As regular readers of this blog know, I don’t suffer what I consider foolishness (or worse) in silence. At times, as I survey the political landscape, words positively spew out. But every once in a while, I read something that captures my perspective so perfectly–that so eloquently captures my angst, anger and perspective– that it deserves copious quotation.
The tirade perfectly expresses my feelings about the non-“true believing” Republicans who have enabled America’s flight from democracy and rational government–the GOP elected officials like Indiana Senator Todd Young. No one sane expected anything better from the crazy “Christian” MAGA morons like our other Senator, but–as the author, a former Executive Director of the Michigan Republican Party writes–our current situation can be firmly laid at the feet of the quislings who know better.
Permit me to share some of his diatribe, with which I entirely agree.
This is a pox on every current or former Republican elected official, every D.C. policy wonk, every think-tank libertarian, every “principled” conservative, every consultant and operative, every comms flack who flinched at Trump in 2016, held their nose in 2020, and now in 2025 are all-in, pretending they never saw the flames. They saw the incompetence. The ignorance. The corruption. The racism. The appeals to violence. The fascist cosplay. They watched Trump mismanage a pandemic that killed a million Americans. They watched him try to shake down Ukraine. They watched the tear gas fly at Lafayette Square. They watched January 6th.
After Trump lost to Biden, he writes,
They let the tumor grow back. And now that he’s returned to power — with a vengeance, a vendetta list, a castrated Congress, and a perverted and retributive Justice Department in his pocket — they’ve decided to go along to get along. Because “we need to win,” because “it’s about judges,” because “Biden was too old,” because their taxes will be lower, because “Harris was too progressive,” because of some freshman DEI policy at Oberlin College or the University of Michigan…
There is no Trump 2.0 without these Vichy collaborators. He doesn’t have the IQ or impulse control to govern without them. They write the policies. They run the agencies. They polish the lies. MAGA isn’t a grassroots movement — it’s a fascist aesthetic wrapped around a cynical, calculating elite that knows exactly what it’s doing: Dismantling democracy for profit and power.
Look around. The Department of Justice is now a MAGA war room. News agencies are threatened with being frog-marched into courtrooms for asking the wrong questions. State National Guards have been federalized — and active duty Marines deployed — to occupy Los Angeles. And those “respectable” Republicans? The ones who were “uncomfortable” with Trump before? They’re writing op-eds praising his “leadership.” They’re spinning the gutting of civil liberties as “order.” They’re appeasing tyranny but collecting paychecks.
These aren’t rubes at a rally in Sheboygan or the MAGA meth chorus from Bumfuck County. These are the guys in the green rooms and boardrooms, at the Capitol Hill Club, in the donor retreats and Capitol cloakrooms. They know better. They knew better.
This piece isn’t about the true believers. It’s about the Quisling converts. The ones who once winced when Trump called the press “enemies of the people,” and would now cheer if he arrests them. The ones who once said, “This is not conservatism,” and now insist, “This is what the people want.”
If and when we emerge from this dark time, the most important question we’ll need to ask won’t involve the manifest pathologies of Trump. It won’t even focus on the intellectual and emotional deficits of the MAGA faithful–after all, numerous humans in every generation have joined cults, clung to their tribal affiliations and hated the “other.” What is new–or at least seems unprecedented to my inaccurate historical memory–is the wholesale defection of an entire cohort of public figures from anything resembling integrity.
There was, of course, the author’s absolutely accurate reference to quislings, the French who submitted during WWII, a term defined as a citizen or politician of an occupied country who collaborates with an enemy occupying force. It is a perfect description of today’s GOP lawmakers. If any reader is aware of a psychological profile of those collaborators, I hope you will point us to that scholarship in the comments.
As the author notes, “They were in the house. They saw the fire. And instead of helping us put it out, they grabbed a lawn chair and roasted hot dogs. ” What explains that reaction?
Here is AI’s summary:
Here’s a psychological profile of “quislings,” focusing on the case of Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian traitor whose name became synonymous with collaboration.
Psychological profile of a quisling
Motivations for betrayal:
Ideology: A belief that aligning with the occupying power is the “right” or necessary path for their country, according to EBSCO Research Starters. Quisling, for example, hoped to establish Norway as a partner in the Nazi war effort.
Personal ambition and power-seeking: Some individuals may see collaboration as an opportunity to gain power, influence, or elevate their personal status within the new regime. Quisling declared himself the leader of a pro-German government, despite lacking widespread support.
Self-preservation and survival: Fear of reprisal from the occupying force or the desire to protect oneself and one’s family can be a powerful motivator for collaboration.
Disillusionment or resentment with existing leadership or political systems: Individuals may harbor strong grievances towards their own government or society, making them more susceptible to the ideology or promises of the occupying power.
