Less than a year from now, the United States may be in the grip of another Trump-generated Constitutional crisis. The presidential election will be over—at least for those of us who believe in the Constitution and are ready to accept the outcome of the election even if our preferred candidate loses.
Unfortunately, the probability of another Constitutional crisis—another insurrection—is increasing. Donald Trump is again running for president and is unlikely to win without cheating. Or so one can hope.
Why does Trump remain at the center of the American political stage? Despite Trump’s legal, financial, and psychological problems, many Republicans still prefer him as their standard bearer over anyone else. How a foul-mouthed candidate who led Republicans to a mid-term election debacle last year, who has been described as a rapist by a New York Judge, and is facing 41 felony counts, remains popular defies understanding. One must ask, is Trump’s nomination and possible election to another term as president inevitable?
Let’s hope not. But it will take more than hope to get the defeated election denier off the political stage. If we know nothing else about Trump, it is that he will not easily give up his dream of returning to power. To prevent Trump’s return to the White House, it will take a village. That village would be composed of people willing to try to persuade Trump supporters to walk away from their candidate. Put another way, the effort is getting Trump supporters to think about what values they are supporting in continuing to choose Trump over the alternatives.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I jotted down a list of five qualities needed in a successful American president. At the top of the list is allegiance to the Constitution. The other qualities are honesty, humility, sanity, and commitment. Trump has none of these qualities. The effort to persuade Trump supporters to abandon Trump requires, I think, getting them to reassess their support for Trump through this or a similar analysis.
Trump regularly professes his love for America. Have you seen the picture of him hugging an American flag at a campaign rally? But that love does not include the Constitution. In 2022 he wrote, “A Massive [Election] Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” The Constitution includes the Bill of Rights guaranteeing free speech, freedom of religion and a number of other rights.
Trump’s practice of honesty is reflected by its absence. The Washington Post and other newspapers have called him out for telling more than 10,000 lies. More importantly, former Trump administration officials now acknowledge that Trump knew he had lost the 2020 election and continued to claim otherwise. Is better proof of Trump’s dishonesty possible?
What will it take to convince Republican voters who still believe Trump won the 2020 election that he did not? If Trump knew he lost and knew that the only way to retain power was to set aside the Constitution, why do so many Republicans continue to believe the lies?
And what about humility? Trump has none. But Trump supporters seem to admire that. Trump, a self-described genius, believed he was so smart that he did not need to listen to national security briefings, consult with subject matter experts, or even think about decisions before he made them. The result was four years of “policymaking by gut instinct” that alienated allies, created worries of wars with North Korea and others, resulting in a constant state of chaos.
Interested in a humble president? Try Joe Biden. Biden understands that the job of president is that of leader of a team. In contrast to Trump, Biden’s cabinet and key advisors are experts in their fields, have been free of scandal, and have guided Biden administration policies.
When I listen to Trump campaign rallies, I often turn them off when they descend into insane rantings. When Trump condemns special counsel Jack Smith as “deranged,” promises to put him and various judges and other prosecutors in inpatient psychiatric care, he tells us “I am your retribution” and “I am your justice.” That is insanity. What will it take to get Trumpers to see these speeches as pathological?
Finally, consider what I call commitment. In 2016, when Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election, he saw himself as winning a prize. He won four years of the right to fly around in a 747, to be on TV constantly, and to enjoy all the perks of the office. He did not see himself as accepting an exceptionally demanding job.
The vision of a president who spent mornings watching cable news, regularly played golf throughout his presidency, and devoted hours to Twitter and Facebook (before being banned), is deeply troubling. We need a president who accepts the responsibilities of the presidency. Trump is not that guy.
I am starting to question whether Trump voters will wake up before it is too late for his party to choose someone else to lead their ticket. Anyone else would be an improvement.
I salute those in the Republican party who are calling out Trump and suggesting he drop out of the race. I also salute journalists and media who are stepping up efforts to persuade Trumpers that their leader is a threat to democracy and is not their friend.
Will these efforts work? I retain hope that a combination of things will finally rid us of Trump. The GOP still has time to find an alternative candidate, but it will take a village, including many of us who are not Republicans and do not plan to vote for the party’s candidate to make that happen.
Be part of that village. If you see something (a dangerous candidate who has already admitted to rejecting democracy), do something.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, and other subjects.
Frank Foster says
I remain hopeful that others, like myself, will see the political demise of the pvchopathic maniac. Vote and persuade others to do so. Here on the Shore, R’s continue to support a politician like Harris simply because of his party. Voters need to understand what’s at risk.
John Dean says
I fully agree. I think many R’s are starting to see Trump for who he is, but it may be too late.
In the case of Harris, I think the key is to get voters to look at how he votes–he regularly votes against legislation that would benefit the Eastern Shore.
