In a recent newsletter, Paul Krugman addressed what had been my own somewhat optimistic “take” on Disney’s retreat during the Jimmy Kimmel episode.
Krugman began by acknowledging Trump’s efforts at autocracy–and noted that, as his poll numbers have fallen, he has amped up his efforts to intimidate, secure in the knowledge that “craven congressional Republicans and a complicit Supreme Court” will continue to abet his destruction of democratic safeguards. The administration’s demand that Kimmel be removed from the airwaves was part and parcel of that autocratic ambition.
But as Krugman also points out, thanks to American public opinion, Trump’s efforts to mimic Putin and Orban are failing.
When Putin and Orban were consolidating their autocratics, they were genuinely popular. They were perceived by the public as effective and competent leaders. Just nine months into his presidency, Trump, by contrast, is deeply unpopular. He is increasingly seen as chaotic and inept. As David Frum says, this means that he is in a race against time. Can he consolidate power before he loses his aura of inevitability? Will those who run major institutions – particularly corporate CEOs – understand that we are at a crucial juncture, and that by accommodating Trump they have more to lose than by standing up to him?
To put it bluntly, is the Jimmy Kimmel affair the harbinger of a failed Trumpian putsch?
When Putin and Orban began their respective takeovers, they enjoyed several years of popularity–mostly by improving the economic postures of their countries. Thanks to Trump’s incredible ignorance (and his insane belief in tariffs), he took the robust economy he inherited and is in the process of tanking it. Krugman shared the widely available poll results that document Trump’s unpopularity–he is in deeply negative territory, and the people who strongly dislike him vastly outnumber those who strongly approve of him.
If we had a working Congress, unpopularity at this scale would already have turned Trump into a lame duck, but as Krugman notes, he has instead been able to operate as a quasi-autocrat, thanks to a “party that accommodates his every whim, backed by a corrupt Supreme Court prepared to validate whatever he does.”
As a result, Trump has been able to use the vast power of the federal government to deliver punishments and rewards in a completely unprecedented way. But the fact is that Trump has not yet locked in his autocracy. Timid institutions are failing to understand not only how unpopular Trump is, but also how severe a backlash they are likely to face for surrendering without a fight.
And so we come to Trump’s thin-skinned assault on comedians–most recently, Jimmy Kimmel.
Krugman says the signs were there, but Disney ignored them. There were several such signs: Target’s effort to appease Trump by ending its commitment to DEI–an effort that led to a large decline in sales and a falling stock price; capitulating law firms that lost clients and partners to law firms that didn’t. And of course, Tesla…
And yet,
Disney was evidently completely unprepared for the backlash caused by its decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air, a backlash so costly that the company reversed course after just five days — too late to avoid probably irreparable damage to its brand…
It’s important to understand that Trump’s push to destroy democracy depends largely on creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Behind closed doors, business leaders bemoan the destruction that Trump is wreaking on the economy. But they capitulate to his demands because they expect him to consolidate autocratic power — which, given his unpopularity, he can only do if businesses and other institutions continue to capitulate.
If this smoke-and-mirrors juggernaut starts to falter, the perception of inevitability will collapse and Trump’s autocracy putsch may very well fall apart.
So how can we make a Trump implosion more likely? The public can help by doing what Target’s customers and Disney’s audience did — make it clear that they will stop paying money to institutions that lend aid and comfort to the authoritarian project.
Big corporations and fancy law firms may fold. Republican legislators may lack integrity and spines. Supreme Court justices may be unfathomably corrupt. But the effort to silence Kimmel has once again confirmed that We the People have the power to remind all of them that we are Americans who value our liberties more than our access to consumer products or entertainment.
The public response to the Jimmy Kimmel episode may well be the light at the end of our current dark tunnel…..
Let’s hope that the light starts becoming brighter each day of this dark presidential term.
This week will possibly be an indication of the reality of that light at the end of the tunnel or a dimming or burnout of the light…IF there is a light.
We are facing Trump’s government shut down or the possibility of a last-minute resolution of health care salvation or destruction as currently written. Hegseth’s calling together of hundreds of Generals and military leaders from around the globe, with Trump’s planned speech about our strong military as he sees it, for reasons we still do not know is also scheduled. With these two vital issues coming at the same time, what will the results be or is there something more dastardly we are being distracted from?
Will there still be Jimmy Kimmel on air to report results; will WE still be here to learn results? Has the U.S. military been called together to provide salvation from an enemy nuclear attack Trump and Hegseth are aware of and in the best protected location possible? Am I spouting paranoia: of course I am, this nation is living on paranoia and fear these days and no consolation in the fact that the MAGAs will be blown up along with us if that is what we are facing.
“The public response to the Jimmy Kimmel episode may well be the light at the end of our current dark tunnel…..”
I have never watched Jimmy Kimmel; will that light shine on me?
Don’t underestimate both Trump and more importantly the Peter Thiel who have Brains and Horrible Beliefs! Have Hope but also Urgency! Resist how you can!
