Lawrence: Obama hits 'loonier' Trump as Trump's WH chief of staff calls him a 'fascist'
1Digest
This podcast delves into the criticisms of Donald Trump made by his former Chief of Staff, John Kelly. Kelly describes Trump as a fascist and an authoritarian, warning of the dangers of his presidency. He highlights Trump's admiration for dictators, particularly Hitler and his generals, despite their incompetence and attempts to assassinate Hitler. Kelly's statements reveal Trump's ignorance of history and his potential for authoritarianism. Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor, analyzes Trump's admiration for Hitler's generals, suggesting it reflects a desire for a system where the military serves the president personally, leading to a lack of law and a shift towards dictatorship. Snyder also discusses Trump's deportation plan, highlighting its potential to turn Americans against each other and shift law enforcement focus away from actual policing towards deportation. He emphasizes the human suffering and family separations that would result. Paulo Ramos, a journalist and MSNBC contributor, discusses the growing number of Latinos who identify with American whiteness, suggesting it's a reflection of Trump's divisive rhetoric and the increasing assimilation of Latinos in American society. He believes that some Latinos see themselves reflected in the dominant white American culture.
Outlines
Trump's Fascist Aspirations and the Dangers of His Presidency
This chapter explores John Kelly's criticisms of Donald Trump, including his admiration for dictators and fascist tendencies, and analyzes the potential consequences of Trump's policies, including his deportation plan and its impact on American society.
John Kelly Speaks Out Against Trump
John Kelly, Donald Trump's former Chief of Staff, has publicly criticized Trump's candidacy in two interviews, warning against the dangers of his presidency. Kelly also described Trump as a fascist and an authoritarian.
Trump's Admiration for Hitler
The New York Times has released audio of an interview with John Kelly, where he states that Trump admires dictators and falls under the general definition of a fascist. Kelly also recounts Trump's admiration for Hitler and his generals, despite their incompetence and attempts to assassinate Hitler.
Trump's Ignorance of History
Jeffrey Goldberg reports in the Atlantic that Trump expressed admiration for Hitler's generals, believing they were loyal and effective. However, Trump is ignorant of the generals' incompetence and their repeated attempts to assassinate Hitler.
Trump's Fascist Aspirations
Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor, analyzes Trump's admiration for Hitler's generals, suggesting it reflects a desire for a system where the military serves the president personally, leading to a lack of law and a shift towards dictatorship.
Trump's Deportation Plan and its Consequences
Snyder discusses Trump's deportation plan, highlighting its potential to turn Americans against each other and shift law enforcement focus away from actual policing towards deportation. He emphasizes the human suffering and family separations that would result.
Trump's Weakness on the World Stage and the Rise of American Whiteness
Snyder criticizes Trump's admiration for dictators like Kim Jong-un, arguing that Trump seeks to be a strongman domestically while appearing weak internationally. He believes Trump lacks understanding of American power and the importance of the rule of law and decency. Paulo Ramos, a journalist and MSNBC contributor, discusses the growing number of Latinos who identify with American whiteness, suggesting it's a reflection of Trump's divisive rhetoric and the increasing assimilation of Latinos in American society.
Keywords
Fascism
A political ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and a cult of the leader. Fascists often promote violence and suppression of opposition, aiming to establish a totalitarian state.
Dictatorship
A form of government where absolute power is held by a single person or a small group, often through force or suppression of opposition. Dictators typically disregard the rule of law and human rights.
Deportation
The act of forcibly removing a person from a country, often due to illegal immigration or other reasons. Mass deportations can have significant social and economic consequences, including family separations and human suffering.
American Whiteness
A concept that refers to the dominant cultural and social norms associated with white Americans, often excluding or marginalizing other racial and ethnic groups. It can be used to describe the assimilation of certain groups into white American culture.
Cult of the Leader
A phenomenon where a charismatic leader is idolized and given absolute authority, often through propaganda and suppression of dissent. Cults of the leader are common in totalitarian regimes and can lead to dangerous consequences.
Rule of Law
The principle that everyone is subject to the same laws, regardless of their position or power. The rule of law is essential for a functioning democracy and protects individual rights and freedoms.
Q&A
What are some of the key criticisms John Kelly has made against Donald Trump?
John Kelly has described Trump as a fascist and an authoritarian, warning against the dangers of his presidency. He has also criticized Trump's admiration for dictators and his disregard for the rule of law.
How does Timothy Snyder analyze Trump's admiration for Hitler's generals?
Snyder believes Trump's admiration for Hitler's generals reflects a desire for a system where the military serves the president personally, leading to a lack of law and a shift towards dictatorship. He sees this as a dangerous aspiration.
What are the potential consequences of Trump's deportation plan?
Snyder warns that Trump's deportation plan could turn Americans against each other, shift law enforcement focus away from actual policing, and lead to significant human suffering and family separations.
How does Paulo Ramos explain the growing number of Latinos who identify with American whiteness?
Ramos suggests that this trend is a reflection of Trump's divisive rhetoric and the increasing assimilation of Latinos into American society. He believes that some Latinos see themselves reflected in the dominant white American culture.
Show Notes
Tonight on The Last Word: Former President Obama and Eminem rally to turn out the vote in Detroit. Also, Democrats campaign on preserving Obamacare. And Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, retired Gen. John Kelly, says Trump is a “fascist.” Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Professor Timothy Snyder join Lawrence O’Donnell.
Table of contents
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