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Why Trump? Unpacking the Political Culture Behind the MAGA Movement with Dr. Douglas Giles

In this episode of Coup Save America, host Sean St. Heart delves into the deep-rooted strain of U.S. political culture that has given rise to the MAGA movement, which now centers on Donald Trump. The discussion moves beyond Trump as an individual, exploring how he serves as a symptom rather than the cause of this broader cultural phenomenon.

Our guest, Dr. Douglas Giles, philosopher and assistant professor at Elmhurst University, joins us to share insights from his latest book, "Why Trump?: Why Some People Support Him—How the Rest of Us Can Respond." Dr. Giles offers a compelling analysis of American history, revealing that the MAGA movement’s focus on Trump obscures the underlying forces driving its momentum. By understanding these deeper cultural and ideological currents, listeners can gain a more nuanced perspective on contemporary political dynamics and how they can effectively respond.

Dr. Giles brings his expertise in social philosophy, particularly his research into the root causes of bigotry and injustice, to illuminate the complexities of political action in the U.S. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that challenges the conventional narratives surrounding the rise of Trump and the MAGA movement.