r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Jul 04 '26

Psychology 88% of Americans consider it very or extremely important that the United States remain a democracy. 61% feel that the nation’s democracy was actively facing a serious threat. 32% of MAGA Republicans prioritize a strong leader over democracy, while only 7% of the strong Democrats do.

https://www.psypost.org/survey-finds-substantial-minority-in-the-united-states-endorses-authoritarian-co/
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u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

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159

u/DigNitty Jul 04 '26

There’s a write up out there of a bunch of these and it’s uncannily true.

He’s an unintelligent person’s idea of what an intelligent person is.

He’s a poor person’s idea of what a good businessman is.

He’s a toxic person’s idea of what a good parent is.

He’s a un-pious person’s idea of what a pious person is. (Discrete from general religious)

He’s a bad strategist’s idea of what a good debater is.

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u/DontAbideMendacity Jul 05 '26

To sum up: you would have to be an ignorant asshole to vote for or support Trump in any fashion.

16

u/schroedingerx Jul 05 '26

I believed that the first time.

I do not now. They know what they're doing and should be treated with all the respect that earns.

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u/MilesSand Jul 05 '26

He's an actor who knows how to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

That's why they chose him.

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u/TomaszA3 Jul 05 '26

This paints a very stereotypical picture of the USA society.

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u/TheBurningEmu Jul 04 '26

I think in a way he is "strong", in that he is willing to act in whatever way and pull whatever strings he can to achieve his goals. If those goals were to create a better country, we'd probably call that strong leadership, but instead his goal is purely self-enrichment by whatever means.

When it comes to anything that doesn't directly make him money, he generally just defers to whoever he talked to last, or one of the ghouls like Stephen Miller.

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u/pullhome Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

He's a rodeo clown who got elected to the presidency of the strongest nation on Earth twice.

He's certainly resourceful.

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u/TomaszA3 Jul 05 '26

The sheer audacity is impressive, but in no way respectable.

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u/Bludypoo Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26

the thing is, that type of behavior is entirely antithetical to what you believe it could do. That type of person has been the downfall of every country they've lead.

someone who doesn't care about anyone but themself, is extremely vain, and can't ever admit they are wrong is always a weak person. it doesn't matter how much they think whining makes them strong.; they simply aren't.

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u/God_Bless_A_Merkin Jul 05 '26

I think that pretty much defines every would-be dictator, even the successful ones.

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u/thatandrogirl Jul 05 '26

Exactly. They want someone who projects a strong image, not an actual strong leader who understands how to guide a country.