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Malignant Narcissism: The Real Threat Behind Trump’s Politics
Why rein in radicalism when you can use it to make a profit?
Sean’s Monologue: Republican Extremism: A Manufactured Reality
For today's show, we have invited back David Shaw, author of the book Deplorable Politics: Propaganda for the Brainwashed, to talk about the direction of the current Republican Party and, more specifically, the MIS-direction of presidential candidate Donald Trump.
David begins by using examples from the rapidly approaching presidential election to showcase how his book is even more relevant today than it was when he published it last year. He explains the characteristics of malignant narcissism and poses the question: Does Trump lie because he believes what he says is true… or because he knows that lying will work? Why do Trump’s followers refuse to recognize his lies?
Sean and David chat more about “Teflon Don” and why he’s been so hard to prosecute, then call out the Democratic Party for their lack of a progressive agenda. They dive deep into the history of the Dems, and David explains how the Christian Right is a small group that the Republican Party blows up to a big group.
Our host and guest speculate about the biggest threats of a second Trump presidency and what it might do to democracy. They agree about the dangers of the Supreme Court immunity ruling and how propaganda and the corporate media are the biggest influences on public opinions. And is Trump really threating to take over the media???
David lists the various rationales of the Trump voters he’s spoken with, highlights some common propaganda terms, and points out that we essentially have a three party system – Republicans, Democrats, and MAGA. He and Sean discuss how difficult it is for Dem politicians to navigate the crisis in the Middle East, plus ponder the feasibility of holding control of the House and Senate. They talk about the role that fear plays in Trump’s messaging, and David scoffs at how easy it would be to solve our country’s border problems, except the Republicans want to keep campaigning on those issues.
David tells us about his “Defend Democracy” Facebook sharing campaign, then answers questions like – Why hasn’t Kamala Harris come out with a more populist campaign? – “What other radical right politicians are currently on the international stage? – Why won’t psychological experts call out craziness in politicians? – and the biggest question of all – Is J.D. Vance more dangerous than Donald Trump?
Learn more about David Shaw and his book at:
David Shaw
My entire education and career prepared me to write this book. My education includes a B.A. in Political Science and a Master’s Degree with a Psychotherapy Major. Writing has always been a part of my career. I retired in 2021 after forty-five years of working as a program development consultant for social service, mental health, and healthcare organizations. I was increasingly nagged by my inner voice that kept telling me, write the damn book! And so I did.
My book is not the end. It is the beginning. I am active on Facebook recruiting Facebook friends to help defend our democracy
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