Well, I don't mind the press interviewing Trump supporters. They're Americans who vote, too. What I mind is the idea that I'm supposed to understand them and wrap my head around their problems. /1
I have plenty of conversations with people who voted for Trump out of desperation. I get that. But two years in, I think the "angry Trump voter" thing is a shtick, it's a dodge. It's an act - and they know it. Rewarding them with more attention is pointless. /2
I never like to add fuel to the inanity about the "popular vote," but when it comes to "who should we talk to," Trump supporters are definite minority in this country and have been since the first day of Trump's campaign. He's never broken 50 percent of the vote, or approval. /3
So instead of endless "why don't we understand them" articles, I'd like to see a few about "why don't they understand most of the people in their own country, and why don't they get it that they're actually a minority on almost everything?" I'd read the hell outta that. /4
I'd like to see a reporter who *isn't* sympathetic to them, or who *isn't* reporting them on like they're a delicate, endangered tribe of Noble Savages, ask them what the hell is wrong with them and how they could be supporting attacks on their own damn country. /5
And when they pull that "I don't know nothin' bout no Russians" shtick, don't let up. Press them. Make them squirm. Ask them what they thought about Russia in the past. Ask them about Reagan. Don't just say "Oh, they're patriots, just in their own way." /6
And before anyone dumps on her, I'm not subtweeting @SalenaZito here. I've had candid discussions with her about Trump voters, including in my hometown. I'm talking to everyone who thinks I need to "understand" Trumper including journos who want to do Diner-in-OH pieces. /7
Enough already with the "why don't we understand them" pieces. Let's see a few on "why they don't understand everyone else" pieces. That would be a nice change - because they're not nearly a majority and we shouldn't act like they are. /8x