Paul Rybon says
One can only hope Trumps supporters, those who have witnessed the rampant corruption of the election system and in the administration of this corrupt president can understand why a somewhat inexperienced person like Donald Trump would be infinitely better at steering the country for awhile.
John Dean says
Thanks for reading the piece, despite your disagreement. As I think is obvious, I am on a different page.
I am planning on reading former Rep. Cheney’s new book. I recommend it.
J T Smith says
In addition to the five vital qualities that Mr. Dean identifies, I would add “ a sense of humor.” Our greatest President, Abraham Lincoln, had a terrific sense of humor. Others, such as Ronald Reagan, had renown for their humor. Trump has never exhibited a genuine ability to laugh with others or at himself. Disparaging others with demeaning or cruel names is not real humor.
John Dean says
A great suggestion–I wish I would have thought of it. You are absolutely correct–both that it is an important characteristic of a president and that Trump lacked it.
Thanks for the comment.
Kim Cassady says
Your comment that those who “do not plan to vote for the party’s candidate” dis qualifies you to comment on the parties candidate. I too would like to see Trump disappear but I am not automatically dismissing whoever else is nominated. Based on your comment, Trump is a no factor in the election.
John Dean says
Thanks for reading the piece and your comment. Let me politely disagree that my intention to vote Democratic regardless of who the Republicans might nominate disqualifies me from commenting on the GOP nomination process. Trump is a risk to the future of democracy in America. I would see it as my patriotic duty to call him out.
In any case, thank you for your comment.
John Fischer says
You are right, Mr. Dean. The Trump wing of our party is pretty much bananas. But I don’t think you grasp how they got there.
Most Americans recognize a lout when they see one. Few would associate themselves with such a man unless driven there by the alternative.
The alternative, Mr. Dean, is your party, a party so consumed by the siren song of equity it cannot govern. What could possibly go wrong when police forces are defunded, for any reason? Let’s ask the citizens of Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, LA and San Francisco each governed, in a matter of speaking, by the left wing of your party. Rational Americans see where your party is taking us, Mr. Dean, and they don’t like it.
This, viewed in concert with stupefying declarations of your far left wing such as math and testing for competence are racist, it is a wonder more Americans are not seeking an alternative, any alternative.
Many Republicans are working to defeat Mr. Trump. You and your fellow Democrats could help by getting your own house in order.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece.
Bill Becker says
John Fisher..completely agree
Mickey Terrone says
Hello John. I wish I could share your optimism that there may be some chance, however slight, that more than a handful of Republicans would be willing to reconsider their sullen commitment to Trump and Trumpism.
By now, Republicans are very much aware of how Trumpism ignores pesky annoyances like the Constitution and democracy. Many elected Republicans are no longer Trump supporters. They have already descended into the status of “accomplices”, like the many who voted to reject the 2020 Electoral College results in the US House and Senate, even participating in the planning of the January 6th insurrection. These Republicans, along with many state officials who participated in the fake electors plots to help Trump usurp power and overthrow the US Constitution and federal government are in too deep to reverse course. Their best hope to avoid prosecution is to elect Trump.
Many Republicans are quick to parrott the comment that the US isn’t a democracy anyway. Its a republic, where the right to vote isn’t guaranteed. Republican electoral reality requires working to limit the voting in elections, usually with minorities. Thus, their efforts to subvert the Voting Rights Act, gerrymander primarily minority districts and limit the voting places and hours eliminates the annoyance of having to create a platform to show party voters on what basis to support the GOP. Thus, GOP success relies upon urging or forcing millions of Americans out of the voting booth.
These are hardly secrets. Trump’s frantic charges are, as you described, direct evidence of his desperation. Many GOP voters believe Trump is the only person who can effectively manage this country and he’s already 77- years old. This is his/their last hurrah. He can’t afford to lose and so he can’t afford to play by the rules. His rhetoric reflects what is likely to come.
We can all be cerrtain of one thing. Trump will claim he won and I believe will call upon his militia groups, standing by to create civil chaos and generalized violence throughout the country. You can expect to see Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and that ilk of Republican leadership come to the fore.
The refusal of Congressional Republicans to work at the challenge of governance and serious socioeconomic prosperity reflects their commitment to aristocracy, that is, the trusted leader will take care of the white majority and deport the vermin, arrest the political opponents and employ the military and courts to maintain control of society. Once Trump is sworn in and appoints his own minions, they can disregard civil and human rights to their hearts’ content.
By turning all these Americans into co-conspirators and accomplices, Trump will have dragged them into his self-serving web. Trump supporters can never quite demonstrate sufficient loyalty to him and thus eventually lose favor over time. Yet once Trump is allowed unconstitutionally to seize power, America’s future will be subject to this tyrant.
