?
My question is, if you had a friend and her home was invaded by a gang of murderous criminals who were destroying her home and stealing her children, and for three years you sent help in any form you could, what would be your next move?
Would you tell her to stop being so ungrateful and play nice with the gang leader? Would you deride her for spending all your money on the defense of her family? Would you look at her scarred and bruised face and tell her to quit being disrespectful? Would you make a snide comment about what she was wearing?
I hope you wouldn’t. Anyone who’s been in a relationship with a narcissistic bully (or in Ukraine’s case, two or three of them) recognizes the absolute injustice of demanding a weaker party who’s living under the thumb of a powerful oppressor take any responsibility whatsoever for the conflict. There is one villain in this dynamic, and it’s Putin.
They’re bullying the wrong guy. If Trump were truly strong and a great negotiator he would be putting pressure on Putin, the aggressor, to give up and end the war. Trump and team are asking nothing of Putin… they want him to win, rebuild, and then take the entirety of Ukraine. Some things are worth fighting for.
Sounds like your previous comments where you chastised people for not watching the whole speech or taking Trump’s egregious words out of context. Trump supporters see no evil, hear no evil from their self-proclaimed king, no matter what he does. He has sided with Putin repeatedly. He claimed falsely that Zelensky started the war and was a dictator. He ranted that poor he and poor Putin went through so much together during the Russian hoax, which was anything but. Trump, the multiple bankrupt, who was propped up by his father’s money his whole life and only achieved some sort of relevancy by hosting a staged “reality” TV show, is enraged because his own inflated image of himself as a great deal maker completely fell apart as did his attempt to extort Ukraine’s mineral rights. And no, no true American should be standing for ending the war by capitulating to the dictatorial invader and pillaging the country that was invaded. All Americans should be 100% against that as I’m sure all of the Ukrainian people are who have suffered so much. And FYI, most of the aid we’ve provided to Ukraine has gone to U.S. companies and workers who supplied Ukraine with weapons and matériel. And you talk about “less people dying?” How many people will die from the abrupt termination of all of these foreign aid programs, which by the way, is another part of America Putin hates:
A $131 million grant to UNICEF’s polio immunization program, which paid for planning, logistics and delivery of vaccines to millions of children.
A $90 million contract with the company Chemonics for bed nets, malaria tests and treatments that would have protected 53 million people.
A project in the Democratic Republic of Congo that operates the only source of water for 250,000 people in camps for displaced people located in the center of the violent conflict in the east of the country.
All of the operating costs and 10 percent of the drug budget of the Global Drug Facility, the main supply channel for tuberculosis medications, which last year provided tuberculosis treatment to nearly three million people, including 300,000 children.
H.I.V. care and treatment projects run by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation that were providing lifesaving medication to 350,000 people in Lesotho, Tanzania and Eswatini, including 10,000 children and 10,000 pregnant women who were receiving care so that they would not transmit the virus to their babies at birth.
A project in Uganda to trace contacts of people with Ebola, conduct surveillance and bury those who died from the virus.
A contract to manage and distribute $34 million worth of medical supplies in Kenya, including 2.5 million monthlong H.I.V. treatments, 750,000 H.I.V. tests, 500,000 malaria treatments, 6.5 million malaria tests and 315,000 antimalaria bed nets.
Eighty-seven shelters that took care of 33,000 women who were victims of rape and domestic violence in South Africa.
A project run by FHI 360 that supported community health workers’ efforts to go door-to-door seeking malnourished children in Yemen. It recently found that one in five children was critically underweight because of the country’s civil war.
Pre- and postnatal health services for 3.9 million children and 5.7 million women in Nepal.
A project run by Helen Keller Intl in six countries in West Africa that last year provided more than 35 million people with the medicine to prevent and treat neglected tropical diseases, such as trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis.
A project in Nigeria providing 5.6 million children and 1.7 million women with treatment for severe and acute malnutrition. The termination means 77 health facilities have completely stopped treating children with severe acute malnutrition, putting 60,000 children under the age of 5 at immediate risk of death.
A project in Sudan that runs the only operational health clinics in one of the biggest areas of the Kordofan region, cutting off all health services.
A project serving more than 144,000 people in Bangladesh that provided food for malnourished pregnant women and vitamin A to children.
A program run by the aid agency PATH, called REACH Malaria, which protected more than 20 million people in 10 countries in Africa from the disease. It provided malaria drugs to children at the start of the rainy season.
A project run by Plan International that provided drugs and other medical supplies, health care, treatment of malnutrition programming, and water and sanitation for 115,000 displaced or affected by the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
More than $80 million for UNAIDS, the United Nations agency, which funded work to help countries improve H.I.V. treatment, including data collection and watchdog programs for service delivery.
The President’s Malaria Initiative program called Evolve, which did mosquito control in 21 countries by methods that include spraying insecticide inside homes (protecting 12.5 million people last year) and treating breeding sites to kill larvae.
A project providing H.I.V. and tuberculosis treatment to 46,000 people in Uganda, run by the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Uganda.
Smart4TB, the main research consortium working on prevention, diagnostics and treatment for tuberculosis.
The Demographic and Health Surveys, a data collection project in 90 countries that were crucial and sometimes the only sources of information on maternal and child health and mortality, nutrition, reproductive health and H.I.V. infections, among many other health indicators. The project was also the bedrock of budgets and planning
Kate I truly understand and share your frustration. But I don't think we're going to get anywhere when we have such an unforgiving and rigid attitude toward those who voted for Trump. Especially here, anyone commenting here has paid for a subscription, they must care about being more informed than your average voter (and non voters) and we should assume they had good reasons for voting the ways they did.
I've been guilty of piling on them too, which got me nowhere but frustrated. Now I try to remember they're just regular humans like us who are trying to make a difference with what little power we all have. They aren't trump. They're not advisors of his. They just voted for him.
Amy, asking honestly, without any sarcasm, you truly don't feel Trump is trying to please Putin? He feels they "went through" something together; he was saying Ukraine was the aggressor, and calling Zelensky a dictator (not in that meeting); I think many things leading up to this meeting have given the impression of an alignment with Russia, not just the things that happened during the meeting.
The war ending should not be the weaker innocent party giving in to a land hungry dictator. Where is the pressure on Russia to stop what THEY started ?? Why must Ukraine be the party to capitulate and give up their sovereign land ??
Making Ukraine give Russia their sovereign land is literally an insane scenario to even consider. It is not a morally just outcome.
If your neighbor started building a patio in your backyard would You tell them to back off or would you just let them have it to avoid an expensive legal battle ?
Katie, I don't see how the left has pivoted to supporting an endless war? What I heard was Zelensky asking for assurances of protection if Putin violated this cease fire agreement, as he has done in the past. And then I heard Trump and Vance get upset that Zelensky was trying to get them to give him assurances. I am a life long Democrat, and I do not want an endless war. I am proud to help Ukraine in whatever way we can ($$) because I feel it is the right thing to do. Yes, would be better if we didn't have to spend that money, but I feel that we must protect Ukraine.
I do not support an endless war, but I do not think what Trump is doing will stop the war either. Personally with him in the oval office I think the world is less stable and less safe, but I realize others see this differently.
No one should want an endless war but I certainly do think a sovereign country has the right to defend itself and should not be forced to give their land away to the aggressor for the sake of ending a war. The aggressor needs to be the one put in their place and reprimanded for their actions.
As my parents always taught me- don’t start a fight but if someone picks a fight with you, you can finish it. It’s interesting that the US, who I’ve always felt valued and helped the underdogs are now aligning with the aggressor and basically telling the underdog to just shut up and don’t make a scene. Give them what they want and it will all be over.
I don’t have the right answers as far as how much money is too much to be spending on foreign aid. I understand you feel Americans should be taken care of first before we start helping those around the world. I certainly understand where you’re coming from there. I believe that by increasing taxes for the wealthy and corporations here would generate more tax dollars to spend here in the US. I believe that expanding social programs and mental health facilities and VA programs would go a long way In helping the less fortunate and more needy Americans.
It’s an interesting catch 22 though because a lot of people that align with Trump and “America First” also do not like the expansion of social programs because they feel everyone has the responsibility of taking care of themselves and should stop “being lazy” and get off welfare. They are generally against universal healthcare as well as subsidized childcare or paid parental leave.
So, idk. Is it really about America first— do we really care about helping Americans first? It’s never really felt that way to me. It feels more like just a way to feel better about not wanting to help other people around the world.
Hi Amy. Just as I’ve said in a previous post supporting you regarding you posting your feelings about a topic, this is my post expressing my feelings. I hope you can understand and respect that every day non-Trump supporters are feeling very scared and come here to vent. If you’re not after everything that has happened, I don’t understand how and maybe there is no line for you but ok, I will respect your beliefs and move on.
So yes, maybe it is validation but in order for me to be kind to Trump supporters, which I feel like I have been in your previous comments, I do need to cling on to any bits of hope that some supporters can see how a lot of what he’s doing are hurting people. Maybe you don’t have friends or family who are impacted and I’m glad you don’t but I do, and I would care a lot if your friends and family lose their jobs or fear for their safety one day.
Hi. I think you have every right to express your feelings. I am sorry that you are fearful. I just don’t know how it helps the situation when many are waiting for this “I told you so” moment with people who voted for Trump.
I do have many friends and family impacted and who are feeling hurt by this administration. I have many friends and family who were feeling hurt by the last administration. But that didn’t lead me to regret for who I voted for. I think the only thing that would cause pause and reconsideration would be if more democrats stopped blaming Trump supporters, didn’t respond with negativity for everything this administration does, and had some strong common sense leaders.
I do think it's important to scale back and think about how Trump supporters would be reacting if Harris was president right now. I don't think we'd be seeing them not reacting negatively to everything her administration chose to do. I also don't blame Trump supporters but I do blame his administration. I know others may direct their anger at voters but I know when I speak about Republicans I am speaking about elected officials with power.
I do wish we had more common sense leaders, something our country is not currently rewarding with their votes. I know they exist I listen to them when I hear people like Pete Buttigieg and others speak.
Thank you. I agree with some of what you said. I am trying very hard to not say “I told you so” to people in real life and online. I definitely over reacted when he first won by deleting people off social media, but I am trying so hard every day to only keep in the divisive comments between my husband and I. I have not said “I told you so” to anyone in person or online and I think keeping the idea of Trump supporters changing their mind about him is what allows me to be respectful. I do agree that a lot of people are going online and saying “you voted for this. I don’t feel sorry for you.” Which I don’t agree with. I hope more former Trump supporters come out and say they regret voting for him but also that non Trump supporters welcome them with kindness. I also agree with democrats need stronger leadership. I don’t think America is ready for big changes unfortunately and democrats need a strong, white, man who is moderate and young enough.
In my opinion, it’s been very hard to find any positives in the last few weeks. I know some policies have strong support amongst his base but I don’t see how any of it is good for those who don’t support Trump. I keep hoping Sharon would do an article about something good that is happening from the Trump administration because maybe my bias isn’t letting me see that.
Thank you Amy and Brianna for having a respectful, thoughtful exchange and for sharing your opinions and feelings with all of us. I am just as angry and scared as most of the other posters on this forum, but I keep trying to remember what Sharon has told us numerous times: arguing online with strangers doesn't change anyone's mind-it makes people dig in deeper and hold on tighter to their beliefs! I know sometimes it feels like there is nothing else we can do but argue online and point fingers, because we feel powerless. So, thank you Amy and Brianna for reminding me not to argue with anyone online today. More can be accomplished by coming together than tearing apart.
Democracy works when people are able to change their mind with new info, and express a need to pivot or adjust when something doesn’t work. Right now, we have a deeply divided political environment where people fear our democracy is broken because nothing changes people’s minds. I think that’s the core reason people disappointed with Trump keep hoping to see the cracks in his voter base - it would show that his voters are also processing new info as the administration progresses. Repubs very much wanted the same when Biden’s immigration policies were causing concern.
Your comment about the deeply divided political environment and his voters processing what's happening now made me think of this comment from (Democrat) Dan Turrentine, which he posted today:
"An interesting political dynamic appears to be strengthening during 2.0, which was similar to the campaign: Trump’s approval rating is declining slightly, to where he is slightly underwater, while the right track/wrong track is rising to the highest number in 15/20 years. Voters seem to like the actions but less the man, something qualitative and quantitative data screamed all 2024. A lot of Dem’s conflate these two. As we figure out our path forward and develop a plan for the mid terms, we need to separate these dynamics and offer a competing change vision, not just scream maintain/return to the status quo."
I see a lot of comments - not yours, I'm speaking generally - that laser in on Trump, rather than zooming out on policy. And I get it: charitably speaking Trump is a highly polarizing individual. Comments - again, not yours specifically - of 'how could Trump treat Zelenskyy that way' rather than a discussion about 'how should the US position itself in this conflict going forward, knowing what we (the world) now know'. That leads me back to polling that Dan refers to again ('not a fan of the guy, like where we're headed tho').
I think it's incredibly difficult to separate the policy from the man because the policy seems to be "whatever Trump wants." He has prioritized loyalists in his administration, indicating what matters to him most is the people who will do what he says. So sometimes, the parsing between his policy and his personality feels like splitting hairs.
Still, I ultimately get your point that attacking Trump himself (making commentary about his rudeness, his personal immorality, his absurd speeches and nonsensical tweets/truths) will not move the needle as much as taking apart the policy positions of the MAGA movement.
And honestly, that points to the relative brilliance of Trump's strategy. It's hard to actually nail down what his policy even IS because what he says is so often very different from what he does from moment to moment. What is his actual stance on immigration when his administration has not deported nearly as many people as he claimed he would, but he continues his rhetoric on painting immigrants as criminals? His supporters can pretend he has any position that pleases them because he's so all over the board.
Based on my conversations with Trump supporters among my family and friends, and reading more conservative and independent journalist coverage than maybe others here do (that's not meant to be a jab at anyone...many here have said as much about their media diet), the take is that Trump has been in office a whole 43 days. They're not moved by comments suggesting he hasn't done what he said he would do, because it's only been 43 days. And they're likely not as liable to take Trump literally - right or wrong - as those don't support him (e.g., 'but the egg prices' or checking immigration numbers YTD, etc.).
Will that change, and if so, when? Maybe. But 43 days in, based on what's happened so far? No.
This is a bit off topic, but your commentary reminds me of this quote from Jake Tapper.
"One pro-Ukraine expert, normally supportive of Zelensky, cautions that today's showdown should be seen in a clear-eyed way.
