I didn't see all of it, but what I did see were 16 minutes of a demagogic tour de force.
I tuned in somewhere during his broadside against Rand Paul, whom Trump not only wants out of the presidential race, but out of Kentucky politics. Period. Trump left nothing of Paul standing.
He also, somewhat needlessly, hit Lindsey Graham and Rick Perry again. Jeb Bush, too. For that, there's need.
He went on to solve all U.S. problems with China (and Japan) via a one-businessman appointment. He also solved all veterans issues. Then he completed much-needed campaign finance reform.
Just like that.
Plus, he announced he'd be converting the world's greatest military power into … the world's greatest military power. Nice touch.
Everyone else's policies remain "stupid" (without a hint of irony), which, combined with mind-bending simplicity, goes straight to Trump's real demagogic power.
We are witnessing a political genius at work, a demagogue fully enabled by the dumbest masses since ancient Rome, who were also hooked on entertainment.
I never thought that the leader of American fascism would be a buffoon.
Posted by: The Raven | August 14, 2015 at 10:16 PM
I had it recorded and ended up fast-forwarding through the last half. While a few TV pundits are still trying to imply Trump's become more substantive without using any so clear a word, he actually seems to be getting repetitious and stale. Of course his followers are no more capable of boredom or catching on than a cat chasing a laser spot around a living room, so it probably won't matter.
Posted by: Bob | August 14, 2015 at 10:29 PM
Beautifully stated, as ever, PM... Full disclosure: I'm a migrant from the Daily Dish and definitely here to stay. Thanks for your consistently compelling insights! :-D
Posted by: Gary on the Left Coast | August 14, 2015 at 11:52 PM