On “Serious” Political Discourse...
What should we attach importance to from politicians nowadays?
This is a serious question regarding the least serious class of narcissists in our society. Whatever the answer you have to this question, it is crucial to be consistent, lest you look like a hypocrite to the other side. I strive for this standard of consistency, leading me to be called “MAGA shill” or “libtard” depending on the day because I refuse to take politicians seriously on either side. Their game is manipulation, and that’s ok! The sausage making of lawmaking is built on having an image of being the people’s hero while finding ways to compromise and make enough cash to get reelected.
The most recent mask off moment was Mayor-elect Mamdani’s visit to the Oval Office. Mamdani branded himself as a socialist, hero of the people that would face federal funding cuts and fight the “evil” capitalists that allegedly caused all of New York City’s woes. Funny to see him immediately show up next to the alleged “despot” to beg for his federal funding. If Trump is the so-called villain, shouldn’t you do everything to avoid that photo-op of grinning defeat next to him?
On the other hand, Trump is shockingly consistent and doesn’t take himself seriously. When the press calls out the situation as quite odd, he tells Mamdani, “it’s ok” that he thinks he is “fascist” with a pat on the arm and a snicker. I was laughing out loud. I grin and bear Trump’s worst excesses because the corruption and lies are out in the open—no Clinton Foundation or Open Society Foundations required. Everything is, and has been terrible, and I refuse to let it ruin my day. Trump is often comical and sharp, saying what’s on his mind. It obviously isn’t great for reassuring a nervous population, but I don’t think anything can be done about that until 2028.
This isn’t nihilism, though it is slightly cynical. Government and its political operatives aren’t your friends, but they play a part in our nation that has survived much worse tensions than Trumpism (I vaguely remember hearing about a Civil War in history class…). It’s fun to get involved in political movements, it reminds us that government can make change in our lives. But never forget, that once the election is over, the politicians have a job to do that most can’t stomach. Someone has to grind the tendons, organs, and hooves into something palatable. I’d rather laugh about the craziness than live in anger and fear. I have confidence in our people and that we will survive mean tweets and occasional bad policy.
Disagree? Email aj@newenglandtake.com