'Ukraine is losing this war,' the expert says. 'Russia is making tens of thousands of drones per month, and Ukraine can't shoot them all down. Russia is making advances because Russia doesn't value human life and is ok to lose thousands of men a day. Ukraine can't keep up with that and shouldn't.
'There needs to be an end to this war and there are only three ways out. One, America can send military weapons and manpower and potentially start World War III. Two, Ukraine can surrender and give in to Putin. Or three, we give this ceasefire plan and deal that Trump is pushing a chance. I would go for option three. Trump was talking about Ukraine getting land back that it has lost just yesterday.
'Zelensky knew the position of the Trump administration ahead of time. Perhaps this meeting was a trap, but it's one Zelensky could have easily avoided.'"
Most Trump supporters I know echo this sentiment. There is such a disconnect between how people here seem to perceive conservative opinions and what conservative opinions actually are.
What I have seen, is there are a lot of Trump supporters who don’t agree with everything the administration is doing. But that doesn’t mean there is regret.
For sure. Regret is perhaps the wrong emotion to desire, but obviously for people who find this administration damaging, we’re hoping for some indication that next election won’t go for Trump (or Vance or whoever he installs as his predecessor - if he installs a predecessor…)
That's fair. I strongly disagreed with some Biden policies, but at no point regretted choosing him over Trump in 2020. I think the question is, when will people disagree with him enough to take action, call their senators/representatives, and support America over Trump. What's the line where people feel like he has gone too far?
Amy, asking in good faith, would you be willing to share how you see the exchange between Trump and Zelensky? It does seem that we see things differently, like you said, and I think it may be helpful to understand what someone who voted for Trump took away from that meeting.
Many opinions I’ve seen indicate that Zelenskyy wants the war to continue and that he won’t accept peace. They say Russia was provoked due to the expansion of NATO. It’s all Russia propaganda, which is deeply concerning. Clearly, Russia’s efforts to turn American citizens are working.
That’s so interesting that you don’t think Trump is siding with Russia when Trump, his cabinet, and Rs are using their talking points, and stopping cyber operations against Russia. And Russia is saying that Trump policy coincides with their policies. What not would you need to think he might be siding with Russia?
Hi Melissa. This is based on the entire meeting with Trump and Zelensky. I think that we (United States) have tried many different ways to stop Puntin and now Trump is trying to have negotiations with him to end this war. I don’t see it as siding with him- I see it as a means to end the war.
Gee, you see it somewhat differently than the Kremlin does:
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov responded enthusiastically in an interview that aired Sunday to Trump opening lines of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and taking a stronger stance against Ukraine in discussions about how to end the war.
“This was truly impossible to imagine,” Peskov said, noting that the United States under Trump sided with Russia last week on two votes at the United Nations, downplaying its responsibility for invading Ukraine.
“The new administration is rapidly changing [America’s] foreign policy configurations,” Peskov added. “This largely coincides with our vision.”
Hi Katherine. I watched the entire 49 min meeting with Zelensky and for the first 40 mins, it was a respectful situation. Then the last 9 mins are when egos got in the way and it escalated. I don’t think that Trump is siding with Russia. I see that he is trying to make a deal to end the war. Nothing in the exchange would have me regret my choices. I hope that there can be a deal made and that war ends.
This entire article gives you plenty of reasons to reconsider your stance. Is your head in the sand? When the Krelim is applauding Trump/Vance and our government is cutting Ukraine out of any peace talks (and giving away THEIR land and resources in those talks)....this is why we ask the question to Trump supporters...what will it take to get you to admit Trump is dangerous to democracy and American ideals? It appears nothing and that is scary. You have aligned yourself with someone who sees himself as a king and not a president of a democracy. And by doing so, you disregard our constitution and everything so many have fought for centuries for. If another country were negotiating on our behalf and said yeah sure you can just have Texas and oh yeah they are going to take a bunch of our oil so their wealthy oil companies can make even more money, would we the USA, not be upset over another country so willingly giving that to someone who invaded us? If the rest of the world didn't show up when we needed help (Wildfires, 9/11, COVID), what then? And when Europeans and other Allies stop spending money with American companies, stop vacationing here, stop allowing us military bases in their countries... what then? We depend on Russia? Where does that get us?
We are truly asking. What is the line? When would you look at something Trump did and say, whoa, nope that's crossing a line? Cuz if his voters CANNOT get to that point.... then my fear is we have at least 20% of our population who is okay with anything as long as Trump is doing it. Which means you all support a person over any kind of beliefs, ideals, democratic principles and that is truly scary to all of us who DIDNT vote for this.
I apologize for the head in the sand comment but the rest of my comment stands and I have yet to see you respond to anyone on what your line is? I have yet to see you respond in a myriad of comments across many topics and articles on Preamble where you have ever reconsidered your point of view. You consistently stir the pot by acting like your comments are neutral and pleasant while goading many people who are rightfully upset over all these topics and continuously seek to understand your POV. You never state your POV except that it is contrary to whatever concerns the article states and that you dont regret your vote for Trump. So while I rarely comment on the internet nor get into politics debates, my question stands of what your line is? What article is Sharon going to publish about an action Trump has taken that is going to worry you? Is going to make you take pause on continuouing to support him? Is it going to have to directly impact you (you've stated you have friends/ family that are impacted but that doesn't seem to change your mind)? What are your principles? And where do those principles stand once Trump blows past them? Continued support and wait and see? Or actual action - calling your representatives, attending town halls to speak out against these actions? What many of us who likely live in blue states, blue cities, have reps who already speak out are wondering is when the GOP reps will start to hear their constituents discontent with the actions of this administration. Cuz I fear until that happens, we won't see any action against Trump. And that is where our checks and balances fail and where people are able to take more and more power (which we are already seeing happen).
Amy, thank you for making the point that looking for a “gotcha” moment is counterproductive. I don’t know anyone that voted for Trump that has regrets, either. And looking for regret is not the same as looking for common ground. It is shallow and disrespectful. It’s not a place from which we can grow to understand each other.
Looking for common ground means looking for shared truth. For example, can we agree there are multiple things that add to division?
Can we agree that Russian government propaganda. helps fuel socially divisive narratives?
I listened to a webinar last week that discussed just this. Some people (I realize some really do want a gotcha moment) are articulating what they want in the wrong way. What they want is to find that one thing they can agree with someone else with. But it's hard to find that when everyone is on edge. And when everyone comes in to the conversation with their hackles up. I think it's particularly hard when you enter conversations already knowing how the other person voted. There are assumptions made about each other.
Excellent points, Gina. I think that is a very mature approach. I need to flip my script to approach it that way, instead of being defensive and having an emotional response. I believe we, and especially Governerds, have a lot more in common than differences.
Gina, I appreciate your thoughtful comments—they genuinely feel open to different perspectives. It actually reminds me of something Sharon used to do on her IG stories, where she’d post a box asking, "Rs, what do you wish people knew about you?" "Ds, what do you wish people knew about you?" "Inds, what do you wish people knew about you?" If I remember right, those were more about general perspectives rather than specific issues, but I found them really insightful. Not because they changed anyone’s mind, but because they helped add nuance to why people think the way they do and/or offer food for thought about how each 'side' might better position themselves to address those concerns/issues. I think that kind of approach could be helpful here, too—then again, based on my experience with the Preamble comment section, this might not be the best place for it.
“Validation?!?!?” Uh, no. I think what most people commenting here are struggling with is the apparent fact that so many of their fellow Americans actually support Trump’s dismantling of democracy and the inhumane cruelty he has shown to the millions of people around the world who depend on the U.S.
Are you proud of the way Trump and Vance spoke to Zelensky? Do you think that conversation was helpful to the US position internationally? Do you want Russia to be able to take whatever land they want, with the US by its side? I don't care anymore about who you voted for - we are stuck now. I want to know where you stand now, as a very clear supporter of Trumps policies and vision for America, and if there were any lines crossed for you in that performance.
For me, someone expressing regret would imply that they wouldn't support such a candidate in the future. It does not mean that they have become liberal, just that there is behavior that cannot be tolerated by the candidate/party they choose to back.
Amy, regret is a signal of awareness. It is not meant to convey shame. If these people can’t be aware enough of the damage that Trump is inflicting, we can’t heal the divide—it just remains. It is no different in any other relationship. The conservative sub on Reddit had been interesting because it’s probably the most regretful I’ve ever seen it get. I’m seeing an increasing number of people openly admit they wanted a conservative leader, but not like this. Recognition of the problem is half the battle. Unfortunately, there is so much FAFO coming from the left that just keeps the wound open. In the same way the Dems finally had to admit that Biden was no longer fit for the presidency with his mental decline, the right has to admit Trump is not the right guy by any stretch if anything is to get better.
Hi. I don’t know that Trump is the right guy nor do I believe he ever was. But he was the one I believed to be the better choice. I have absolutely zero regrets about that choice. Even though there are people on Reddit saying they regret their choice - how does that help anything? It also doesn’t change anything. Unless democrats can change their playbook, stop blaming and thrashing Trump voters, identify strong common sense candidates, it will be hard for them to win elections. Regret or no regret voting for Trump.
It changes things because now they can go participate in holding their own party accountable. His behavior and rhetoric are not okay in any party. This has nothing to do with dems needing to change their playbook, that is on them. But it really is no excuse for choosing a felon, rapist and serial adulterer to lead a revenge tour.
Amy, it’s just hard to swallow that you are okay with watching Trump bend the knee to Russia when we have had countless men and women bleed and die to keep the world safe and free of men like Vladimir Putin.
I don’t think that Trump is doing that. He is trying to end the war- and taking a different approach than Biden used. Which didn’t work. This may not work either, but continuing what we have been doing doesn’t seem like an option.
Trump called Zelenskyy a "a dictator" and Putin "a great guy". But he is not bending the knee to Russia??? How does that work? And giving Putin land in a completely sovereign nation is not ending the war. It is giving Putin everything he wants and rewarding him for invading Ukraine. And it will NOT stop with Ukraine if Putin gets a win here. Trump is trying to "solve a problem". The problem is that Putin invaded a country in a hostile manner to capture land and Trump is trying to solve it by giving Putin exactly what he wants. How is that a win? Trump said Zelenskyy is "gambling with the lives of millions of people" and "gambling with WWlll". No, the invading force is doing these things and that is Putin. Vance screaming at Zelenskyy "Have you ever said thank you?" There is a super cut of Zelenskyy thanking America over and over and over and over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMn0xrc95s (Zelenskyy saying thank you to the US for 4 minutes straight) Should Zelenskyy dropped to the floor in the Oval and kissed Trumps feet? Said "Sir, you are the greatest" when Trump is asking Zelenskyy to give in to a violent, hostile invasion?
While I do not wish Trump supporters to feel shame or regret I do want them to exhibit some common sense.
Hi Amy- Have you looked into any Media Bias reports regarding the Daily Mail? Here are two bipartisan resources you can explore if you're up for it. Thank you again for being willing to engage here.
The best thing any of us can do right now is to consume RELIABLE news sources, even if they have a left of center or right of center bias. Are they TRUTHFUL? That's got to be the place where we all start together.
Amy, why are YOU okay with the fact that we are standing with Russia instead of our Allies? We promised Ukraine years ago in a treaty that if they gave up their nuclear weapons we would all protect them if Russia tried to take them over. Now we are voting with Russia and North Korea in UN resolution votes against Ukraine and our allies. The problem isn’t Ukraine. The problem is us. We have never acted like this before. We have never voted with authoritarian dictators. Country before party. This is bigger than being a loyal republican or loyal democrat.
His administration’s actions say otherwise…Hegseth ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia. Why?!! Why would we tell our own intelligence agencies to stop looking at Russian intelligence and to stop any investigations they are doing? Russia and China are our biggest threats to national security.
Hi Amy- Thanks for being willing to engage on this with people you disagree with. It takes guts!
I am copying and pasting comments I made elsewhere below because I wanted to make sure you saw them. You're clearly willing to talk about this and think about all the ramifications (thank youuuuuuuu!!!!) so I wanted to make sure the history here was clear as it's part of why the US needs to remain committed to Ukraine.
By the end of the Cold War (early 90s), Ukraine had the third largest nuclear stockpile in the world. In 1994, Ukraine agreed to transfer these weapons to Russia for dismantlement and became a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in exchange for economic compensation and assurances from Russia, the United States and United Kingdom to respect the Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. In invading Ukraine, Russia disregarded the terms of the treaty. If the US does not support Ukraine in their efforts to retain the sovereignty that the US helped to broker, we will continue to lose diplomatic trust and standing in the world. How are we supposed to negotiate peace and settlement with countries when they can see we will go back on our agreements? Why would anyone trust us? Supporting Ukraine is about protecting Europe, and yes, Europe should be participating heavily in their own protection, but it is also about honoring our treaties in order to retain our allies' and the world's trust. What happens when our negotiating power on the world stage disintegrates?
It is actually extremely dangerous for Americans to disregard treaties and force a peace agreement between an invading country and a democratic ally that favors the invader. It is equally dangerous for us to start trade wars with allied countries which hold valuable natural resources that we need. By contributing to global peace and by maintaining diplomatic trade relations, we are putting Americans first. What Trump is doing now is destroying the relationships that have kept America safe and strong for 80 years.
Think of it this way....you're in high school. Who has more power to to get what they want--the bully or the most popular, well-liked kid in the class?
Americans benefit the most when America is RESPECTED and its word is TRUSTED on the world stage. We get that by contributing positively to the world. Do you have any friends from other countries who you could speak to about this? I think it might help you gain perspective on how America is viewed in the world and why America being viewed as trustworthy benefits us. I mean that question sincerely. Is there someone you trust who you could talk to and listen to in regards to this?
What is happening now is rapidly unraveling the precedent that any of us alive today have only ever experienced. Neither you nor I know what a world looks like where America isn't the most popular (i.e., trusted) kid in the class anymore. We are isolating ourselves to our detriment, and it will hurt us economically most of all.
No arguments here on the values of the Tate Brothers 😂. Thank you for your thoughts and especially for your husband and your family’s service to this country ❤️
I live a 45 minute drive north of Detroit and the amount of trump signs still in yards and flags still flying, makes me ill. What kind of a country have they created when I actually take joy from seeing people losing jobs and other important life things. I pray every day that trump voters lose everything and that Harris voters don’t suffer too much. This is where my life is. It’s a horrible way to live and I see no light at the end of this tunnel.
Agree. The pattern of comments suggests a deep level of bitterness and anger. Taking joy from seeing people lose their jobs and other important things in life? Praying every day that Trump voters lose everything? This isn't just venting. And it is a horrible way to live. I hope this poster gets help.
I agree with what all 3 posters above said. But comments like yours: “come join the party of people who hate their neighbors” are also untrue, divisive, and inflammatory.
