My Authors
Read all threads
The pandemic is going to create a psychotic break among conservatives worse than the one they're having now. They've argued that government is the problem, Trump is the solution, and now there's a real time test of that theory while Dem governors get things done. /1
This is going to set up a cognitive dissonance that might be too much even for the most mushy-brained GOPers.
"See! Government is evil! Democracy is broken!"
"But it's your guy in charge."
"..."

This is why we're about to be flooded with even *more* conspiracy theories. /2
The only way the Trump cult will square this circle is by setting up the explanations you see them concocting already:

- Inflate death estimates, then claim Trump saved millions
- blame China
- blame Fauci and the doctors
- blame the Deep State (see "Fauci and the doctors") /3
his will work for Rube Nation, who will bury grandma while cursing Obama and Xi and Fauci. But it's going to be a tough sell to anyone who isn't glued to Fox all day. Trump will always have his 40% , but this really is the last stop in Crazy Town for what's left of the GOP. /4
And it'll be *really* hard to square Trump's "I alone can fix it" talk when we look back at Dem governors vs the GOP Trump Choir. (With some exceptions: DeWine.) This whole thing is already wrecking carefully constructed GOP and Trumpist narratives. A silver lining, I guess. /5x
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh.

Enjoying this thread?

Keep Current with Tom Nichols

Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

Twitter may remove this content at anytime, convert it as a PDF, save and print for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video

1) Follow Thread Reader App on Twitter so you can easily mention us!

2) Go to a Twitter thread (series of Tweets by the same owner) and mention us with a keyword "unroll" @threadreaderapp unroll

You can practice here first or read more on our help page!

Follow Us on Twitter!

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just three indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!