Opportunism and the belief in the inevitable victory of the occupying power: Some may calculate that aligning with the perceived winner is the most pragmatic course of action.
Personality traits and characteristics:
Potential for megalomania and grandiose beliefs: Quisling, according to one psychiatrist, was a “paranoid megalomaniac” with a “massive degree” of paranoid psychopathy characterized by megalomania, according to Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed Journals. He viewed himself as a prophet destined to lead Norway.
Rigid ideology and lack of empathy: A strong adherence to a particular ideology, coupled with an inability to consider alternative perspectives or empathize with those who disagree, can fuel collaboration, according to Psychology Today. Quisling’s views on race and his belief in “Universism” (his personal philosophy) illustrate this.
Fragile self-esteem and a need for validation: Individuals with low self-worth may seek to validate themselves through actions that gain approval or recognition, even from an occupying power.
Difficulty forming healthy attachments and expressing loyalty: A history of troubled relationships or a cynical view of loyalty can contribute to a propensity for betrayal, according to a Haaretz article.
Rationalization and self-deception: Collaborators often develop justifications and alternative narratives to make their actions seem acceptable, even heroic, to themselves and others.
Important considerations
Not all collaborators are the same: The motivations and characteristics of quislings can vary significantly. Some may be deeply committed ideologues, while others might act out of pragmatism or desperation.
The context of betrayal matters: Social and political circumstances can heavily influence an individual’s decision to collaborate, including pre-existing social divisions and the nature of the occupation.
Betrayal is a process: It often involves a series of steps and choices, and understanding these can provide insights into the psychological underpinnings of collaboration, says Psychology Today.
In summary, the psychology of a Quisling is complex, often encompassing a combination of ideological beliefs, personal ambition, fear, and psychological vulnerabilities that can lead to a betrayal of one’s country or community during times of conflict or upheaval. As pointed out by UNSW Sydney, it’s essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of betrayal and the various factors that contribute to it.
Vichy collaborator. I’m using that in my next screed to Young. Very apropos.
Nincompoopism.
“What explains that action?” Ego, Selfishness. Spinelessness. Money. Laziness.
The “American Idea” which is an outgrowth of thousands of years of societal and political experimentation, will eventually prevail because it works better than any of the alternatives. The key word being eventually. In the meantime, people suffer and die needlessly. Sheila, I share your outrage.
I too am utterly astonished at the legions of GOPers who have seemingly drunk the koolaid and gone about their merry little ways in step with undoubtedly the absolute worst version of a president ever to appear on the landscape. They are in step with every lapdog in this administration; I watched the presser with Tulsi Gabbard, someone who has certainly gone off the rails, but who wasn’t coming on strongly enough for maga spoke person Karolyn Leavitt, who literally jumped in front of her to give the maga stream of utter bs,. Her diatribe, including just how wonderful our POTUS is, etc., caused me to check to see if there was saliva creeping out of the edges of her mouth. How in the hell do that many folks collectively lose their sense of anything decent? The insanely obvious flight from constitutionality, the rule of law as we knew it, empathy, compassion, and for that matter DEI, which is all about caring for our fellow man (and woman)? I always thought our democracy could survive anything, that there were enough of us to prevent its demise, but now I am terrified that I may be wrong.
Absolutely on target.
I think daily of the “ big “ names here in NE Indiana who smile, talk about Hoosiers values, pontificate, sit in their places of worship so devout, and ultimately betray the Constitution with their acquiescence.
Educated individuals, “pillars” of our community, politically well connected , business and community leaders who
quietly support the cruel and destructive administrations in our State and Nation. To what end?
Betrayal is betrayal.
Just yesterday Robert Hubbell’s newsletter entitled “Resisting while in political exile” drew the parallel of current circumstances in Washington to the Vichy government in France during WW II.
Hubbell points out the following:
“History teaches us that those who fight to preserve their country will outlast those who capitulate in a futile attempt to preserve their wealth, power, and privilege. During World War II, the members of the Vichy regime sought to protect France (and themselves) by surrendering to and collaborating with Nazi Germany. Other French citizens resisted Hitler by organizing an underground armed resistance (the French Resistance), a government in exile (Free France) and an army in exile (the Free French Army).
“History remembers the Vichy collaborators and capitulations as traitors to France. Members of Free France, the French Resistance, and the Free French Army are rightfully remembered as the saviors of France. They resisted in exile for four long years.”
Hubbell goes on in newsletter to show the striking parallels with this “Vichy” regimen and the “vast swaths of America’s social and political elite” who have capitulated to Trump. Senator Young is no better than these Vichy collaborators in going along to get along. History will not be kind to any of them. As Hubbell critically and deservedly states about these capitulations: “(T)hose who have abandoned democracy to save themselves know what they have done and carry that guilty burden in the smoldering remains of their hearts and souls.”