Unfortunately, not untrue. Maybe you missed it, but this same person commented this:
I hate with a passion I thought not possible, the people who voted for trump and the people who sat out for a protest. This path will cause irreparable harm to our country and it is 100% their fault. We have a feckless GOP, but that wouldn’t matter if he had not won. Shame on every person who cast those uneducated votes.
“ In Russia, Putin has created a system where elections exist but don't matter, where media operates but can't criticize, where courts function but don't deliver justice, and where wealth accumulates, but only to those with political connections. It's the shell of democracy without its substance.”
This sounds so similar to Trump that I had to read it again.
The Zelenskyy Trump Vance exchange was awful, embarrassing, and highly concerning. I have zero desire to live under authoritarian rule, and I’m terrified America has forever been changed by the lack of checks and balances with this admin that our vote in 2 years won’t matter. Is this really what Trump voters wanted to be besties with Putin and Russia? I’m doing the next needed thing when I can but how do we really fight back? I fear it’s tyranny or revolution.
I share your fears and concerns. I read a post yesterday sharing the views of a Trump supporter. He believes Trump is being diplomatic and is trying to avoid World War III. That he’s only siding with Putin “on the surface” to get the deal he thinks is best (and that will give the US access to mineral rights in Ukraine).
If this is true, then at best, he’s playing a dangerous game and continuing a tradition of America playing the white savior taking natural resources as payment.
I personally don’t think that argument makes sense, but when a person gives Trump the benefit of the doubt in every situation and truly believes he’s a brilliant businessman, these are the types of conclusions you come to.
My husband won't speak to my parents anymore; he has given up on them. They are outraged that he is judging them for their opinion. To compromise, I asked them if they would agree to be curious and have open minds, and we would also listen and hear their concerns. I asked them to read this website.
Instead, they remain outraged. They say they don't like Trump, or Musk, their loud mouth speeches, how fast they are doing everything... But they like conservative policy. "We can't control him but we want his policies."
And that's it. They refuse to engage in conversation. They refuse to be curious. I've told them I'll never demand they vote for someone, I'm happy to concede when 'my side' screws up, all I ask is that we start talking about this stuff. They don't want to. Agreeing to talk with me is too threatening. Why? I'll never know.
And now I see them as the townspeople who claim they can see the naked emperor's clothes. They will pretend they see policy that aligns with their values instead of facing the truth. They think I was brainwashed by college, but in fact they raised me to never trust someone with such poor behavior.
Oof, could have written this myself Jaclyn. I think this exact experience is quite common. I’ll never forget the day I was home on summer break from college and my dad was watching Bill O Reilly, and I dared question something Bill said, and my dad told me to shut up and that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I knew from that moment my dad was not someone I could fully trust.
I also could have written this myself. The familial break in fundamental facts, interpretations and values is deeply disappointing and demoralizing. I have no answers, just deep empathy for your situation and the heartache it causes you. I would tell you to never give up, but how long and how hard can you try, how far do you push the relationship toward mutual understanding or an eventual rupture? It feels important enough to keep going, but the pain it causes these people we love (and ourselves) is awful. I personally can’t come up with a way to reconcile the costs either way so I’m just in a strained, sad limbo. We talk about the weather a lot. 😢
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, Jaclyn. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to open up conversation with your parents and keep your relationship intact. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating when someone refuses to be curious or even consider another viewpoint.
I’ve also been puzzled by the contradiction in what my elders taught me was bad behavior and what they are now willing to tolerate. It’s baffling.
Me and my siblings (2 brothers and a sister) have had a group text for years.
Many times I made it clear I would not discuss politics because me and my sister see things very differently from our brothers. In fact I asked that everyone just leave politics out of it. When one of my brothers kept posting links to things one would need a tin foil hat to believe I left the group text.
Last fall I joined again and again made it clear that my boundaries are no politics. I said they could have a separate discussion if they wanted to discuss it but please do not post to this group. I made it very clear that if my boundaries were not respected this time I would leave the group and cut them off completely. They do not know how to sit and listen to understand, just attack that if we think they are wrong we have been brainwashed.
Once again my one brother posted a link to something supportive of Musk’s actions with DOGE. I believe he is attempting to sway me and my sister to his way of thinking.
Anyone who doesn’t agree with how they think gets called liberals and they tell me I have been gaslighted by the liberals who want to give away our country to dictatorship.
I told them I no longer trust them, that I believe they would sell out me and my sister if things turned into Germany when the Nazi party ruled, and have cut off all communication. People who are that sold out to any person or party that they see nothing wrong at all cannot be trusted.
Sharon, I would love to hear the details of “the deal.” Do we know exactly what was left unsigned on the table? $500 billion in mineral rights in exchange for, what? The way that “conversation” went, it sounded like that $500 billion would show gratitude to the US and nothing else. I feel so ashamed of our leadership right now.
I've been wondering this, too. I think a mineral rights deal is a very interesting option for furthering the Ukraine-U.S. relationship, but as the deal currently stands, it just sort of seems like extortion. I'd love more info!
Whew! I tried reading the preliminary wording and it was tough! I read all the words, but still am not sure what I read. Thanks so much for the link, though!
Our country is an embarrassment. We are on the fast track to authoritarianism now, and half the country doesn’t even understand the ramifications. Once a beacon of hope, now a joke to our allies. Trump has been a Russian asset since the ‘90s. Narcissists with nuclear codes…what could go wrong?
The entire administration acts like children. I’ll continue to say the same thing over and over again, none of this should be a surprise. Nor should the few supporters on this page who somehow manage to cherry pick the few less than outrageous moments and say, see, Trump is trying! He says Ukraine started the war and that zelensky is the dictator and Putin isn’t. How is outright lying okay? He posts a video of himself as the golden idol in Gaza, how is that okay? His handpicked reporters insult zelensky by asking why he isn’t wearing a suit, but it’s okay for Elon to parade around as an unelected official wearing t shirts with silly phrases on them? I am so deeply disappointed and embarrassed and at this point I don’t want to know or interact with any Trump supporters.
In the exchange with Trump and Zelensky, Trump later comments that he likes what Zelensky is wearing. It didn’t appear that he handpicked any reporters, and actually threw a couple insults to reporters in that room.
The first 40 mins of the session (out of 49 mins) was very civil and respectful.
It seems from your comment: “I don't think insulting reporters help. I was making that point to your perspective that Trump hand picked the reporters.” that trumps insults proves the reporters weren’t picked by Trump. I merely pointed out that he insults everyone and that is no indication of whether they were picked by the White House or not.
The reporter who through out the "Zelenskyy suit" comment is Marjory Taylor Green's boyfriend, Brian Glenn. Who is and has been a hand picked plant in the Oval and press pool. Reuters and AP were excluded. It is the Gulf of Mexico, BTW.
I don’t understand. Lol. I don’t think it’s right or agree with Trump insulting reporters. I was only making the point that he said he liked Zelensky’s choice of clothes and it didn’t appear that he handpicked reporters.
Amy, I think you’re grasping at straws here. Take a beat, step back and see that you’re using not barking at reporters and complimenting an outfit to rationalize the terribleness of what happened in that office on Friday.
Hmm, can you point to wear Trump said he likes what Zelenskyy is wearing? The two comments I've seen on it are Trump immediately saying, "He dressed up for us," when Zelenskyy exited his vehicle, and then the exchange with the reporter about Zelenskyy not wearing a suit in which Trump sat by while people laughed at Zelenskyy. Considering reports that Trump's team apparently specifically asked Zelenskyy to wear a suit, I'm going to assume Trump's first comment was sarcasm rather than genuine.
Hey Ashley! Trump said after Zelensky replied to Brian Glenn of Real America Voice, "I do like your clothing, by the way...I think he's a great guy, by the way, but I don't know if you two like each other but you know what? I think he's dressed beautifully (pointing to Zelensky)." Your points are totally valid, but Trump did respond in the moment. I do think speculation that Brian was basically put up to asking that specific question for a reason is also valid.
Brian Glenn is Marjorie Taylor Green’s boyfriend, so I fully believe he was a plant. I also felt Trump was being sarcastic when he said he liked what President Zelensky was wearing. It sounded so smart assy. It is no secret he refuses to dress in a suit and opts to dress like his soldiers until this war ends. He visits them on the front lines, and he gives in person support. I think this annoys Trump who thinks sitting in the passenger seat of a garbage truck or pretending to work the deep fryer at McDonald’s makes him supportive and one of us. He is a disgrace.
To be clear, my post wasn't a defense of Trump or of Glenn's question. The fact that he felt comfortable asking a question clearly meant to demean a world leader sitting in the Oval Office is abominable. The fact that the president's response was a light comment on wardrobe, and not a sharp rebuke for asking the question in the first place, is worse. Even commenting that a reporter of an openly biased outlet with little interest in journalistic integrity and the President of a country may not 'like each other' is insane.
Oh I know and agree with you. Just pointing out that I had learned who the reporter is and so that wasn’t much of a surprise that he was a complete twatwaffle. And I love that Zelensky is supporting his troops by refusing to dress up right now. It’s far more impressive than showing up in a suit.
Hi Amy. I think I will go back and try to watch the entire visit with Trump/Zelensky et al to see if I can see what you see regarding Trump complimenting Zelensky.
As far as reporters not being handpicked - the WH had announced last Tuesday they would be hand-picking who is allowed audience with the President from now on. They have decided to do away with the WH Correspondents Association.
The man who asked Zelensky why he doesn’t wear a suit is Brian Glenn and he’s dating Marjorie Taylor Greene. He works for Real America’s Voice - an organization known to peddle conspiracy theories and misinformation for the far-right. Also in the room was a journalist for TASS, the Russian State owned media corporation. While the White House says they don’t know how he got in there, others have reported seeing the WH press officials allow him in but not allow AP and Reuters to enter. The number of security clearances and times a person is cleared into the next area in order to finally end up in the Oval Office is virtually mistake proof. I’ve read there is pre-clearance a month before the event, then an invite, to 5 separate security checks that move you throughout the East the West Wing. There is no way this was a simple mistake on their part or the guy just mistakenly wandered in. He was on a list and our own neutral pool reporters were not. This was a made for Russian TV ambush by Trump and Vance. Trump even said at the end “this is going to make for good tv!”
Anyway, I’m going to go rewatch in its entirety to see if I can find the civility you saw.
This comment is more about the comment section than the article - it seems that non-Trump supporters want Trump supporters to “regret their vote,” which someone in the comments articulated nicely as not necessarily wanting them to feel regret but rather to “get it” - get why Trump is bad for America.
And Trump supporters are again and again saying “This is what we wanted. We see things differently than you. We wanted to see the government cleared out. We wanted to see migrants rounded up. We like the way Trump is dealing with Putin” and it makes me wonder if we should be listening and *believing them* instead of trying to find the moment the lightbulb goes off and they come around - because I don’t think it’s coming. Their values are being upheld right now, and it does us no good to pretend that we share values when we so evidently don’t. And they have a right to their values! I just don’t share them.
So if what people are saying is true, then what matters most in the fight for democracy is organizing to end gerrymandering and protect voting rights, and just accepting that there will be winners and losers here, because no matter how hard we try to explain how taking care of each other is better for us all, there are people who do not *want* to live in a fair and equal society, and will always vote against it, even when it hurts them or people they know.
Like when you think of the people who made the biggest difference in the Civil Rights movement, they didn’t ask white people nicely if Black people could sit down. Black activists just sat down. And people who could allow their hearts to change, did, but it wasn’t just from pleading and convincing. It was also saying “you may not like this but Justice doesn’t care.”
I love this!! Thank you, Ashley! All day I have been thinking about this comments section and trying to make sense of how so many of us want to know what the light bulb moment will be for Trump supporters, and you are right, there may not be a light bulb moment. Or a moral red line, or any point at all where they change their minds. We just have to accept it and move forward, roll up our sleeves and get to work. I especially love what you wrote: "People who could allow their hearts to change did."
I second EVERY WORD of this! Thank you Ashley 🙌 we cannot wait for Trump supporters to change their values because they won’t, or at least not in a fast way. The values of goodness, decency, fairness, equality and justice is what we must embody and push towards regardless. I remember when Sharon has said so many times, if you aren’t willing to help then get out of the way. This is what I’m holding fast to going forward.
I think the thing that makes me want to engage is I do believe we share values with some Trump supporters, we just don’t share reality or common facts. Propaganda, misinformation and disinformation are so powerful because they can just say, “I see it differently than you do.” When I tried to engage with my mom about Jan 6 pardons, for example, she outright says she doesn’t want people who harmed police to be pardoned, but “I don’t think most people who ended up in the capital hurt anyone or intended to go into it. There were bad players who were “ herding” people toward the doors and there were people on the inside opening the doors to them. I don’t know if we’ll ever get the full story on how Jan 6 happened but I think there were many people who did not deserve arrest let alone the conviction.”
(I copied that directly from my exchange with her as an example.)
I think it’s important that we maintain clarity about the issue, even as we believe them and continue on with our important work. It’s not necessarily a lack of shared values. It’s a lack of shared reality and facts.
I had a whole reply to this and I deleted it because I’m super angry today and I don’t think it fairly represented how I feel, or how much I do agree with your post. You make fantastic points and on days that I’m more hopeful than I am today I agree with you. But today, I’m mad, and that’s coming out as judgment. Ultimately, though, whether it’s misaligned values or reality vs not-reality (because there are not two realities) the answer is the same - we have to do the work regardless of what they think or feel, rather than spending our energy trying to get them on board, and we just have to hope they are capable of and willing to, change. People do change, so I believe it is possible, but I do think it’s on them to see change and decide which side they want to be on, and to be ultimately responsible for that choice, rather than my job to change them or to make them see the light. And while I totally agree with misinformation and disinformation allow cop outs of “I see it differently,” we all have the ability to go outside and recognize that immigrants are not eating pets, so even as I agree that misinformation and disinformation are terrible problems, my patience for opinions based on misinformation is not endless.
I agree with you. And I’m angry and exhausted, too. And you are so right about the reality and not reality point. There is so much work to do to uphold democracy. So. Much. Work. This is personal for me. My mother is lost to the cult. And my children see and are deeply grieved by her actions. So I continue (some days) to try and engage with her. But I don’t have the capacity to do it often. And you are right, I don’t want to waste all my energy on it what feels like a losing battle. I do want to maintain a posture of hope even on the days I don’t engage. It is hard. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
I completely understand and respect that. I so appreciate your comments because when I’m more positive, I agree. This weekend’s news re Putin just really got to me. I’m so sorry that this has impacted your relationship with your mom. That’s really devastating and absolutely worth continuing to pursue. ❤️
Reading this article brought back memories of Trump's first term relationship with Putin that seem so relevant now. Remember Helsinki in 2018? Standing beside Putin, Trump was directly asked if Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Instead of supporting his own intelligence agencies' conclusions, he said "I don't see any reason why it would be Russia." The world was shocked to see a leader who prides himself on being a tough guy being so deferential to an adversary, practically calling American intelligence inept in front of Putin.
