Thread by @Dreamweasel

Anything is possible, but here is why I am skeptical of the claims that Trump is faking COVID-19.

(1/x)

I don’t believe he would knowingly suspend his campaign one month before the election. While his handlers may disagree, Trump truly believes he KILLED at the debate Tuesday night. Staying silent now would mean no more rallies, no more cheering crowds, no more photo ops.

(2/x)

As I’ve said before, “I’m not gonna let liberals tell me what to do!” is the primary engine behind Coronavirus skepticism, much as it is for all other conservative ideology.

(3/x)

Trump would never admit that his critics were right about anything, particularly after he’s repeatedly stuck his neck out insisting it was nothing to worry about. He’d bullshit his way past it every day if he could. [“I don’t have the China virus! I’m (COUGH) fine!”]

(4/x)

Trump lies constantly, but never randomly. He has a compass, and it is always pointed in the same direction. If a statement makes him appear strong & powerful, or the Democrats appear weak & devious, he will declare it to be true.

(5/x)

And this is my biggest problem with the conspiracy theories. Trump would never knowingly show frailty, or vulnerability. He actively fears being perceived as weak.

(6/x)

While Trump does constantly claim to be a victim of the MSM to milk sympathy from his followers, that is very different from the suggestion that he might not be physically up to the job.

(7/7)