Trump’s Legacy of Attacks on John McCain: From the Living to the Dead
Since the passing of John McCain, Donald Trump's tendency to attack him has continued unabated. This pattern of behavior is emblematic of Trump's style of leadership and his relationship with his base, who find satisfaction in seeing someone they perceive as a political enemy suffer.
Understanding Trump's Political Mentality
Donald Trump's most devoted supporters are deeply authoritarian. They believe unequivocally that a leader should be revered or even thanked without question, regardless of the leader's actions or morality. The importance of credentials, even if they are morally or ethically questionable, take a secondary role compared to the respect due to authority.
John McCain, to these supporters, is the quintessential politicalenemy. He is seen as someone who has betrayed the conservative values they hold dear. To them, he is not simply a political rival, but an apostate and a traitor. This extreme reaction to McCain can be traced to a broader trend of the political right in questioning the loyalty and character of anyone who deviates from the party line.
Trump's Attack Methods
Throughout John McCain's final days, and even when it was clear that McCain would not be voting, Trump continued to attack him. This included a highly calculated and notable snub during a signing ceremony for the defense appropriations bill named after McCain. Trump ignored McCain's name as he thanked other contributors, a move designed to highlight McCain's absence.
The pettiness and vindictiveness in Trump's actions are well-documented. Despite the egregiousness of his behavior, millions of his supporters cheered him on, seeing it as a triumph over an enemy who they believe exposed conservatives to ridicule. This display of behavior aligns with the Trumpublican followers' general lack of class and deference to authority, further eroding the norms of decency and honor in political discourse.
The Unlikely Continuation
Given this pattern of behavior, it is reasonable to expect that Trump will not cease attacking John McCain posthumously. His supporters who continue to cheer him on indicate that there is no change in their expectations for his behavior. McCain's status as a dead hero may even perpetuate the attacks, as the defense and reinforcement of the narrative against him serves to unite the conservative base and deflect criticism.
Political Standards and Trump's Criticism
One of the most curious aspects of this ongoing attack is the complete disregard for political standards and moral values, particularly in the context of a deceased figure. The litmus test for republicans today is their support of the president, a responsibility that harkens back to a simplified and sometimes dangerous adherence to authority. This attitude leaves no room for nuance or dissent, leading Trump and his supporters to dismiss any loyalty or consistency that McCain once represented.
Even in the face of such discord, Trump remains unapologetic. His supporters, however, seem to enjoy the spectacle of melodramatic attacks and indignation, as exemplified by the defiant stance taken by Trump on his own behalf. The wholesale rejection of traditional values and the embrace of a more autocratic and divisive approach to politics have made such behavior not only permissible but expected.
In conclusion, the attacks on John McCain continue, regardless of his status. This reflects a deeper issue within the political landscape, where the respect for individuals and the institutions they represent is systematically undermined in favor of allegiance to a figurehead. The question remains: Is this new normal a step towards a more stable and respectful political environment, or a further descent into chaos and divisiveness?