The backlash was so severe that the next day, Trump claimed he misspoke - that he meant to say "wouldn't" instead of "would." It was an absurd walkback that made no grammatical sense in the context of his full statement. We were supposed to believe that he spoke one sentence of condemnation of Putin sandwiched into a statement that overall exonerated him. It was one of the most obvious instances of him lying about his own position. He wanted credit for standing up to Putin without ever actually doing it.
What's changed since then? Only that Trump no longer feels the need to pretend he's tough on Putin. The mask is completely off now. In that first term, there was at least public pressure that forced these awkward attempts to look like he wasn't completely deferential to Putin. Now, as we saw with Zelensky in the Oval Office, Trump openly sides with Putin's narratives while berating a democratic ally fighting for survival.
The most alarming part is what this tells us about where we're heading. If Trump felt constrained by public and political pressure in his first term but now feels free to openly embrace Putin's positions, what constraints will exist in a second term?
The other extremely alarming part: why doesn’t this trigger as much bipartisan backlash as it used to? It seems like we are all waiting to find out not when, but if, there will be a line that Republicans will not let Trump cross. 🤷🏻♂️
This! I think it's honestly fascinating to watch responses to the recent Trump/Vance/Zelensky press conference that almost seem to exist in a vacuum, without context of the greater conflict or context of the previous Trump administration.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2014 with Crimea. It continued throughout the first Trump administration. Russia was proven to have interfered in the U.S. election in 2016. Trump was impeached the first time over allegations that he broke the law by pressuring Ukraine to dig up damaging information on a political rival. U.S. intelligence also indicates that Russia attempted to influence the elections in 2020 and 2024. Trump called Zelensky a "dictator" and said that he "has done a terrible job, his country is shattered" etc on February 19th, 2025. The press conference did not exist in a vacuum. The conclusion that the administration has a pattern of treatment in regards to Putin & Russia has a lot of evidence behind it.
The lack of bipartisan condemnation of this pattern of treatment is deeply concerning, I agree. I think a lot of the rhetoric in the comments section here painting Trump supporters with a broad brush is directly aided by what people are seeing in Congress. A number of lawmakers who previously openly supported Ukraine (Rubio was one of the loudest) switching gears overnight to run from reporters or spout Kremlin talking points on the news rounds. I don't know what the line is for the Republicans in Congress, but their silence or acquiescence seems to be definitively pushing the U.S. Kremlin-ward.
Thanks for this. I’ve been wondering the same about the backlash from republican leaders. As far as I can tell, no one is speaking up. Please correct me if I’m wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Their silence is what concerns me the most. If they are afraid of speaking up, that is certainly an issue as it undermines freedom and democracy but they have to know that there is strength in numbers. Where is that caucus of bipartisan leaders? I can’t remember the name of it but Sharon has interviewed them in her podcast. They’re moderates who actually want to get things done. I keep hoping they will save us from this steep slide into authoritarianism.
“End the war.” That’s the talking point I’m seeing from Trump supporters. That kind of statement/goal/priority is reductionist Russian propaganda. It’s sounds like it’s as simple as that. Do what you have to make it end. If you support Trump I beg you to think beyond that statement. To really try to look at the global implications of a deal and HOW the deal is negotiated.
Yes, this! So frequently, I see Trump supporters claim liberals just want an endless war. It's such a bad faith argument meant to put people on edge rather than engage on the merits. No one wants an endless war, but no one should want a win for Putin, either.
So do we just stand by and watch it all spin out of control? Do we not have any legal backing to remove these people from office? Because it smells treasonous to me. Strong-arming an ally, whose country is currently being invaded by barbaric terrorists, into submitting to an agreement with no security guarantees... is this not an example of abuse of power? What then? Where does it stop? Do we just allow this megalomaniac live out his realty TV show dream of being "king of the hill" and watch democracy being shredded? While we scramble to keep democracy from coming apart at the seams one chaotic circus show at a time, the oligarchs are planning their next move... and the next and the next. I'm rambling, but I'm just so tired of letting this felon abuse his position and making a mockery of everything. There are people's lives at stake.
All of this is what I’m feeling. Checks and balances only work when people follow the rule of law. Without that democracy dies. So what happens? What do we as individuals actually do about it except read and learn and worry about it? Our country is at a tipping point and there may be no way back. I want directives. What can we actually do about this!?!?
I sit in early morning sun, and words form, then evaporate. Or rage into a fire in my belly. What happened in the Oval Office, on Friday, was a clear school ground bullying on a nuclear level. However, unlike most bullies, they found themselves up against a learned, stable man ( Zelensky, in case you are confused ) who would not bow to their threats, lies, and contempt. The mask is off, to anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear. For those who thought this administration did well that day, they are on a journey I would never want to travel. Let me stay with the facts. With intellect. And let me continue to look for, although feeling dimmed, Hope.
I have nothing intelligent to say because I've just been in a state of rage and grief since this happened. The cult of Trump is determined to destroy us. I will keep doing everything I can to push back, but the pain and disillusionment is unbearable. I was taught honesty, integrity, and courage in defense of democratic values, and yet now my country turns its back on all of those. It really, really hurts.
You are not alone.❤️
No, it IS NOT the model of governance we want, now what do we do about it? I think many people want to take a stand and make our voices heard, but are feeling deeply disempowered.
Keep communicating with friends and family in a kind, open way. Keep building personal communities with a foundation of equity and kindness. Keep contacting representatives, attending town halls, and putting pressure on local reps. It never feels like much, but I genuinely think it’s the best we can do.
Since 2015 I've been wondering where the line is. When we people stop supporting him? I don't think there is one. I'm asking with genuine curiosity, are there Trump supporters who can say where their line is?
Former Trump supporter here!! I started following Sharon just before the 2020 election. And while I did know what she shares is solid truth and it got me to step outside of the echo chamber, January 6th iced the cake for me. It also all helped me see the need to ditch political parties and stand for the principles of democracy.
I admire you so much for this. I've actually teared up reading it even though it's only a couple of sentences. Thank you for placing principle over party. <3
Thank you. I always tell people I've voted for the wrong person before. I'm ready to admit the mistake when it happens. It shocks me that so many people just doubled down.
Marti, thank you for sharing. I am a moderate conservative but a Never Trumper. My husband, in-laws and siblings all voted for him the 2016 and 2020 election. January 6th was a deal breaker for them too. My husband and FIL are veterans and to see the attack on our capitol broke their hearts. My in-laws have donated money to the Republican Party for years so I was shocked to see them flip. I think this is the first election they have ever voted for a democrat. I keep holding out for a few of my family members that still support the madness. It is freeing to not be part of either political party and to choose principle over party!
I have so much respect for you! Thank you for sharing your story! It gives me hope ♥️
Thank you. Jan 6 should have been the limit for everyone.
One ray of hope I can offer is a Ukrainian American trump supporter in my community changed his mind after the Friday meeting. He said, Trump is clearly a Putin operative. Better late than never I guess.
There is no line. People who supported Ukraine three years ago have already pivoted to defending Trump. It's a cult. 💔
I think that you might be right for many people. When people in high control religious environments, like a cult, experience something that should prove the cult wrong, their beliefs often strengthen. I think that certainly applies to some people. Supporting Trump is wrapped up in their identity and it's hard to change at that point.
I also think there are some people who like him because they think he'll be good for the economy or they just felt that Biden/Harris hadn't done a good job. Those people must have a line where they'll change their mind.
I appreciate your hopefulness, but I don't share it. It's been a full decade of Trump at this point, and he's done countless harmful things... if people have not found their limit, it doesn't exist.
Further, regarding their economic concerns or issues with Biden, this means that they were willing to overlook everything that would harm OTHER people because they thought they would benefit them. So like, yeah those comments about Haitian immigrants endangered a whole community, but what really matters is MY investments. Or we might be stabbing our allies in the back and destabilizing the world economy, but there are fewer border crossings happening, so it all evens out. Support for Trump at this point is deeply selfish, not civic-minded.
So yes, I'd love to think their minds could be changed, but the available evidence doesn't support that. And personally, I'm done wasting energy trying to convince people. I'm instead using that energy to try to reduce the harm they're causing.
Back in 2016 I had someone tell me that I would change my mind about him when my husband's paycheck and our 401k went up. (I just need to point out that I also have a salary and retirement account, but they were just focused on my husband). I was horrified and offended. How could I care about those things when it meant promoting such hate?
Turns out the opposite happened and they switched to hating him when he mishandled covid so badly.
The mental gymnastics are Olympic-level for sure and I agree, the limit does not exist. Most of us live in communities. We share public facilities and resources and it doesn’t always go well. I think we’ve all muttered under our breath or aloud, a time or two, about the current condition of something that was once clean, tidy, and operational. Could be anything really, from a service lobby to a public park. For example-
I walk my dog twice daily in my neighborhood. From time to time, I see excrement on the property. Did they forget their bag? Did they not see it? Who knows. I’ve made it a point to carry extra bags and pick it up. Our HOA dues are astronomical. It’s a historic property, the upkeep is imperative to its longevity and frankly, who wants to see pet waste everywhere? Rather unsanitary but also unsightly, no?
Every now and then, there’s a mess (left by another dog owner) that I can’t clean up. There was one instance in particular, when I miscalculated the situation, and though I went in with my hand in a double-shield of my own fashioning, the yuck got all over me, my dog’s leash etc..
That example comes to mind because it reminds me that no good deed goes unpunished, but it also reminds me to sidestep the mess. See it for what it is, from far away if possible, and then avoid it.
Step over it. Switch course. Whatever it takes.
That applies to petulance. That applies to willful ignorance. That applies to dissociative disorder.
Skip it. Still doing my best for my community while sparing my sanity by actively avoiding exercises in futility. Win! Win!
Also, a neighbor’s camera has identified the culprit and guess what? He knows what’s happening. He’s holding the leash. He waits. He looks over his shoulder to make sure the coast is clear, leaves it and keeps right on walking. Turns out, we don’t all care about the same things. 🤷🏻♀️
As you noted in your last paragraph, and I agree, our energy is better served elsewhere. Onward!
We have work to do.
“We don’t all care about the same thing.”
Yeah. The fact that people are willing to accept an authoritarian regime if it gets them what they want has spelled that out in stone. I just wish folks here would be honest with themselves and others about what they value. It would help the conversation move forward. Pretending to value human life in Ukraine, for example, while asking Ukrainians to “come to the table” with their abuser isn’t honest. It’s manipulative.
yes. like you say it is a waste of your time. we can all use that energy in more productive ways even if that is just taking a nap! Or calling our congresspeople. or writing a letter to the editor..
There are fewer immigrants being removed now than under Biden
Correct, but there are also fewer coming in. My point is that that is worth the cost to a lot of people (for now).
I’m watching so many people who have never thought twice about anyone being transgender acting like their lives depend on banning trans girls from sports (I’m in Maine so they’re all calling for Gov Mills’ impeachment). They are acting like they are completely blind to every other thing happening. It’s like a death rattle of their movement as they latch on to whatever they possibly can to justify their support instead of showing an ounce of humility. I’ve had one Trump supporter tell me he’s no longer speaking his praises because his farm is being hurt by the USAID cuts. So maybe they’ll speak up when it’s their livelihoods at steak, but I hesitate to be that optimistic
This is one of my biggest concerns and I think is part of the reason Trump and team are going so hard after transgender individuals. Some of their other actions might be unpopular with their base, but this is red meat they can toss to them to keep them happy. The firehose of anti-transgender executive orders is almost daily. (Most recently, removing LGBTQ+ identity as a protected status for government surveillance. In other words, LGBTQ individuals and their families and allies can now be surveilled for no other reason than that they are part of that community.) I expect him to trot out his 'eradication of gender ideology' when criticism of his other actions gets too hot. Never mind that this is in no way a real issue impacting ordinary Americans, he has made it one. "Don't look at Putin! Look over here at these trans people existing!"
Exactly!
According to many town halls that happened in red states, the constituents are not happy. Not specifically about Ukraine, I heard it was more about Elon. But still, it shows that their eyes are being opened and there is less blind loyalty.
I was at a town hall in Texas last weekend. (And asked a question! Ack!) Can confirm that not one constituent spoke up in favor of the administration or our R congressman.
The issues raised were thoughtful and varied. The people were well-informed. I definitely wondered how many governerds were in attendance.
Topics ranged from a mom pleading for her son who has pancreatic cancer and has had his last hope medicine taken away because of the stripping of the NIH, veterans worried about jobs, skyrocketing insurance rates, asking to condemn the people making Na*i salutes (he wouldn't), support for Ukraine, Medicare/Medicaid cuts, to Elon, etc. etc.
I estimate about 10% of those in attendance were current Trump supporters, but NONE of them spoke up in defense of what is happening.
Notice that Trump came out today and posted that all of these town halls are filled with paid protesters. They're nervous and trying to make us lose our resolve.
Sharon, can we panic yet? I am honestly hoping Trump had crossed the line for many Trump supporters after Friday. However, I fear there is no line or they will continue to make excuses to draw a new line. At one point in time, I would be willing to bet at least 90 something percent of Americans said Russia was the bad guy. Now, I’m not so sure… we’re friends?…I know a lot of his supporters don’t support everything he does but there HAS to be a line where they will say “maybe it was a mistake voting for him” right?! Trying really hard not to spiral here.
I have a close relative in Dept of Def and living/working in a deep red state and the office is so tense and stressful with people not knowing from day to day if they will have a job and watching their colleagues get axed and have their workload piled on to those that are left. These are not cushy easy jobs. They are highly skilled technical engineering jobs that we all as Americans depend on whether you know it or not to keep us safe here in the states. I can tell you that yes there are people that are being vocal saying they regret their vote. People that voted for this administration aren’t bad people. They are just people trying to figure out how to best navigate their worlds just like everyone else. I ask myself on the daily where is the line for most of the folks that support the president and his policies. For many the policies could be not be cruel enough and they will never waiver but I don’t believe that’s the majority. Let’s not forget that Trump didn’t just appear out of nowhere back in 2015. This is decades of build up (or disintegration depending your viewpoint) culminating to where we are now starting with the advent of 24/7 cable news and in particular FoxNews / MSNBC partisanship and some would argue way before that. People mistakenly took it for news when it’s really salacious hogwash. It will most likely take decades to dig ourselves out from this hole we’ve created together so let’s try to keep finding common ground as free Americans rather than asking where’s the line because that’s another rabbit hole that leads to nowhere. Try not to spiral. It helps I think if you can talk about your feelings or even better journal them on a daily and remember that you’re not alone with how you’re feeling about things. You’ve got community and that’s the most important thing.
