Analysis: Trump is pleased to have swept the swing states and won the popular vote. But a trap lurks behind the mandate: The decisive voters aren't hard-core Trumpists.

Summary

Chuck Todd argues that Donald Trump is rapidly spending his political capital by prioritizing revenge and culture wars over governance.

His controversial cabinet picks, like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth, signal instability and risk alienating voters who supported him as a rejection of Biden, not an endorsement of Trumpism.

Todd warns that perceived overreach, like aggressive culture war policies or erratic mass deportation plans, could lead to public backlash and erode Trump’s support.

Without delivering stability and results, his presidency could quickly face the same challenges as Biden’s.

  • @EvilBit
    5•3 hours ago

    Which is why it’s a big ol’ four year hourglass for Republicans to make elections irrelevant. That is 100% their plan because while Trump is a verifiable moron, the scum attached to him aren’t stupid.

    If you get evil, you hope for stupid evil. That was Trump term 1. This time there’s a LOT of smart evil along for the ride.

    • @[email protected]
      1•1 hour ago

      Only 2 years if midterms happen. Historically party in control does worse in those but we’ll see. Also more nazi seats are up with 20 nazi seats and 13 dem seats up for election in 2026. House is up for reelection as well.

      Compared with 2024 which had 18 Dem seats, 11 nazi seats and 4 independents (including sinema and Manchin). Nazis converted 4, Dems got 1 (Sinema).