I hope I’m wrong and I wish I could share your confidence in our Republican neighbors’ ability or willingness to acknowledge the degeneracy of Trump’s assault on our country. Many are bought in on the false images and self-deceptions of his demagoguery.
Less than a year from now, be very certain our country will be immersed in another constitutional crisis. Yet GOP voters must know they are willfully promoting this crisis by nominating a candidate unwilling to accept the verdict of the voters. And without the power of the presidency to support his insurrection, he must resort to violence and heavily armed paramilitary organizations (good guys about to become bad guys with guns) to assert their will on the public. I can see him declaring victory and invoking the Insurrection Act within a few days after losing the 2024 election and I can see zero Republicans standing up against him. Those who do even now are often accosted with death threats against themselves and their families. This is where Trumpism meets Bannonism. Alternative facts are acceptable for the GOP and have been since the January, 2017 when Sean Spicer came out with the insane lie about the size of Trump’s Inauguration crowd, to be christened as “Alternative facts” by Kellyanne Conway the following day. Its all been downhill since then.
For Trump, this is all about avoiding legal prosecution and keeping himself out of jail. Does anyone think Trump won’t go to any extreme to save himself from justice? The extreme rhetoric of Trump and leaks of the “2025 Project” are strong suggestions of his intent and plans not to play by any rules we may find acceptable in electoral politics. Trump’s campaigning requires insane, violent rhetoric to keep the edge on his “patriotic” warriors standing back and standing by right now.
In nominating Trump for 2024, the GOP is knowingly and willfully ready to torch American democracy and all that it has stood for since the days of George Washington. Its OK for them to desatroy their own party. They won’t need it anymore once Trump is elected. His strategy is openly and overtly to proclaim what you call “insanity”. Trump and his followers call that their path back to the White House. For so many who believe that Trump is truly the ONLY person to lead America, the democratic process, the constitution and the rule of law are mere obstacles to be overcome by violence and armed insurrection.
Sorry for the lack of Christmas cheer in this response, but America had better have a plan for this type of nearly predictable Trumpism/Bannonism. I believe this undemocratic, elitist scenario is precisely what Robert and Rebekah Mercer had in mind when they introduced Bannon to Trump before the 2016 election. Less than a year from now, it may well come to fruition.
John Dean says
Mickey: Thank you for your comment. As you know, I share your concern that American democracy is at stake in the 2024 election.
I remain optimistic that voters will recognize who Trump and his allies are.
Wilson Dean says
JE Dean is correct on every point as to what a President should be. He is also correct that Trump has none of these qualities. What are we to say to Trump supporters when facts simply don’t matter to them?
I fear JE Dean is also right when he shows the strong support from followers Trump has when he says “I am your retribution.” It reflects a resentment among his supporters against everyone they feel is gaining in society except themselves—-women, minorities, immigrants, educated elites. It is difficult to find a remedy to reverse their belief in someone who appeals to their perception they are victims.
John Dean says
As usual, an excellent comment, especially, “It is difficult to find a remedy to reverse their belief in someone who appeals to their perception they are victims.
As always, thanks for reading the piece.
Ann Farrell says
It’s confounding to know smart, kind, inclusive people on Eastern shore – like those in articles – outnumbered by people continuing to reelect treasonous, bigoted, vile (on video) Andy Harris.
Andy played role in attempted overthrow election/government (named by Jan.6 committee), now applauds new House leader’s theocratic, heinous, 19th century values and “vision” for country.
Continued support for Trump inexplicable (outside cult) with 91 indictments, unhinged behavior and Nazi language. Is support for Andy and Trump waning there?
John Dean says
Thanks for your comment. I remain hopeful that support for Andy “Handgun” Harris and Trump is waning on the Eastern Shore. I am finding that Republicans are now cautious in defending Trump. Some tell me that they still prefer Trump over Biden or other Republicans but mention, “he has a lot of issues.”
Any Harris was complicit in the January 6 insurrection. He has yet to explain what he was doing in the meeting where the plan to overturn the 2020 election results was discussed.
Mickey Terrone says
John, I hope you’ll quickly read and post an article on Lynn Cheney’s new book. This high ranking Republican insider’s candid commentary regarding the Trump/Repuublicans threat to our nation as a democratic republic are very real. She also recognizes that Trump has become overtly obvious in describing his political objectives in 1), turning our government into an autocracy and 2), he requires enablers in the government structure to do his bidding. Ms. Cheney also calls for a unified organizing and educational effort for the 2024 election among all Americans devoted to our Constitution and against autocracy. In fact, Cheney acknowledges the importance of electing US Representatives and senators who are not willing to betray the constitution, even if it means Trump’s Republican enablers in both Houses of Congress are voted out of office. I’d look forward to your perspectives on Cheney and her new book “Oath and Honot”.