Yeah my husband is active duty military and he’s in a position where his boss is a civilian. His boss is currently looking for a new job after all that’s come out and since the DoD is not hiring anyone, if he leaves, my husband will not only have his duties but may need to take over his boss’s position. I don’t think most Trump supporters are bad people. I do think some are: The Tate Brothers, Ye, those who wish Trump can go for a third term or longer. I am also trying to reshape my thinking and rephrase my comments in the future to ask something like “so what’s the common ground here where both sides can agree is wrong?” I think it should be in this case, Putin is a dictator and we should not be seeing him as a good person who we can trust.
I like that common ground phrase and I will use it!
Why is it important to you that Trump supporters feel some kind of regret for their vote? Does this provide validation to you?
I don’t know of anyone who voted for Trump having any regrets. I believe we see things very differently and wishing Trump supporters share some kind of regret- only adds to the division.
Its incredibly important that some Trump voters start working to resist this administration if we’re going to have any chance. I think the fear is that many Trump supporters have pledged their allegiance to a man/MAGA rather than to any solid ideals, that they’ll never speak out against him even as he destroys the country.
Yeah, this is what I wonder also. What *are* the ideals for MAGA republicans? Is it really about “saving” tax dollars? I can’t find a unified theory of MAGA or a positive vision that doesn’t just involve a homogenization of society.
I've been stewing on this Summer, and I think you're right that there is no positive vision. I've come to the conclusion that almost everything in MAGA can be traced to a victim mentality with two main oppressors: the liberal 'elite' that govern and tell them they're wrong, and the poor people/immigrants who are getting a free ride off their tax dollars.
Even those policies Republicans might categorize as positive (like America First, immigration reform, or lower taxes) stem from those beliefs. And those beliefs aren't new to this time, but I think the Fox News of it all has stoked the fire to such a degree that they can no longer change their mind; any information counter to their narrative is automatically corrupt and untrustworthy.
My parents, who are very average Fox News-driven Trump supporters, just cannot stomach the idea that what they've been told has been a lie. They also refuse to see their own hypocrisy (they built a wonderful life off of three business/careers that wouldn't exist without tax payer dollars: farming, crop insurance, and public school teaching).
I need to keep thinking about this because I want to be charitable in my interpretations of their motives…I can see freedom as a theme, but it seems to be freedom limited to a certain type of person or a certain way of being…your observations about victim mentality definitely ring true for some segments of the electorate :(.
So what you’re saying is Trump voters are ok with him putting shackles on freedom of speech by punishing neutral outlets like the AP, leading us to state-run media by enforcing only what the government wants to see reported put out publicly on platforms (where I’m seeing even the local national guard base posting “we are going through our posts to conform with the guidelines of this administration” on Facebook), getting rid of apolitical positions by placing partisan cronies instead, influencing even the arts by taking over things like the Kennedy Center, indiscriminately firing people who were in charge of nuclear program protection, etc? I mean, we could point out more but that’s enough for me this early in the morning. Most of all, Trump voters are ok with upsetting decades of global accord by SIDING WITH RUSSIA? Isolationism didn’t work out so well for us the last time, I don’t think.
This. This is why people want to know if Trump voters regret their choice. So we can work together to combat this damage being done for future generations. My grandfather and the Greatest Generation didn’t fight the Axis just to see two generations later squander his efforts.
There is a lot in here. Not everything the Administration is doing is reason for panic and/or regret. I’m sure there are some people who will regret their choice- but I’m not sure how that is impactful. I know what doesn’t work- shaming voters for their choice. This goes both ways.
I truly don’t want my tone to be shaming and if it was I apologize. I just want to understand where the other side is because the things I listed are things to take note of, not necessarily “panic”, as they are fundamentally against some constitutional concepts that both sides claim to love (the free speech, control of the press, etc). I want to listen to understand where the line is. I appreciate your thoughtful comments below, as well.
No need to apologize, Christine. But thank you. :)
I can be sensitive and take comments the wrong way.
Yes. It is important that Trump voters feel regret because it would show that you aren’t all entirely morally bankrupt and /or brainwashed by the cult of MAGA. Believe it or not, not everything is as simple as “agree to disagree”. 100% of Americans should be standing up to Trump right now, refusing to let him write revisionist history about Putin starting the war in Ukraine. 100% of Americans should be standing up to Trump and telling him to put on the breaks of controlling the press outlets in the White House. Every time his MAGA supporters agree with him when he does something like this he edges closer and closer to more and more outwardly undemocratic practices and the like pushes back again…
He is destroying decades of European alliances and international security. He is putting our country at grave risk aligning with Putin.
Standing up for what is right is always right, no matter who you voted for. And turning our back on our allies IS NOT RIGHT.
I am curious if you watched the entire meeting with Zelensky to form your opinion? I did watch the entire segment and didn’t get it at all that we are siding with Putin. I saw it as trying to make a deal to end the war. Isn’t that what we all should 100% be standing for? Is the war ending? Less people dying and our money isn’t spent sending it to Ukraine?
My question is, if you had a friend and her home was invaded by a gang of murderous criminals who were destroying her home and stealing her children, and for three years you sent help in any form you could, what would be your next move?
Would you tell her to stop being so ungrateful and play nice with the gang leader? Would you deride her for spending all your money on the defense of her family? Would you look at her scarred and bruised face and tell her to quit being disrespectful? Would you make a snide comment about what she was wearing?
I hope you wouldn’t. Anyone who’s been in a relationship with a narcissistic bully (or in Ukraine’s case, two or three of them) recognizes the absolute injustice of demanding a weaker party who’s living under the thumb of a powerful oppressor take any responsibility whatsoever for the conflict. There is one villain in this dynamic, and it’s Putin.
They’re bullying the wrong guy. If Trump were truly strong and a great negotiator he would be putting pressure on Putin, the aggressor, to give up and end the war. Trump and team are asking nothing of Putin… they want him to win, rebuild, and then take the entirety of Ukraine. Some things are worth fighting for.
Sounds like your previous comments where you chastised people for not watching the whole speech or taking Trump’s egregious words out of context. Trump supporters see no evil, hear no evil from their self-proclaimed king, no matter what he does. He has sided with Putin repeatedly. He claimed falsely that Zelensky started the war and was a dictator. He ranted that poor he and poor Putin went through so much together during the Russian hoax, which was anything but. Trump, the multiple bankrupt, who was propped up by his father’s money his whole life and only achieved some sort of relevancy by hosting a staged “reality” TV show, is enraged because his own inflated image of himself as a great deal maker completely fell apart as did his attempt to extort Ukraine’s mineral rights. And no, no true American should be standing for ending the war by capitulating to the dictatorial invader and pillaging the country that was invaded. All Americans should be 100% against that as I’m sure all of the Ukrainian people are who have suffered so much. And FYI, most of the aid we’ve provided to Ukraine has gone to U.S. companies and workers who supplied Ukraine with weapons and matériel. And you talk about “less people dying?” How many people will die from the abrupt termination of all of these foreign aid programs, which by the way, is another part of America Putin hates:
A $131 million grant to UNICEF’s polio immunization program, which paid for planning, logistics and delivery of vaccines to millions of children.
A $90 million contract with the company Chemonics for bed nets, malaria tests and treatments that would have protected 53 million people.
A project in the Democratic Republic of Congo that operates the only source of water for 250,000 people in camps for displaced people located in the center of the violent conflict in the east of the country.
All of the operating costs and 10 percent of the drug budget of the Global Drug Facility, the main supply channel for tuberculosis medications, which last year provided tuberculosis treatment to nearly three million people, including 300,000 children.
H.I.V. care and treatment projects run by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation that were providing lifesaving medication to 350,000 people in Lesotho, Tanzania and Eswatini, including 10,000 children and 10,000 pregnant women who were receiving care so that they would not transmit the virus to their babies at birth.
A project in Uganda to trace contacts of people with Ebola, conduct surveillance and bury those who died from the virus.
A contract to manage and distribute $34 million worth of medical supplies in Kenya, including 2.5 million monthlong H.I.V. treatments, 750,000 H.I.V. tests, 500,000 malaria treatments, 6.5 million malaria tests and 315,000 antimalaria bed nets.
Eighty-seven shelters that took care of 33,000 women who were victims of rape and domestic violence in South Africa.
A project run by FHI 360 that supported community health workers’ efforts to go door-to-door seeking malnourished children in Yemen. It recently found that one in five children was critically underweight because of the country’s civil war.
Pre- and postnatal health services for 3.9 million children and 5.7 million women in Nepal.
A project run by Helen Keller Intl in six countries in West Africa that last year provided more than 35 million people with the medicine to prevent and treat neglected tropical diseases, such as trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis.
A project in Nigeria providing 5.6 million children and 1.7 million women with treatment for severe and acute malnutrition. The termination means 77 health facilities have completely stopped treating children with severe acute malnutrition, putting 60,000 children under the age of 5 at immediate risk of death.
A project in Sudan that runs the only operational health clinics in one of the biggest areas of the Kordofan region, cutting off all health services.
A project serving more than 144,000 people in Bangladesh that provided food for malnourished pregnant women and vitamin A to children.
A program run by the aid agency PATH, called REACH Malaria, which protected more than 20 million people in 10 countries in Africa from the disease. It provided malaria drugs to children at the start of the rainy season.
A project run by Plan International that provided drugs and other medical supplies, health care, treatment of malnutrition programming, and water and sanitation for 115,000 displaced or affected by the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
More than $80 million for UNAIDS, the United Nations agency, which funded work to help countries improve H.I.V. treatment, including data collection and watchdog programs for service delivery.
The President’s Malaria Initiative program called Evolve, which did mosquito control in 21 countries by methods that include spraying insecticide inside homes (protecting 12.5 million people last year) and treating breeding sites to kill larvae.
A project providing H.I.V. and tuberculosis treatment to 46,000 people in Uganda, run by the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Uganda.
Smart4TB, the main research consortium working on prevention, diagnostics and treatment for tuberculosis.
The Demographic and Health Surveys, a data collection project in 90 countries that were crucial and sometimes the only sources of information on maternal and child health and mortality, nutrition, reproductive health and H.I.V. infections, among many other health indicators. The project was also the bedrock of budgets and planning
Kate I truly understand and share your frustration. But I don't think we're going to get anywhere when we have such an unforgiving and rigid attitude toward those who voted for Trump. Especially here, anyone commenting here has paid for a subscription, they must care about being more informed than your average voter (and non voters) and we should assume they had good reasons for voting the ways they did.
I've been guilty of piling on them too, which got me nowhere but frustrated. Now I try to remember they're just regular humans like us who are trying to make a difference with what little power we all have. They aren't trump. They're not advisors of his. They just voted for him.
And none of this would be happening without his voters.
Amy, asking honestly, without any sarcasm, you truly don't feel Trump is trying to please Putin? He feels they "went through" something together; he was saying Ukraine was the aggressor, and calling Zelensky a dictator (not in that meeting); I think many things leading up to this meeting have given the impression of an alignment with Russia, not just the things that happened during the meeting.
I think those are fair points, Allison. I don’t see it that way, but take responsibility that could be because of my own bias.
The war ending should not be the weaker innocent party giving in to a land hungry dictator. Where is the pressure on Russia to stop what THEY started ?? Why must Ukraine be the party to capitulate and give up their sovereign land ??
Making Ukraine give Russia their sovereign land is literally an insane scenario to even consider. It is not a morally just outcome.
If your neighbor started building a patio in your backyard would You tell them to back off or would you just let them have it to avoid an expensive legal battle ?
Very strange to see the left pivot to supporting an endless war.
Katie, I don't see how the left has pivoted to supporting an endless war? What I heard was Zelensky asking for assurances of protection if Putin violated this cease fire agreement, as he has done in the past. And then I heard Trump and Vance get upset that Zelensky was trying to get them to give him assurances. I am a life long Democrat, and I do not want an endless war. I am proud to help Ukraine in whatever way we can ($$) because I feel it is the right thing to do. Yes, would be better if we didn't have to spend that money, but I feel that we must protect Ukraine.
And, what are these assurances? What do you interpret as "concrete security guarantees"?
I do not support an endless war, but I do not think what Trump is doing will stop the war either. Personally with him in the oval office I think the world is less stable and less safe, but I realize others see this differently.
Can you, or anyone else, explain what winning looks like for Ukraine? With some degree of specificity, please?
No one should want an endless war but I certainly do think a sovereign country has the right to defend itself and should not be forced to give their land away to the aggressor for the sake of ending a war. The aggressor needs to be the one put in their place and reprimanded for their actions.
As my parents always taught me- don’t start a fight but if someone picks a fight with you, you can finish it. It’s interesting that the US, who I’ve always felt valued and helped the underdogs are now aligning with the aggressor and basically telling the underdog to just shut up and don’t make a scene. Give them what they want and it will all be over.
I don’t have the right answers as far as how much money is too much to be spending on foreign aid. I understand you feel Americans should be taken care of first before we start helping those around the world. I certainly understand where you’re coming from there. I believe that by increasing taxes for the wealthy and corporations here would generate more tax dollars to spend here in the US. I believe that expanding social programs and mental health facilities and VA programs would go a long way In helping the less fortunate and more needy Americans.
It’s an interesting catch 22 though because a lot of people that align with Trump and “America First” also do not like the expansion of social programs because they feel everyone has the responsibility of taking care of themselves and should stop “being lazy” and get off welfare. They are generally against universal healthcare as well as subsidized childcare or paid parental leave.
So, idk. Is it really about America first— do we really care about helping Americans first? It’s never really felt that way to me. It feels more like just a way to feel better about not wanting to help other people around the world.
Hi Amy. Just as I’ve said in a previous post supporting you regarding you posting your feelings about a topic, this is my post expressing my feelings. I hope you can understand and respect that every day non-Trump supporters are feeling very scared and come here to vent. If you’re not after everything that has happened, I don’t understand how and maybe there is no line for you but ok, I will respect your beliefs and move on.
So yes, maybe it is validation but in order for me to be kind to Trump supporters, which I feel like I have been in your previous comments, I do need to cling on to any bits of hope that some supporters can see how a lot of what he’s doing are hurting people. Maybe you don’t have friends or family who are impacted and I’m glad you don’t but I do, and I would care a lot if your friends and family lose their jobs or fear for their safety one day.