President Kennedy inspired all around him within listening reach by whatever means to reach our highest potential to serve mankind at home and abroad. He changed our language that mirrored positive thinking with one another. Kennedy held in trust truth to all of us. His legacy lives on beyond tragic death.
President Trump provokes bottom feeding of the most base of human behavior. He has changed language of discourse that discourages hope for our grandchildren. Truth will not be upheld unless it serves his own purpose standing in front of a gilded mirror. Trump’s father taught him how to gain personal advantage from a lie. The President’s only legacy will be that he is the worst in our country’s history leaving pittance for our grandchildren to rebuild our nation.
Think of the “heroes” of my lifetimes’ memory- JFK – a mixed bag, elite background, Bay of Pigs, slow slow on Civil Rights, LBJ- Vietnam etc, MLK- now seen heroically re Vietnam and Classism- but in his lifetime- largely Trashed – perceived aa “radical “ when he tried to push too deeply- the Real ones Don’t hardly get acknowledged: Angela Davis, Loretta Ross etc
Sadly, one of your best presentations, Sheila. Thank you for putting this together and for sharing. All Americans should read it, and think on it, and I hope families will discuss it at dinner tonight. I so want the America I love and respect to live and be a gift to the world. Stay safe, Sheila. You’re a keeper of justice for all,
Indiana’s problem is developing a successful strategy to defeat Young next year. We all see and say what he is and does and how he is facilitating the overthrow of our government. But… he’ll have an R next to his name on the ballot and the Republican propaganda will talk about what a strong and conservative supporter of Trump and his “policies”.
It’s not going to be easy to unseat him, but the Democrats need to find a successful message and an appealing alternative and start campaigning now.
I continued to think of Martin Niemöller when I read today’s blog. Even the Quislings should understand that once, they’ve eliminated the obvious enemies, they will begin the hunt for those purporting to be their friends. They are doomed as much as the obvious enemies. With Nazis in charge, no one is safe!
Excellent posting, Sheila.
Jeff Timmer puts it right out there, where it belongs. My favorite line from his article is: “Here’s what I’ll tell them: Go to hell. Take your donor checks, your green room smirks, your fat fees and commissions — and shove them straight up your morally bankrupt asses.”
So sweet and gentle!
thanks.
BTW: Thank you, Elaine, for that explication.
David Stippler: I don’t think they know or care what they have done and are doing. As with most of that ilk, they are convinced they can get away with anything because their leader will pardon them if the law enforcement comes calling.
SCOTUS’ majority is so deep into this fascist takeover of our democracy, that they will require purging – along with the demise of the orange turd – for all the fixing that now needs doing … never mind what is yet to come. And all these things will NOT take 4 years to occur.
What shouldn’t surprise me but has, is the huge number of quisling among us. It seems that integrity and moral fiber has been replaced by self-interest and greed, whether for status, power or wealth.
When reading “A Fever in the Heartland”, the speed with which the KKK rose to power was astonishing. There fall was just as precipitous. I can only hope.
RESIST.
Their. Apologies.
On a related note.
What has surprised me a bit — not entirely — is how quickly those in federal law enforcement — ICE, Border Patrol, FBI, and even the military have turned into face-masked THUGS. I’m pretty sure they all took and swore an Oath to defend the Constitution.
Yet here they are amongst us wrecking havoc on and fear in fellow human beings (who for the most part) are peacefully working — usually difficult jobs U.S. born citizens refuse to do — trying to provide for their families.
Were they always thugs and just restrained somewhat by convention and the threat of being punished for violating the Constitutional and Human Rights of the people they swore to protect? (At least some in the Boarder Patrol and ICE probably fit into that category). Or are they hiding under the rhethoric of “Just Following Orders?”
Regardless, it scares the you-know-what out of me.
I expect that Bill Bailey’s simple list is largely correct. However, I’d be willing to bet that the reverse is true for a significant portion of them. I bet that some of them were “turning up their noses” in 2016 because _then_ they perceived it to be the “correct” thing to do. But down deep, their racism and hate was bubbling, and now they are truly happy to support their fascist, racist, Project 2025 cult.
thanks Sheila, best ammo ive gotten for awhile.
now if the magats ever will know of quisling? but its a start to
making a meme of the magat bunch..
a new fog buster to the right wing traitors/
best wishes..
Speaker Johnson so neatly summed it all up when he recently stated publicly, “Do not doubt, don’t second guess, and do not challenge the President of the United States Donald Trump.” Johnson is the Pied Piper of quislings, and they are all meekly following along – the nation be damned.