One of the thing that have had political observers marveling is the remarkable loyalty of Donald Trump’s supporters who have stood by him through a campaign that has been, to put it kindly, a mess. While the reason for this has been ascribed to Trump’s ability to tap into populist instincts to fire up his base, my earlier post suggests that the reason has less to do with him and more to do with the fact that media culture has changed in such a way that the voting public has simply become more shielded from contrary views and thus more immune to being persuaded to change their minds.
But there are still a few people who are waverers. Republican pollster and political operative Frank Luntz’s specialty is the focus group and he recently convened a group of people in Pennsylvania who were fans of Trump but became disillusioned and voiced their reasons.
What I found interesting was that this group did not fit the stereotype of angry white men that are supposed to be the core of his support, and secondly that even the disaffected are willing to go back to him provided he changes his ways and even seem to be seeking a reason to return to the fold.
Sounds like a textbook case of tribalism.
Trump, as best I can tell, doesn’t actually do anything but tell people that he is great. Clinton, on the other hand, expects people to analyze her past work, make a reasoned evaluation, forgive her human flaws, and form their own opinion of her possible future as president. That’s a lot of work, compared to just believing that Donald is the very best person ever, and the only hope for humankind.
Believing Trump’s trumpery is like sleeping in the back seat while your dad drives.
Gosh. Is it possible the media stereotypes aren’t completely accurate?
And who doesn’t love doing that? You make believing Trump sound cosy, comforting… safe. Mmm, lovely.
How long have you been a Trump supporter/campaigner?
sonofrojblake@3,
These people clearly do not belong to the core of Trump’s support, since they are waverers. Therefore their existence provides no evidence whatsoever that the stereotype is inaccurate.
@2
Good morning all,
Consider the power The Mental Note on polling.
@ Menyambal, No. 2: I believe that emotions, not reason, drives the vast majority (if not all) voters, so appealing to reasons—programs, policies, &c.—is much less effective than appealing to emotions.
Do all you can to make today a better day,
Jeff Hess
Have Coffee Will Write