Well said!
Hi. I think you have every right to express your feelings. I am sorry that you are fearful. I just don’t know how it helps the situation when many are waiting for this “I told you so” moment with people who voted for Trump.
I do have many friends and family impacted and who are feeling hurt by this administration. I have many friends and family who were feeling hurt by the last administration. But that didn’t lead me to regret for who I voted for. I think the only thing that would cause pause and reconsideration would be if more democrats stopped blaming Trump supporters, didn’t respond with negativity for everything this administration does, and had some strong common sense leaders.
I do think it's important to scale back and think about how Trump supporters would be reacting if Harris was president right now. I don't think we'd be seeing them not reacting negatively to everything her administration chose to do. I also don't blame Trump supporters but I do blame his administration. I know others may direct their anger at voters but I know when I speak about Republicans I am speaking about elected officials with power.
I do wish we had more common sense leaders, something our country is not currently rewarding with their votes. I know they exist I listen to them when I hear people like Pete Buttigieg and others speak.
Thank you. I agree with some of what you said. I am trying very hard to not say “I told you so” to people in real life and online. I definitely over reacted when he first won by deleting people off social media, but I am trying so hard every day to only keep in the divisive comments between my husband and I. I have not said “I told you so” to anyone in person or online and I think keeping the idea of Trump supporters changing their mind about him is what allows me to be respectful. I do agree that a lot of people are going online and saying “you voted for this. I don’t feel sorry for you.” Which I don’t agree with. I hope more former Trump supporters come out and say they regret voting for him but also that non Trump supporters welcome them with kindness. I also agree with democrats need stronger leadership. I don’t think America is ready for big changes unfortunately and democrats need a strong, white, man who is moderate and young enough.
In my opinion, it’s been very hard to find any positives in the last few weeks. I know some policies have strong support amongst his base but I don’t see how any of it is good for those who don’t support Trump. I keep hoping Sharon would do an article about something good that is happening from the Trump administration because maybe my bias isn’t letting me see that.
Thank you for sharing, Brianna. I appreciate your honesty and insights.
Thank you Amy and Brianna for having a respectful, thoughtful exchange and for sharing your opinions and feelings with all of us. I am just as angry and scared as most of the other posters on this forum, but I keep trying to remember what Sharon has told us numerous times: arguing online with strangers doesn't change anyone's mind-it makes people dig in deeper and hold on tighter to their beliefs! I know sometimes it feels like there is nothing else we can do but argue online and point fingers, because we feel powerless. So, thank you Amy and Brianna for reminding me not to argue with anyone online today. More can be accomplished by coming together than tearing apart.
Democracy works when people are able to change their mind with new info, and express a need to pivot or adjust when something doesn’t work. Right now, we have a deeply divided political environment where people fear our democracy is broken because nothing changes people’s minds. I think that’s the core reason people disappointed with Trump keep hoping to see the cracks in his voter base - it would show that his voters are also processing new info as the administration progresses. Repubs very much wanted the same when Biden’s immigration policies were causing concern.
Your comment about the deeply divided political environment and his voters processing what's happening now made me think of this comment from (Democrat) Dan Turrentine, which he posted today:
"An interesting political dynamic appears to be strengthening during 2.0, which was similar to the campaign: Trump’s approval rating is declining slightly, to where he is slightly underwater, while the right track/wrong track is rising to the highest number in 15/20 years. Voters seem to like the actions but less the man, something qualitative and quantitative data screamed all 2024. A lot of Dem’s conflate these two. As we figure out our path forward and develop a plan for the mid terms, we need to separate these dynamics and offer a competing change vision, not just scream maintain/return to the status quo."
I see a lot of comments - not yours, I'm speaking generally - that laser in on Trump, rather than zooming out on policy. And I get it: charitably speaking Trump is a highly polarizing individual. Comments - again, not yours specifically - of 'how could Trump treat Zelenskyy that way' rather than a discussion about 'how should the US position itself in this conflict going forward, knowing what we (the world) now know'. That leads me back to polling that Dan refers to again ('not a fan of the guy, like where we're headed tho').
What happened in front of the camera is, I suspect, often what happens behind closed doors. Like when it was reported that Biden also yelled at Zelenskyy for being ungrateful in June 2022 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/biden-lost-temper-zelenskyy-phone-call-ukraine-aid-rcna54592), but of course the consequences this time around may end up to be quite different.
Dan's comment here: https://x.com/danturrentine/status/1896621184856338933
I think it's incredibly difficult to separate the policy from the man because the policy seems to be "whatever Trump wants." He has prioritized loyalists in his administration, indicating what matters to him most is the people who will do what he says. So sometimes, the parsing between his policy and his personality feels like splitting hairs.
Still, I ultimately get your point that attacking Trump himself (making commentary about his rudeness, his personal immorality, his absurd speeches and nonsensical tweets/truths) will not move the needle as much as taking apart the policy positions of the MAGA movement.
And honestly, that points to the relative brilliance of Trump's strategy. It's hard to actually nail down what his policy even IS because what he says is so often very different from what he does from moment to moment. What is his actual stance on immigration when his administration has not deported nearly as many people as he claimed he would, but he continues his rhetoric on painting immigrants as criminals? His supporters can pretend he has any position that pleases them because he's so all over the board.
Fair points.
Based on my conversations with Trump supporters among my family and friends, and reading more conservative and independent journalist coverage than maybe others here do (that's not meant to be a jab at anyone...many here have said as much about their media diet), the take is that Trump has been in office a whole 43 days. They're not moved by comments suggesting he hasn't done what he said he would do, because it's only been 43 days. And they're likely not as liable to take Trump literally - right or wrong - as those don't support him (e.g., 'but the egg prices' or checking immigration numbers YTD, etc.).
Will that change, and if so, when? Maybe. But 43 days in, based on what's happened so far? No.
This is a bit off topic, but your commentary reminds me of this quote from Jake Tapper.
"One pro-Ukraine expert, normally supportive of Zelensky, cautions that today's showdown should be seen in a clear-eyed way.
'Ukraine is losing this war,' the expert says. 'Russia is making tens of thousands of drones per month, and Ukraine can't shoot them all down. Russia is making advances because Russia doesn't value human life and is ok to lose thousands of men a day. Ukraine can't keep up with that and shouldn't.
'There needs to be an end to this war and there are only three ways out. One, America can send military weapons and manpower and potentially start World War III. Two, Ukraine can surrender and give in to Putin. Or three, we give this ceasefire plan and deal that Trump is pushing a chance. I would go for option three. Trump was talking about Ukraine getting land back that it has lost just yesterday.
'Zelensky knew the position of the Trump administration ahead of time. Perhaps this meeting was a trap, but it's one Zelensky could have easily avoided.'"
Most Trump supporters I know echo this sentiment. There is such a disconnect between how people here seem to perceive conservative opinions and what conservative opinions actually are.
What I have seen, is there are a lot of Trump supporters who don’t agree with everything the administration is doing. But that doesn’t mean there is regret.
For sure. Regret is perhaps the wrong emotion to desire, but obviously for people who find this administration damaging, we’re hoping for some indication that next election won’t go for Trump (or Vance or whoever he installs as his predecessor - if he installs a predecessor…)
That's fair. I strongly disagreed with some Biden policies, but at no point regretted choosing him over Trump in 2020. I think the question is, when will people disagree with him enough to take action, call their senators/representatives, and support America over Trump. What's the line where people feel like he has gone too far?
Amy, asking in good faith, would you be willing to share how you see the exchange between Trump and Zelensky? It does seem that we see things differently, like you said, and I think it may be helpful to understand what someone who voted for Trump took away from that meeting.
Many opinions I’ve seen indicate that Zelenskyy wants the war to continue and that he won’t accept peace. They say Russia was provoked due to the expansion of NATO. It’s all Russia propaganda, which is deeply concerning. Clearly, Russia’s efforts to turn American citizens are working.
That’s so interesting that you don’t think Trump is siding with Russia when Trump, his cabinet, and Rs are using their talking points, and stopping cyber operations against Russia. And Russia is saying that Trump policy coincides with their policies. What not would you need to think he might be siding with Russia?
Hi Melissa. This is based on the entire meeting with Trump and Zelensky. I think that we (United States) have tried many different ways to stop Puntin and now Trump is trying to have negotiations with him to end this war. I don’t see it as siding with him- I see it as a means to end the war.
Gee, you see it somewhat differently than the Kremlin does:
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov responded enthusiastically in an interview that aired Sunday to Trump opening lines of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and taking a stronger stance against Ukraine in discussions about how to end the war.
“This was truly impossible to imagine,” Peskov said, noting that the United States under Trump sided with Russia last week on two votes at the United Nations, downplaying its responsibility for invading Ukraine.
“The new administration is rapidly changing [America’s] foreign policy configurations,” Peskov added. “This largely coincides with our vision.”
Hi Katherine. I watched the entire 49 min meeting with Zelensky and for the first 40 mins, it was a respectful situation. Then the last 9 mins are when egos got in the way and it escalated. I don’t think that Trump is siding with Russia. I see that he is trying to make a deal to end the war. Nothing in the exchange would have me regret my choices. I hope that there can be a deal made and that war ends.
This entire article gives you plenty of reasons to reconsider your stance. Is your head in the sand? When the Krelim is applauding Trump/Vance and our government is cutting Ukraine out of any peace talks (and giving away THEIR land and resources in those talks)....this is why we ask the question to Trump supporters...what will it take to get you to admit Trump is dangerous to democracy and American ideals? It appears nothing and that is scary. You have aligned yourself with someone who sees himself as a king and not a president of a democracy. And by doing so, you disregard our constitution and everything so many have fought for centuries for. If another country were negotiating on our behalf and said yeah sure you can just have Texas and oh yeah they are going to take a bunch of our oil so their wealthy oil companies can make even more money, would we the USA, not be upset over another country so willingly giving that to someone who invaded us? If the rest of the world didn't show up when we needed help (Wildfires, 9/11, COVID), what then? And when Europeans and other Allies stop spending money with American companies, stop vacationing here, stop allowing us military bases in their countries... what then? We depend on Russia? Where does that get us?
We are truly asking. What is the line? When would you look at something Trump did and say, whoa, nope that's crossing a line? Cuz if his voters CANNOT get to that point.... then my fear is we have at least 20% of our population who is okay with anything as long as Trump is doing it. Which means you all support a person over any kind of beliefs, ideals, democratic principles and that is truly scary to all of us who DIDNT vote for this.
This entire article is speculation as the author openly admits.
Jenna - you lost me. You may have valid points, but insulting someone isn’t effective.
I apologize for the head in the sand comment but the rest of my comment stands and I have yet to see you respond to anyone on what your line is? I have yet to see you respond in a myriad of comments across many topics and articles on Preamble where you have ever reconsidered your point of view. You consistently stir the pot by acting like your comments are neutral and pleasant while goading many people who are rightfully upset over all these topics and continuously seek to understand your POV. You never state your POV except that it is contrary to whatever concerns the article states and that you dont regret your vote for Trump. So while I rarely comment on the internet nor get into politics debates, my question stands of what your line is? What article is Sharon going to publish about an action Trump has taken that is going to worry you? Is going to make you take pause on continuouing to support him? Is it going to have to directly impact you (you've stated you have friends/ family that are impacted but that doesn't seem to change your mind)? What are your principles? And where do those principles stand once Trump blows past them? Continued support and wait and see? Or actual action - calling your representatives, attending town halls to speak out against these actions? What many of us who likely live in blue states, blue cities, have reps who already speak out are wondering is when the GOP reps will start to hear their constituents discontent with the actions of this administration. Cuz I fear until that happens, we won't see any action against Trump. And that is where our checks and balances fail and where people are able to take more and more power (which we are already seeing happen).
Where is she insulting someone?
Amy, thank you for making the point that looking for a “gotcha” moment is counterproductive. I don’t know anyone that voted for Trump that has regrets, either. And looking for regret is not the same as looking for common ground. It is shallow and disrespectful. It’s not a place from which we can grow to understand each other.
Looking for common ground means looking for shared truth. For example, can we agree there are multiple things that add to division?
Can we agree that Russian government propaganda. helps fuel socially divisive narratives?
I listened to a webinar last week that discussed just this. Some people (I realize some really do want a gotcha moment) are articulating what they want in the wrong way. What they want is to find that one thing they can agree with someone else with. But it's hard to find that when everyone is on edge. And when everyone comes in to the conversation with their hackles up. I think it's particularly hard when you enter conversations already knowing how the other person voted. There are assumptions made about each other.
Very good points, Amber.
Excellent points, Gina. I think that is a very mature approach. I need to flip my script to approach it that way, instead of being defensive and having an emotional response. I believe we, and especially Governerds, have a lot more in common than differences.
Amy, I did not mean it as a criticism of you. I do not perceive your responses as being defensive nor emotional. They seem genuine and helpful to me.
I am happy you are here asking these questions. I believe Governerds have the humility to question, listen, and learn from each other.
And we start by seeking foundational truths.
Then move on to sharing opinions.
On what can we agree, and why?
Can we agree on the foundational truth that Russian government propaganda sows division that benefits Russia interests and degrades our democracy?
And by aligning with Russian interests, we have abdicated our role as the leader of the free world?
I didn’t take it as criticism from you- just gave me an opportunity to reflect on myself. :)
I agree with your questions and statements above.
Gina, I appreciate your thoughtful comments—they genuinely feel open to different perspectives. It actually reminds me of something Sharon used to do on her IG stories, where she’d post a box asking, "Rs, what do you wish people knew about you?" "Ds, what do you wish people knew about you?" "Inds, what do you wish people knew about you?" If I remember right, those were more about general perspectives rather than specific issues, but I found them really insightful. Not because they changed anyone’s mind, but because they helped add nuance to why people think the way they do and/or offer food for thought about how each 'side' might better position themselves to address those concerns/issues. I think that kind of approach could be helpful here, too—then again, based on my experience with the Preamble comment section, this might not be the best place for it.
Tammy, thank you for reminding us of that.
When someone tells me, “I’m on your side,” or “we might not be friends anymore,” I respond, “but we are all Americans.”
“Validation?!?!?” Uh, no. I think what most people commenting here are struggling with is the apparent fact that so many of their fellow Americans actually support Trump’s dismantling of democracy and the inhumane cruelty he has shown to the millions of people around the world who depend on the U.S.
Are you proud of the way Trump and Vance spoke to Zelensky? Do you think that conversation was helpful to the US position internationally? Do you want Russia to be able to take whatever land they want, with the US by its side? I don't care anymore about who you voted for - we are stuck now. I want to know where you stand now, as a very clear supporter of Trumps policies and vision for America, and if there were any lines crossed for you in that performance.
