Tribalism and Narcissism in Politics

Donald Trump is not America’s biggest problem. The mindset that elected him is, along with the partisan tribalism that insulates his administration from constitutional checks and balances. 

Sooner or later, frustrated American voters will be captivated by another malignant narcissist, but the next one will be more polished and disciplined than the current president. The darkness of their character will be well disguised by a veneer or calculating shrewdness. They will have learned from Mr. Trump’s mistakes and, in all likelihood, will not manage a business empire that’s beholden to foreign investors. Their shrewdness and lack of inherent legal jeopardy will make it more difficult to remove them from office. If a person like that manages to become President of the United States, and if that person’s party controls most or all branches of government, American democracy will face a mortal threat from within, a threat that may very well destroy it.

Copyright © 2018 Daniel R. South 

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