Donald is a child. But how does a nation discipline a child who is President with an army? He needs to be spanked and sent to his room. Every escalator needs to stop when he steps on it. Is there the energy in this country to have a significant march on Washington to convince Congress that Trump is a failure?
How many readers of this excellent daily blog are under 50?
From your mouth to God’s ears…
Morton, for Americans to have an impact on Congress and Trump, the people in Red congressional districts will need to march and rage. The few Rs who have ignored the Speaker and hosted their constituencies have faced verbal harassment and protests. They’ll stop having them in their gerrymandered districts.
Speaking of, the Speaker is not going to swear in the D who won in AZ because their vote would force the DoJ to release the list of pedophiles who used Epstein and Maxwell’s services.
Yes, Congressional Republicans are protecting pedophiles. Let that sink in.
We all know Trump utilized Epstein’s underage girls for decades, like we know why he bought the teen beauty pageant. He’s a child molester, but that isn’t all. He’s also a rapist and most likely being blackmailed. He’s illiterate and ignorant, but the MAGAs don’t care. At least 30% of Americans are even more clueless than Trump.
The “leaked purpose” of Hegseth’s meeting for the Generals is about the “warrior ethos and will only last for no more than 30 minutes.”
Consider that: a former Fox News anchor will preach to hardened combat servicemen about the culture of being a warrior. Once he’s done the draft dodging, Mr. Bonespurs will address the Generals for a few minutes. You can’t make this shit up. As I mentioned earlier, only comedians and satirists can effectively address this level of stupidity.
Hegseth’s subject matter could have been sent in a mass email, or he could have videotaped it and sent a copy to the Generals situated around the world. The cost of this DoW fiasco will be staggering, so I hope Hegseth has more important subject matter than preaching to the choir about their culture.
MJM asks the crucial question… everyone I know that is upset about this country’s current direction is definitely over 45 maybe even over 50. And apparently, the youngest generation appears to enjoy authoritarianism a bit more than previous generations. Where will we find the energy? Until folks are better educated on what government really does and what it can do, we may be in a semi-permanent state of decline.
Here come de train, here come de train, boss! And de light is getting brighter, boss. I hope. I am not beyond also hoping that the Trump/Hegseth team pees on their own shoes in front of the military brass. If Trump takes the floor, he may well spout more gibberish than he did at the U.N., and the brass will salute, and walk away smirking, saying, “What the hell was that?”
I think the Hegseth/Trump “meeting” today will have the generals grasping the flag and pledging an oath to Donald Trump. You know, just like the Wehrmacht members had to do in the 1930s in Germany.
I’m having my PET scan today to see if my cancer has spread. After seeing and reading all the horrors being foisted on the country I once swore to defend, I’m not so sure which outcome I want to see from this test.
This idiocy of corporate malfeasance is probably what Karl Marx envisioned when he predicted that unregulated capitalism would destroy itself from within. SCOTUS and the Republican party will allow this destruction to continue as long as they’re in power.
Good luck living in “Fantasy Land”….
where NONE of your “dreams” will come true. Talk about being out of touch !!!! 🤡
Our growing dissatisfaction is essential to us, but goes unnoticed in DC. Kimmel’s dissatisfaction broke through the walls that isolate power from the people. What that notice caused to happen made our voices louder and more distinct in the seats of power.
That’s a start.
On October 18, we have another opportunity to take to the streets and amplify our dissatisfaction again.
I’ll see you there.
Wow,
Vernon, I’m sorry my brother! Time and unforeseen circumstance befall us all. And you hit the nail on the head my brother.
They are absolutely bringing everyone together, all of the one star and above generals, and other ranks, so they can kiss the ring and make sure that they follow orders. And what orders would they be? Well, he has the power to declare a national emergency. That national emergency if he decides to declare it, will give him absolute power. There will be no checks and balances available, because they’ll all be suspended.
His expansive and rapid buildup of his immigration and custom enforcement operatives gives him several hundred thousand militarily armed and mentally disturbed loyal Wermacht waiting for their orders! You can see how they are knocking people down, beating and assaulting people, snatching husbands away from wives and children, taunting them, in Chicago, firing pepper balls at reporters, walking down the magnificent Mile with looking like they’re ready for a war. It’s absolutely freaking people out.
The threat of shutting down the government, and start firing people that are necessary for government to function, the VA, the CDC, the FDA, to name a few.
People have enough problems the way things are today, without the one that’s supposed to watch over the Constitution and the welfare of the people, manufacturing crises and threatening social security, Plus, the paychecks and employment of everyone who is associated with the government.
This describes without a doubt, the man of lawlessness that I’ve written about before. 2nd Thessalonians the second chapter.
Religion has been complicit in bringing the lawless to power, and will be remembered for such as were the German Nazis. Also described as wolves in sheep’s clothing.
