1. Trump's retreat on the stimulus package (signing what he once threatened to veto) is further evidence that he's been (as Glassman & others have argued) a weak president in terms of legislation. Where does that leave the idea that he's also an authoritarian threat?
https://twitter.com/MattGlassman312/status/1343391463284101120
2. The critics of Trump-is-an-authoritarian-threat (most cogently @CoreyRobin & @moyn) have long pointed out that in terms of actually getting things done, or even persuading the public, Trump has been a singular failure. This is true but a weak president can still be dangerous.
3. As a reality show president, Trump's always been more interested in the symbolic part of rule (playing at leadership) than actually doing things. And the way he's performed the presidency has, in fact, broken new grounds in incitement.
4. Again, Robin, Moyn & others are right in pointing out that much of Trump's anti-democratic & racist rhetoric is part of a larger GOP trajectory that goes back (at least) to Goldwater. But even so: refusing to accept a clear election defeat & trying to over election is new.
5. Some more thoughts on the Trump as weak authoritarian. thenation.com/article/politi…
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