Conversation

I've been pondering the difference between - but diabolical synergy of - Trump's motives vs. those of the people around him. He's driven entirely by his neediness - no political principles, just a perpetual simmering grievance and belief that people should be punished for criticizing him. Most of his henchmen are committed authoritarians - white nationalists, Christian nationalists - who skillfully exploit Trump's narcissism, fragility, and dimness to achieve their political objectives.