Stew Bolno: Five rational reasons for the Democrats, liberals, and leftists to detest Donald Trump
It’s become clear Donald J. Trump whether president or not incites angst, anger, and hatred from the Leftist Legion; everything except grudging respect. Their mania is demonstrated by redundant protest parades which inconvenience citizens. They seem supportive of organized destruction initiated by the Antifa infantry and empathize with free-form riots which create chaos, destroy neighborhoods, and, sometimes, kill innocent bystanders. Rarely is there an acknowledgement of these urban uprisings and nearly all are ignored or explained away by Democrat party leadership.
Anti-Trump mania is so emotional and extreme it’s affected the objectivity of the Party leaders. They’ve maneuvered themselves to support positions vastly unpopular with the American public such as open borders, increased taxes, and gender-bender balderdash. It’s significant that many consider first term Senator John Fetterman as the most grounded and serious voice of reason in the Democratic Party, even though his public business attire is athletic shorts and a hoodie.
Yet, if we take a few steps back and reflect, it’s not difficult to identify some logical reasons impacting Democrat leadership’s challenges, in their attempt to reverse political opinions and trends unfavorable to them.
1. The defeat of Hillary Clinton in 2016. A permanent shock to all Democrat women and a comeuppance for a biased national press. The diminishment of candidate Trump, expressed by political insiders and combined with the snark of celebrities, created an unearned confidence that was personally humiliating and ego-deflating when reality imposed itself. Akin to the Pearl Harbor memories of 1940-era adults, as well as those of us who recall the destruction of the Twin Towers 24 years ago, it’s predictable that big-time Hillary supporters, from recent college co-eds to female baby boomers, will be able to recall their long evening of disappointment for the rest of their lives.
2. The reversal of the Obama driven progressive agenda. When the charismatic political phenomenon made a commitment to “fundamentally transform The United States of America” it was enough to make liberals swoon with delight. That’s what happened in 2008. However, the Obama supporters learned a tough lesson in 2016, when they were unable to pass the baton and move closer to their self-imagined promised land. From the time Joe Biden was elected in 2020, it was clear he was unable or unwilling to perform in a significant role as an active executive. This enabled Barack’s team, who were once again on the inside, to become power players as opposed to influencers. Simultaneous to that was the mission to destroy any chances of a Trump revival. The Donald failed to comply and was re-elected in 2024. The frustration of being a two-time loser to the prime opponent who reverses your personal and political mission, especially when you are sooooo close, is appropriately debilitating.
3. The movement of Democratic Party clusters towards Trump. It’s bad enough when the political antagonist wins. However, it feels much worse when some of your own teammates convert to the opposition. That’s what happened in the election of 2024 and it may not be a short-term fluke. By now, those who follow politics recognize the Trump effect has impacted racial minorities, women, and young voters. They enabled ’47 to win the popular majority count for the first time in his three runs for office; not small potatoes. Those who made the switch did so on their analysis of recent history and self-interest. They’d be able to explain the reason for their choice. Many of the “loyalists” consider them apostates.
4. The success of President Trump. Like many first-time candidates, in 2016 Donald Trump was mocked and critiqued as “inexperienced” by political insiders of both parties. Those who detest him most, slimed him with the terms “racist”, “misogynist”, and “warmonger”. However, as President he’s behaved in a manner that is the opposite of those canards; he’s earned an increasing share of the vote from most ethnic groups, qualified and competent women have accepted serious positions to serve in his administration, and he’s consistently acted as a world-peace president who delivers results. Humble people don’t find it difficult to alter their opinions. Loyalists often deny their own previous statements and diminish achievements by others who thwart their game plan. Democrats recognize giving credit to Trump for just about anything is antithetical to solidarity, seemingly a necessity for progressive movements.
5. It’s quite apparent Donald Trump revels in his elected role as President of the United States and “leader of the free world.” Historians, years from now will have the opportunity to evaluate the performance of Trump. However, no one with any semblance of perspective will deny he seems to thrive in his current job. In every appearance he radiates his joy of being POTUS as well as our Commander in Chief. Any candid, capable, and consistent critic would admit he’s accessible, thoughtful, and intellectually present in the performance of his duties, regardless of their attitude towards his policies and decisions.
To the politically uninitiated the carping, marches, and shut-down by the Democratic Party may seem irrational and foolish. However, they’re sane, logical, and necessary strategies for keeping the loyalists aligned in battle. If you’re not in agreement with this approach, read Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky.
Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase.
