The Politics of Shamelessness: A Survival Tactic from Trump to Party Loyalty
Politicians often engage in shamelessness, justifying their shifting positions based on political convenience. Donald Trump’s unpredictable stance has helped him maintain support, contrasting sharply with the Democrats, who struggle to present a unified front. While Trump adapts to changing narratives, his opponents fail to capitalize on this inconsistency.
Every politician has a certain level of shamelessness, arguably part of the job. As they navigate tumultuous political climates, they often find themselves justifying shifts in their stance. This could be due to a changing national mood, pressure from party loyalists, or demands from large donors. Ironically, some politicians find themselves defending positions that contradict what they condemned when their opposition was in power.
In any case, politicians sometimes put forth explanations that just don’t hold water. They can’t admit openly that dissent from their party can lead to primary challenges; instead, they offer weak rationales that are transparent to everyone involved. While some may argue this behavior is just part of political pragmatism—flexibility is key—we can still question the integrity in it.
During interviews with Donald Trump, he discussed changing his previously hardline stance on TikTok. He had aimed to ban the app during his presidency citing national security concerns, but later attempted to save it, claiming that preventing a ban would be detrimental to Facebook. I found that explanation lacking. It seemed more about popularity and wanting to be seen positively by younger voters. That and the fact Zuckerberg was cozying up to Trump with generous donations didn’t help clarify things much.
Trump’s ability to flip-flop without a second thought is part of his success; he doesn’t dwell on past statements. He can express sympathy for Joe Biden, then just as easily dismiss any need to feel sorry for him. This adaptability seems to resonate with his supporters, who trust that he won’t stray too far from their expectations.
Ross Douthat’s observations in the New York Times highlight this notion—Trump’s willingness to contradict himself has kept his presidency dynamic, appealing to swing voters by suggesting any extreme position is not permanent. That takes us back to John Kerry’s infamous quote about voting for a bill before voting against it—which was simply labelled as flip-flopping.
Consider Trump’s pardons for a moment. He granted clemency to Larry Hoover, a notorious gang leader, during a time when such a move created barely a ripple. If Biden had been responsible, the uproar would’ve been overwhelming. The MAGA narrative would have blasted Biden for siding with a criminal. However, for Trump, this was hardly a headline worth pursuing.
The Democrats, on the other hand, can’t seem to distill a strong counter-narrative. With figures like Tim Walz seemingly failing to gather momentum and leaders like Chuck Schumer not making headlines, their voice lacks power. AOC might make waves on social media, but she isn’t in a decisive leadership position. Meanwhile, Trump’s unapologetic style garners its own brand of political skill, enabling him to thrive in an unusual landscape of modern politics.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