For me, someone expressing regret would imply that they wouldn't support such a candidate in the future. It does not mean that they have become liberal, just that there is behavior that cannot be tolerated by the candidate/party they choose to back.
Amy, regret is a signal of awareness. It is not meant to convey shame. If these people can’t be aware enough of the damage that Trump is inflicting, we can’t heal the divide—it just remains. It is no different in any other relationship. The conservative sub on Reddit had been interesting because it’s probably the most regretful I’ve ever seen it get. I’m seeing an increasing number of people openly admit they wanted a conservative leader, but not like this. Recognition of the problem is half the battle. Unfortunately, there is so much FAFO coming from the left that just keeps the wound open. In the same way the Dems finally had to admit that Biden was no longer fit for the presidency with his mental decline, the right has to admit Trump is not the right guy by any stretch if anything is to get better.
Hi. I don’t know that Trump is the right guy nor do I believe he ever was. But he was the one I believed to be the better choice. I have absolutely zero regrets about that choice. Even though there are people on Reddit saying they regret their choice - how does that help anything? It also doesn’t change anything. Unless democrats can change their playbook, stop blaming and thrashing Trump voters, identify strong common sense candidates, it will be hard for them to win elections. Regret or no regret voting for Trump.
It changes things because now they can go participate in holding their own party accountable. His behavior and rhetoric are not okay in any party. This has nothing to do with dems needing to change their playbook, that is on them. But it really is no excuse for choosing a felon, rapist and serial adulterer to lead a revenge tour.
Amy, it’s just hard to swallow that you are okay with watching Trump bend the knee to Russia when we have had countless men and women bleed and die to keep the world safe and free of men like Vladimir Putin.
I don’t think that Trump is doing that. He is trying to end the war- and taking a different approach than Biden used. Which didn’t work. This may not work either, but continuing what we have been doing doesn’t seem like an option.
Trump called Zelenskyy a "a dictator" and Putin "a great guy". But he is not bending the knee to Russia??? How does that work? And giving Putin land in a completely sovereign nation is not ending the war. It is giving Putin everything he wants and rewarding him for invading Ukraine. And it will NOT stop with Ukraine if Putin gets a win here. Trump is trying to "solve a problem". The problem is that Putin invaded a country in a hostile manner to capture land and Trump is trying to solve it by giving Putin exactly what he wants. How is that a win? Trump said Zelenskyy is "gambling with the lives of millions of people" and "gambling with WWlll". No, the invading force is doing these things and that is Putin. Vance screaming at Zelenskyy "Have you ever said thank you?" There is a super cut of Zelenskyy thanking America over and over and over and over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMn0xrc95s (Zelenskyy saying thank you to the US for 4 minutes straight) Should Zelenskyy dropped to the floor in the Oval and kissed Trumps feet? Said "Sir, you are the greatest" when Trump is asking Zelenskyy to give in to a violent, hostile invasion?
While I do not wish Trump supporters to feel shame or regret I do want them to exhibit some common sense.
How is Trump giving Putin everything he wants? Putin is definitely the problem- I agree.
By the way, Biden also lost his temper with Zelensky (for not showing more gratitude) but it wasn’t televised.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14452931/amp/shocking-biden-rant-zelensky-trump-shame-ukraine-leader-oval-office.html
Hi Amy- Have you looked into any Media Bias reports regarding the Daily Mail? Here are two bipartisan resources you can explore if you're up for it. Thank you again for being willing to engage here.
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/daily-mail/
https://adfontesmedia.com/daily-mail-bias-and-reliability/
You can compare that with other right of center publications that are biased to the right but rank much higher on reliability (i.e., truthfulness):
The Bulwark: https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/the-bulwark/
The Wall Street Journal: https://adfontesmedia.com/wall-street-journal-bias-and-reliability/
The best thing any of us can do right now is to consume RELIABLE news sources, even if they have a left of center or right of center bias. Are they TRUTHFUL? That's got to be the place where we all start together.
Amy, why are YOU okay with the fact that we are standing with Russia instead of our Allies? We promised Ukraine years ago in a treaty that if they gave up their nuclear weapons we would all protect them if Russia tried to take them over. Now we are voting with Russia and North Korea in UN resolution votes against Ukraine and our allies. The problem isn’t Ukraine. The problem is us. We have never acted like this before. We have never voted with authoritarian dictators. Country before party. This is bigger than being a loyal republican or loyal democrat.
Are you okay with Trump calling Zelensky a dictator and blaming Ukraine for the war?
His administration’s actions say otherwise…Hegseth ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia. Why?!! Why would we tell our own intelligence agencies to stop looking at Russian intelligence and to stop any investigations they are doing? Russia and China are our biggest threats to national security.
Hi Amy- Thanks for being willing to engage on this with people you disagree with. It takes guts!
I am copying and pasting comments I made elsewhere below because I wanted to make sure you saw them. You're clearly willing to talk about this and think about all the ramifications (thank youuuuuuuu!!!!) so I wanted to make sure the history here was clear as it's part of why the US needs to remain committed to Ukraine.
By the end of the Cold War (early 90s), Ukraine had the third largest nuclear stockpile in the world. In 1994, Ukraine agreed to transfer these weapons to Russia for dismantlement and became a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in exchange for economic compensation and assurances from Russia, the United States and United Kingdom to respect the Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. In invading Ukraine, Russia disregarded the terms of the treaty. If the US does not support Ukraine in their efforts to retain the sovereignty that the US helped to broker, we will continue to lose diplomatic trust and standing in the world. How are we supposed to negotiate peace and settlement with countries when they can see we will go back on our agreements? Why would anyone trust us? Supporting Ukraine is about protecting Europe, and yes, Europe should be participating heavily in their own protection, but it is also about honoring our treaties in order to retain our allies' and the world's trust. What happens when our negotiating power on the world stage disintegrates?
It is actually extremely dangerous for Americans to disregard treaties and force a peace agreement between an invading country and a democratic ally that favors the invader. It is equally dangerous for us to start trade wars with allied countries which hold valuable natural resources that we need. By contributing to global peace and by maintaining diplomatic trade relations, we are putting Americans first. What Trump is doing now is destroying the relationships that have kept America safe and strong for 80 years.
Think of it this way....you're in high school. Who has more power to to get what they want--the bully or the most popular, well-liked kid in the class?
Americans benefit the most when America is RESPECTED and its word is TRUSTED on the world stage. We get that by contributing positively to the world. Do you have any friends from other countries who you could speak to about this? I think it might help you gain perspective on how America is viewed in the world and why America being viewed as trustworthy benefits us. I mean that question sincerely. Is there someone you trust who you could talk to and listen to in regards to this?
What is happening now is rapidly unraveling the precedent that any of us alive today have only ever experienced. Neither you nor I know what a world looks like where America isn't the most popular (i.e., trusted) kid in the class anymore. We are isolating ourselves to our detriment, and it will hurt us economically most of all.
Thank you for sharing all of this. Great info!
I really appreciate you, Amy.
Where is the line? Where is your line? This Overton Window keeps moving.
No arguments here on the values of the Tate Brothers 😂. Thank you for your thoughts and especially for your husband and your family’s service to this country ❤️
I live a 45 minute drive north of Detroit and the amount of trump signs still in yards and flags still flying, makes me ill. What kind of a country have they created when I actually take joy from seeing people losing jobs and other important life things. I pray every day that trump voters lose everything and that Harris voters don’t suffer too much. This is where my life is. It’s a horrible way to live and I see no light at the end of this tunnel.
Your life may look a little more light-filled if you stop spewing hate here daily.
Agree. The pattern of comments suggests a deep level of bitterness and anger. Taking joy from seeing people lose their jobs and other important things in life? Praying every day that Trump voters lose everything? This isn't just venting. And it is a horrible way to live. I hope this poster gets help.
Right? And, what a way to persuade people to your side. Come join the party of people who hate their neighbors!
I agree with what all 3 posters above said. But comments like yours: “come join the party of people who hate their neighbors” are also untrue, divisive, and inflammatory.
Unfortunately, not untrue. Maybe you missed it, but this same person commented this:
I hate with a passion I thought not possible, the people who voted for trump and the people who sat out for a protest. This path will cause irreparable harm to our country and it is 100% their fault. We have a feckless GOP, but that wouldn’t matter if he had not won. Shame on every person who cast those uneducated votes.
I agree. Comments from this poster are frightening.
“ In Russia, Putin has created a system where elections exist but don't matter, where media operates but can't criticize, where courts function but don't deliver justice, and where wealth accumulates, but only to those with political connections. It's the shell of democracy without its substance.”
This sounds so similar to Trump that I had to read it again.
The Zelenskyy Trump Vance exchange was awful, embarrassing, and highly concerning. I have zero desire to live under authoritarian rule, and I’m terrified America has forever been changed by the lack of checks and balances with this admin that our vote in 2 years won’t matter. Is this really what Trump voters wanted to be besties with Putin and Russia? I’m doing the next needed thing when I can but how do we really fight back? I fear it’s tyranny or revolution.
I share your fears and concerns. I read a post yesterday sharing the views of a Trump supporter. He believes Trump is being diplomatic and is trying to avoid World War III. That he’s only siding with Putin “on the surface” to get the deal he thinks is best (and that will give the US access to mineral rights in Ukraine).
If this is true, then at best, he’s playing a dangerous game and continuing a tradition of America playing the white savior taking natural resources as payment.
I personally don’t think that argument makes sense, but when a person gives Trump the benefit of the doubt in every situation and truly believes he’s a brilliant businessman, these are the types of conclusions you come to.
My husband won't speak to my parents anymore; he has given up on them. They are outraged that he is judging them for their opinion. To compromise, I asked them if they would agree to be curious and have open minds, and we would also listen and hear their concerns. I asked them to read this website.
Instead, they remain outraged. They say they don't like Trump, or Musk, their loud mouth speeches, how fast they are doing everything... But they like conservative policy. "We can't control him but we want his policies."
And that's it. They refuse to engage in conversation. They refuse to be curious. I've told them I'll never demand they vote for someone, I'm happy to concede when 'my side' screws up, all I ask is that we start talking about this stuff. They don't want to. Agreeing to talk with me is too threatening. Why? I'll never know.
And now I see them as the townspeople who claim they can see the naked emperor's clothes. They will pretend they see policy that aligns with their values instead of facing the truth. They think I was brainwashed by college, but in fact they raised me to never trust someone with such poor behavior.
Oof, could have written this myself Jaclyn. I think this exact experience is quite common. I’ll never forget the day I was home on summer break from college and my dad was watching Bill O Reilly, and I dared question something Bill said, and my dad told me to shut up and that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I knew from that moment my dad was not someone I could fully trust.
I also could have written this myself. The familial break in fundamental facts, interpretations and values is deeply disappointing and demoralizing. I have no answers, just deep empathy for your situation and the heartache it causes you. I would tell you to never give up, but how long and how hard can you try, how far do you push the relationship toward mutual understanding or an eventual rupture? It feels important enough to keep going, but the pain it causes these people we love (and ourselves) is awful. I personally can’t come up with a way to reconcile the costs either way so I’m just in a strained, sad limbo. We talk about the weather a lot. 😢
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, Jaclyn. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to open up conversation with your parents and keep your relationship intact. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating when someone refuses to be curious or even consider another viewpoint.
I’ve also been puzzled by the contradiction in what my elders taught me was bad behavior and what they are now willing to tolerate. It’s baffling.
Me and my siblings (2 brothers and a sister) have had a group text for years.
Many times I made it clear I would not discuss politics because me and my sister see things very differently from our brothers. In fact I asked that everyone just leave politics out of it. When one of my brothers kept posting links to things one would need a tin foil hat to believe I left the group text.
Last fall I joined again and again made it clear that my boundaries are no politics. I said they could have a separate discussion if they wanted to discuss it but please do not post to this group. I made it very clear that if my boundaries were not respected this time I would leave the group and cut them off completely. They do not know how to sit and listen to understand, just attack that if we think they are wrong we have been brainwashed.
Once again my one brother posted a link to something supportive of Musk’s actions with DOGE. I believe he is attempting to sway me and my sister to his way of thinking.
Anyone who doesn’t agree with how they think gets called liberals and they tell me I have been gaslighted by the liberals who want to give away our country to dictatorship.
I told them I no longer trust them, that I believe they would sell out me and my sister if things turned into Germany when the Nazi party ruled, and have cut off all communication. People who are that sold out to any person or party that they see nothing wrong at all cannot be trusted.
Sharon, I would love to hear the details of “the deal.” Do we know exactly what was left unsigned on the table? $500 billion in mineral rights in exchange for, what? The way that “conversation” went, it sounded like that $500 billion would show gratitude to the US and nothing else. I feel so ashamed of our leadership right now.
I've been wondering this, too. I think a mineral rights deal is a very interesting option for furthering the Ukraine-U.S. relationship, but as the deal currently stands, it just sort of seems like extortion. I'd love more info!
BBC had a link to the actual deal:
BBC article: What we know about US-Ukraine minerals deal
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn527pz54neo
Link in the BBC article to the preliminary wording (published Friday): https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/articles/2025/02/26/7205922/
CSIS breakdown:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/breaking-down-us-ukraine-minerals-deal
Whew! I tried reading the preliminary wording and it was tough! I read all the words, but still am not sure what I read. Thanks so much for the link, though!
It was embarrassing for our country. This is not the governance we want. I’m glad Zelenskyy held his ground.
I wish he was the reality tv star who became our president instead of trump! Ukraine is lucky to have a true leader. Im envious.
Our country is an embarrassment. We are on the fast track to authoritarianism now, and half the country doesn’t even understand the ramifications. Once a beacon of hope, now a joke to our allies. Trump has been a Russian asset since the ‘90s. Narcissists with nuclear codes…what could go wrong?
The entire administration acts like children. I’ll continue to say the same thing over and over again, none of this should be a surprise. Nor should the few supporters on this page who somehow manage to cherry pick the few less than outrageous moments and say, see, Trump is trying! He says Ukraine started the war and that zelensky is the dictator and Putin isn’t. How is outright lying okay? He posts a video of himself as the golden idol in Gaza, how is that okay? His handpicked reporters insult zelensky by asking why he isn’t wearing a suit, but it’s okay for Elon to parade around as an unelected official wearing t shirts with silly phrases on them? I am so deeply disappointed and embarrassed and at this point I don’t want to know or interact with any Trump supporters.
Hi Emily. The video of Gaza was just awful.
