US culture is an incubator of ‘extrinsic values’. Nobody embodies them like the Republican frontrunner
Many explanations are proposed for the continued rise of Donald Trump, and the steadfastness of his support, even as the outrages and criminal charges pile up. Some of these explanations are powerful. But there is one I have seen mentioned nowhere, which could, I believe, be the most important: Trump is king of the extrinsics.
Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are inclined towards empathy, intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world.
People at the extrinsic end of the spectrum are more attracted to prestige, status, image, fame, power and wealth. They are strongly motivated by the prospect of individual reward and praise. They are more likely to objectify and exploit other people, to behave rudely and aggressively and to dismiss social and environmental impacts. They have little interest in cooperation or community. People with a strong set of extrinsic values are more likely to suffer from frustration, dissatisfaction, stress, anxiety, anger and compulsive behaviour.
They may both suck but Trump and party made abortions a lot harder to get, have made life a lot harder for Trans people, tried to stop the transfer of power and are undermining the nations confidence in elections. In addition, some are now trying to undermine a bi-partisan deal on border security to have a talking point at the ballot box.
Elections a lot of times are a vote for the lesser of two evils. And because the President gets to nominate Supreme Court justices it’s critical to vote. every. time.
Saying ‘they both suck’ is a cop-out.
Both of them do suck. I hate both of them, not the leaders I’d want in office. I’d rather vote for RFK, but even he has his quirks. My family is right leaning, I’m not, but I’m sure as hell not voting for Biden to get relected.