avatarJeff Hanlon

Summary

The article "Trump is Toast" asserts that President Trump's self-inflicted negative portrayal and lack of empathy, particularly regarding the coronavirus pandemic, have effectively ended his chances of re-election.

Abstract

The article, titled "Trump is Toast," presents a perspective that the upcoming presidential election has already been decided against President Trump, contrary to the belief that elections are determined post-Labor Day. It references political analyst John Heilemann's theory that presidential candidates are typically defined by spring, often through opposition attacks, but this year Trump is defining himself negatively. The author cites Trump's own statements, such as his acknowledgment of potential deaths from reopening and his lack of empathy, as evidence of self-sabotage. The article also criticizes Trump's handling of the coronavirus task force, suggesting his desire to disband it reflects a childish denial of the pandemic's seriousness. The author expresses frustration with Trump's behavior, indicating that it has become unbearable.

Opinions

  • The author agrees with John Heilemann's theory that candidates are defined in the spring, and in this case, Trump's self-definition is detrimental to his campaign.
  • Trump's statement to ABC News about the possibility of deaths from reopening is seen as a critical mistake that will not be well-received by voters.
  • The author views Trump's lack of empathy as extreme and unprecedented, particularly in his comments about the coronavirus.
  • Trump's reported intention to disband the Coronavirus task force is interpreted as a denial of the ongoing health crisis and is likened to the behavior of a child.
  • The article suggests that Trump's actions and statements are leading to his own electoral defeat without the need for significant campaigning from his opponent, Joe Biden.
  • The author expresses personal exhaustion and frustration with Trump's "depraved bullshit," indicating a strong emotional response to his presidency.
Victor Juhasz, Rolling Stone

Trump is Toast

It’s over. Already.

John Heilemann argued (sorry, can’t find the clip) that contrary to accepted wisdom (mine included) presidential elections are decided in the spring, not in the heightened post Labor Day flurry of campaigning. And he lays out some convincing historical perspective to back up his theory.

Heilemann’s assertion rests on the theory that candidates are defined in the spring. Usually by an aggressive effort by their opponent. And that definition of a candidate doesn’t change.

But in this election, Biden doesn’t need to do that. Trump is defining himself. And that will cost him the election.

Trump told ABC News that “it’s possible there will be some dying,” but the good news is that “you won’t be locked into an apartment or a house or whatever it is.”

Yes, Trump really said that. I’m sure that will go over well with voters. Again: Trump is defining himself. And he’s toast because of that. Biden need not lift a finger while Trump continues to shoot himself in the foot.

(And regarding Trump’s ABC statement: Have you EVER seen such a TOTAL lack of empathy??)

And now we hear that Trump wants to disband the Coronavirus task force. He’s like a little baby who says, gurgle gurgle, “I don’t want to talk about that stupid Coronavirus thing anymore!”

But wait! After Trump pulled his thumb out his mouth and (briefly) pointed his gun away from his foot, he said disbanding the Coronavirus task force was fake news, and that the task force will remain in place.

I am not kidding when I say I really don’t know how much more of Trump’s depraved bullshit I can take.

Trump
Politics
Elections
Election 2020
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarJennifer Hartmann
The Question That Ended My Marriage

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I asked my husband this question, and knew I’d just empowered us to divorce.

6 min read
avatarJason Provencio
Bullying Tim Walz’s Neurodivergent Son is Completely Unacceptable

Donald Trump Has Turned You Into a MAGA Asshole

5 min read
avatarMichelle Teheux
We Could Learn a Lot About Sex From the Dutch

My Dutch relative’s views shocked me, but I immediately realized she was right

6 min read
avatarMcKenna Meyers
While Some See RFK Jr. As a Harmless Crackpot, I Know How Truly Vile He Is

His anti-vax disciples didn’t show me an iota of compassion

7 min read
avatarAdrian V
I Lost 30 lbs After Healing My Gut By Quitting These 4 Inflammatory Foods.

You can’t lose weight against a sick gut.

3 min read
avatarHaje Jan Kamps
There’s a problem with that ‘bullet in flight’ photo of Trump.

The bullet seems to be flying about twice as fast as it ‘should’ have been.

4 min read