In the exchange with Trump and Zelensky, Trump later comments that he likes what Zelensky is wearing. It didn’t appear that he handpicked any reporters, and actually threw a couple insults to reporters in that room.
The first 40 mins of the session (out of 49 mins) was very civil and respectful.
How does throwing insults at any reporters help? Why would I want an administration that acts in that manner?
It seems from your comment: “I don't think insulting reporters help. I was making that point to your perspective that Trump hand picked the reporters.” that trumps insults proves the reporters weren’t picked by Trump. I merely pointed out that he insults everyone and that is no indication of whether they were picked by the White House or not.
I don't think insulting reporters help. I was making that point to your perspective that Trump hand picked the reporters.
The White House did choose which reporters could be present.
https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-state-media-reporter-gains-access-is-later-removed-trump-zelenskiy-2025-02-28/
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-takes-control-press-pool-covering-trump-2025-02-25/
The reporter who through out the "Zelenskyy suit" comment is Marjory Taylor Green's boyfriend, Brian Glenn. Who is and has been a hand picked plant in the Oval and press pool. Reuters and AP were excluded. It is the Gulf of Mexico, BTW.
I’m not sure this comment is meant for me. Can you please clarify?
You think because he picked them he is above insulting them? He’s insulted everyone in that room at some point. That’s how he operates.
I don’t understand. Lol. I don’t think it’s right or agree with Trump insulting reporters. I was only making the point that he said he liked Zelensky’s choice of clothes and it didn’t appear that he handpicked reporters.
Amy, I think you’re grasping at straws here. Take a beat, step back and see that you’re using not barking at reporters and complimenting an outfit to rationalize the terribleness of what happened in that office on Friday.
Hmm, can you point to wear Trump said he likes what Zelenskyy is wearing? The two comments I've seen on it are Trump immediately saying, "He dressed up for us," when Zelenskyy exited his vehicle, and then the exchange with the reporter about Zelenskyy not wearing a suit in which Trump sat by while people laughed at Zelenskyy. Considering reports that Trump's team apparently specifically asked Zelenskyy to wear a suit, I'm going to assume Trump's first comment was sarcasm rather than genuine.
Hey Ashley! Trump said after Zelensky replied to Brian Glenn of Real America Voice, "I do like your clothing, by the way...I think he's a great guy, by the way, but I don't know if you two like each other but you know what? I think he's dressed beautifully (pointing to Zelensky)." Your points are totally valid, but Trump did respond in the moment. I do think speculation that Brian was basically put up to asking that specific question for a reason is also valid.
Brian Glenn is Marjorie Taylor Green’s boyfriend, so I fully believe he was a plant. I also felt Trump was being sarcastic when he said he liked what President Zelensky was wearing. It sounded so smart assy. It is no secret he refuses to dress in a suit and opts to dress like his soldiers until this war ends. He visits them on the front lines, and he gives in person support. I think this annoys Trump who thinks sitting in the passenger seat of a garbage truck or pretending to work the deep fryer at McDonald’s makes him supportive and one of us. He is a disgrace.
To be clear, my post wasn't a defense of Trump or of Glenn's question. The fact that he felt comfortable asking a question clearly meant to demean a world leader sitting in the Oval Office is abominable. The fact that the president's response was a light comment on wardrobe, and not a sharp rebuke for asking the question in the first place, is worse. Even commenting that a reporter of an openly biased outlet with little interest in journalistic integrity and the President of a country may not 'like each other' is insane.
Oh I know and agree with you. Just pointing out that I had learned who the reporter is and so that wasn’t much of a surprise that he was a complete twatwaffle. And I love that Zelensky is supporting his troops by refusing to dress up right now. It’s far more impressive than showing up in a suit.
Hi Amy. I think I will go back and try to watch the entire visit with Trump/Zelensky et al to see if I can see what you see regarding Trump complimenting Zelensky.
As far as reporters not being handpicked - the WH had announced last Tuesday they would be hand-picking who is allowed audience with the President from now on. They have decided to do away with the WH Correspondents Association.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/white-house-journalists-access-to-trump/
The man who asked Zelensky why he doesn’t wear a suit is Brian Glenn and he’s dating Marjorie Taylor Greene. He works for Real America’s Voice - an organization known to peddle conspiracy theories and misinformation for the far-right. Also in the room was a journalist for TASS, the Russian State owned media corporation. While the White House says they don’t know how he got in there, others have reported seeing the WH press officials allow him in but not allow AP and Reuters to enter. The number of security clearances and times a person is cleared into the next area in order to finally end up in the Oval Office is virtually mistake proof. I’ve read there is pre-clearance a month before the event, then an invite, to 5 separate security checks that move you throughout the East the West Wing. There is no way this was a simple mistake on their part or the guy just mistakenly wandered in. He was on a list and our own neutral pool reporters were not. This was a made for Russian TV ambush by Trump and Vance. Trump even said at the end “this is going to make for good tv!”
Anyway, I’m going to go rewatch in its entirety to see if I can find the civility you saw.
https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-state-media-reporter-gains-access-is-later-removed-trump-zelenskiy-2025-02-28/
Thanks for sharing.
This comment is more about the comment section than the article - it seems that non-Trump supporters want Trump supporters to “regret their vote,” which someone in the comments articulated nicely as not necessarily wanting them to feel regret but rather to “get it” - get why Trump is bad for America.
And Trump supporters are again and again saying “This is what we wanted. We see things differently than you. We wanted to see the government cleared out. We wanted to see migrants rounded up. We like the way Trump is dealing with Putin” and it makes me wonder if we should be listening and *believing them* instead of trying to find the moment the lightbulb goes off and they come around - because I don’t think it’s coming. Their values are being upheld right now, and it does us no good to pretend that we share values when we so evidently don’t. And they have a right to their values! I just don’t share them.
So if what people are saying is true, then what matters most in the fight for democracy is organizing to end gerrymandering and protect voting rights, and just accepting that there will be winners and losers here, because no matter how hard we try to explain how taking care of each other is better for us all, there are people who do not *want* to live in a fair and equal society, and will always vote against it, even when it hurts them or people they know.
Like when you think of the people who made the biggest difference in the Civil Rights movement, they didn’t ask white people nicely if Black people could sit down. Black activists just sat down. And people who could allow their hearts to change, did, but it wasn’t just from pleading and convincing. It was also saying “you may not like this but Justice doesn’t care.”
I love this!! Thank you, Ashley! All day I have been thinking about this comments section and trying to make sense of how so many of us want to know what the light bulb moment will be for Trump supporters, and you are right, there may not be a light bulb moment. Or a moral red line, or any point at all where they change their minds. We just have to accept it and move forward, roll up our sleeves and get to work. I especially love what you wrote: "People who could allow their hearts to change did."
I second EVERY WORD of this! Thank you Ashley 🙌 we cannot wait for Trump supporters to change their values because they won’t, or at least not in a fast way. The values of goodness, decency, fairness, equality and justice is what we must embody and push towards regardless. I remember when Sharon has said so many times, if you aren’t willing to help then get out of the way. This is what I’m holding fast to going forward.
I think the thing that makes me want to engage is I do believe we share values with some Trump supporters, we just don’t share reality or common facts. Propaganda, misinformation and disinformation are so powerful because they can just say, “I see it differently than you do.” When I tried to engage with my mom about Jan 6 pardons, for example, she outright says she doesn’t want people who harmed police to be pardoned, but “I don’t think most people who ended up in the capital hurt anyone or intended to go into it. There were bad players who were “ herding” people toward the doors and there were people on the inside opening the doors to them. I don’t know if we’ll ever get the full story on how Jan 6 happened but I think there were many people who did not deserve arrest let alone the conviction.”
(I copied that directly from my exchange with her as an example.)
I think it’s important that we maintain clarity about the issue, even as we believe them and continue on with our important work. It’s not necessarily a lack of shared values. It’s a lack of shared reality and facts.
I had a whole reply to this and I deleted it because I’m super angry today and I don’t think it fairly represented how I feel, or how much I do agree with your post. You make fantastic points and on days that I’m more hopeful than I am today I agree with you. But today, I’m mad, and that’s coming out as judgment. Ultimately, though, whether it’s misaligned values or reality vs not-reality (because there are not two realities) the answer is the same - we have to do the work regardless of what they think or feel, rather than spending our energy trying to get them on board, and we just have to hope they are capable of and willing to, change. People do change, so I believe it is possible, but I do think it’s on them to see change and decide which side they want to be on, and to be ultimately responsible for that choice, rather than my job to change them or to make them see the light. And while I totally agree with misinformation and disinformation allow cop outs of “I see it differently,” we all have the ability to go outside and recognize that immigrants are not eating pets, so even as I agree that misinformation and disinformation are terrible problems, my patience for opinions based on misinformation is not endless.
I agree with you. And I’m angry and exhausted, too. And you are so right about the reality and not reality point. There is so much work to do to uphold democracy. So. Much. Work. This is personal for me. My mother is lost to the cult. And my children see and are deeply grieved by her actions. So I continue (some days) to try and engage with her. But I don’t have the capacity to do it often. And you are right, I don’t want to waste all my energy on it what feels like a losing battle. I do want to maintain a posture of hope even on the days I don’t engage. It is hard. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
I completely understand and respect that. I so appreciate your comments because when I’m more positive, I agree. This weekend’s news re Putin just really got to me. I’m so sorry that this has impacted your relationship with your mom. That’s really devastating and absolutely worth continuing to pursue. ❤️
Amen!
Nailed it! Your second paragraph especially- we’ve listened, now we need to believe them and move on. That is so liberating. Thank you!
Reading this article brought back memories of Trump's first term relationship with Putin that seem so relevant now. Remember Helsinki in 2018? Standing beside Putin, Trump was directly asked if Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Instead of supporting his own intelligence agencies' conclusions, he said "I don't see any reason why it would be Russia." The world was shocked to see a leader who prides himself on being a tough guy being so deferential to an adversary, practically calling American intelligence inept in front of Putin.
The backlash was so severe that the next day, Trump claimed he misspoke - that he meant to say "wouldn't" instead of "would." It was an absurd walkback that made no grammatical sense in the context of his full statement. We were supposed to believe that he spoke one sentence of condemnation of Putin sandwiched into a statement that overall exonerated him. It was one of the most obvious instances of him lying about his own position. He wanted credit for standing up to Putin without ever actually doing it.
What's changed since then? Only that Trump no longer feels the need to pretend he's tough on Putin. The mask is completely off now. In that first term, there was at least public pressure that forced these awkward attempts to look like he wasn't completely deferential to Putin. Now, as we saw with Zelensky in the Oval Office, Trump openly sides with Putin's narratives while berating a democratic ally fighting for survival.
The most alarming part is what this tells us about where we're heading. If Trump felt constrained by public and political pressure in his first term but now feels free to openly embrace Putin's positions, what constraints will exist in a second term?
The other extremely alarming part: why doesn’t this trigger as much bipartisan backlash as it used to? It seems like we are all waiting to find out not when, but if, there will be a line that Republicans will not let Trump cross. 🤷🏻♂️
This! I think it's honestly fascinating to watch responses to the recent Trump/Vance/Zelensky press conference that almost seem to exist in a vacuum, without context of the greater conflict or context of the previous Trump administration.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2014 with Crimea. It continued throughout the first Trump administration. Russia was proven to have interfered in the U.S. election in 2016. Trump was impeached the first time over allegations that he broke the law by pressuring Ukraine to dig up damaging information on a political rival. U.S. intelligence also indicates that Russia attempted to influence the elections in 2020 and 2024. Trump called Zelensky a "dictator" and said that he "has done a terrible job, his country is shattered" etc on February 19th, 2025. The press conference did not exist in a vacuum. The conclusion that the administration has a pattern of treatment in regards to Putin & Russia has a lot of evidence behind it.
The lack of bipartisan condemnation of this pattern of treatment is deeply concerning, I agree. I think a lot of the rhetoric in the comments section here painting Trump supporters with a broad brush is directly aided by what people are seeing in Congress. A number of lawmakers who previously openly supported Ukraine (Rubio was one of the loudest) switching gears overnight to run from reporters or spout Kremlin talking points on the news rounds. I don't know what the line is for the Republicans in Congress, but their silence or acquiescence seems to be definitively pushing the U.S. Kremlin-ward.
Thanks for this. I’ve been wondering the same about the backlash from republican leaders. As far as I can tell, no one is speaking up. Please correct me if I’m wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Their silence is what concerns me the most. If they are afraid of speaking up, that is certainly an issue as it undermines freedom and democracy but they have to know that there is strength in numbers. Where is that caucus of bipartisan leaders? I can’t remember the name of it but Sharon has interviewed them in her podcast. They’re moderates who actually want to get things done. I keep hoping they will save us from this steep slide into authoritarianism.
“End the war.” That’s the talking point I’m seeing from Trump supporters. That kind of statement/goal/priority is reductionist Russian propaganda. It’s sounds like it’s as simple as that. Do what you have to make it end. If you support Trump I beg you to think beyond that statement. To really try to look at the global implications of a deal and HOW the deal is negotiated.
Yes, this! So frequently, I see Trump supporters claim liberals just want an endless war. It's such a bad faith argument meant to put people on edge rather than engage on the merits. No one wants an endless war, but no one should want a win for Putin, either.
So do we just stand by and watch it all spin out of control? Do we not have any legal backing to remove these people from office? Because it smells treasonous to me. Strong-arming an ally, whose country is currently being invaded by barbaric terrorists, into submitting to an agreement with no security guarantees... is this not an example of abuse of power? What then? Where does it stop? Do we just allow this megalomaniac live out his realty TV show dream of being "king of the hill" and watch democracy being shredded? While we scramble to keep democracy from coming apart at the seams one chaotic circus show at a time, the oligarchs are planning their next move... and the next and the next. I'm rambling, but I'm just so tired of letting this felon abuse his position and making a mockery of everything. There are people's lives at stake.
All of this is what I’m feeling. Checks and balances only work when people follow the rule of law. Without that democracy dies. So what happens? What do we as individuals actually do about it except read and learn and worry about it? Our country is at a tipping point and there may be no way back. I want directives. What can we actually do about this!?!?
I sit in early morning sun, and words form, then evaporate. Or rage into a fire in my belly. What happened in the Oval Office, on Friday, was a clear school ground bullying on a nuclear level. However, unlike most bullies, they found themselves up against a learned, stable man ( Zelensky, in case you are confused ) who would not bow to their threats, lies, and contempt. The mask is off, to anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear. For those who thought this administration did well that day, they are on a journey I would never want to travel. Let me stay with the facts. With intellect. And let me continue to look for, although feeling dimmed, Hope.