This could have been prevented, unfortunately, the lunatic has now taken control of the asylum. And you still have those who have bought into the deception like Becky, who believe everyone else will suffer while they can sit on their porch and laugh at the misery. Completely unchristian, and absolutely evil. It’s all funny until the wolf turns on you!
Vernon I hope your PET scan goes well.
Suzanne,
Thanks for your kindness and good wish. If the “C” hasn’t spread, I’ll be around a while longer. You take good care too.
the himmler of our time wants a white race armed forces , along with higher ups who kneel to the our day hitler. might as well spell it out as history repeats itself. now about that right wing euro siding with putin. seems its going to open a bigger creavasse. see Guardian, Simon Tisdall:trump and putin are carring out a pincer move on euro democracies..
i remmber well, a sign in all buisnesses,to keep up long hairs out,
we retain the right to refuse services to anyone… even the natl guard..
best wishes Portland..
Vern:
we need your words and ideas, get well. and please,carry on..
I, too, hope your PET scan goes well.
Vernon;
We are all stronger with you, but we will carry the torch forward if you cannot. Praying for good news from your test.
Vernon,
The good thing is “C” treatments have really become so advanced that it usually means having a longer life or even a complete recovery. My Dad had Leukemia and he lived a few years with it before passing on.
I hope you can have a complete recovery but if not I hope your at least made as comfortable as possible with good family and friends around.
To all: I am humbled and grateful for your positive vibes and good wishes. This is actually my 4th bout with cancer. And yes, if the metastasis is limited, great scientists like those at M.D. Anderson in Houston have created many ways of treating and curing the various forms of cancer that we are all subjected to.
I will keep fighting, of course, and continue to be my acerbic self on this blog. I’m 83 and have had a wonderful, rich life while accumulating way too much information and knowledge over the years. Thanks to all for letting me share some of it with you.
Vern, fight on! Kick cancer and help us as we work to fix this mess! I always look forward to reading your comments. Thanks, Sheila, for providing this important avenue for us to let off steam, lest we all explode.
Dorothy Parker said it best with her phrase “What fresh Hell is this” as most days the trump regime assaults U.S. safeguards and norms of Democracy with insane executive orders and condescending, disrespectful and threatening messages to Americans and the world. I see a change in how their power plays are affecting most Americans. When trump announced he was sending military into Oregan, my reaction was a dulled “really”? So now he’s backed off of that plan confirming his TACO label.
Of course, the times are ripe for conspiracy theories and distrust and will he up his game? What if Hegseth is setting a trap for all US military top brass in Virginia tomorrow. It’s odd that he would set up such a security risk having all the generals in one place at once and at such great expense. The generals will be unarmed, and trump is in charge of the executive branches pumped up, militarized police force, homeland security and ICE that could arrest the military sitting ducks. They then could install their sycophants in place of the commanding officers that would obey all trump’s orders. That would up their game and complete their coup.
Vern, Hope you’re feeling better soon.
Vern – I hope your Pet Scan today shows that your cancer hasn’t spread and you are able to continue sharing your wisdom on this blog.
Re Todd’s comment that Congressional republicans are protecting pedophiles – Maybe we should assume they are actually protecting themselves from being exposed. A good start would be to call their offices and accuse them of being pedophiles since they refuse to vote in favor of releasing all of the Epstein files. What other valid reason could they possibly have against releasing the files? Claiming “protection of the victims” is just lame BS because the victims’ names and info can easily be redacted and already have been from the files that have been released.
I’ve found that fighting fire with fire works best in situations like this. When you use the bully’s own tactics on them they tend to quickly back down.
Vernon, a very dear friend who lives in Indiapolis. commuted to Sloan Kettering to treat a very rare form of cancer. The outcome was not promising at the beginning of treatment. Now months later, she received a better than expected good report. Keep faith and hope, Vernon, as we send good vibes your way. The headlines can wait.
For the post about younger people waffling on authoritarianism, I don’t think that’s the case in general. They also want to end all the forever wars, which Trump tapped into but hasn’t delivered on. Although he now claims to have ended 10 wars. [eyeroll]
And Nancy, I don’t know if there’s a federal law, but in CA, if you protect a pedophile, it’s a felony:
“Every person who, after a felony has been committed, harbors, conceals or aids a principal in such felony, with the intent that said principal may avoid or escape from arrest, trial, conviction or punishment, having knowledge that said principal has committed such felony or has been charged with such felony or convicted thereof, is an accessory to such felony.”
If there’s a federal law similar to CA, then each R protecting Trump would be guilty of a felony. Think about this, Kash Patel, hired and trained 1,000 agents to search through the Epstein files and redact Trump’s name. If you need 1,000 agents to cover up your crimes, then you were more than acquaintances with Jeffrey Epstein – you were his best client!!
Todd: Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize!
And he will continue bombing Venezuelan boats until he gets it!
Vern – hoping for a positive outcome for you. I always appreciate your thoughtful posts and hope to continue to read them for years to come.