The “brilliance” of Steve Bannon is that he has convinced tens of millions of people to believe that destroying democracy is a noble/patriotic objective as long as it occurs while chanting “America First”.
In the past,...1/
In the past,...1/
https://twitter.com/WiseAsASerpent/status/1449058928021721090
…I’ve reluctantly used/avoided using “cult” terminology to describe Trumpism b/c cliché use dilutes the meaning of the word, which minimizes the severity of the behavior.
But, as explained below, it’s increasingly becoming more difficult to avoid using this terminology. 2/
But, as explained below, it’s increasingly becoming more difficult to avoid using this terminology. 2/
Although not a perfect, non-overlapping distinction....*post-Trump*, Trumpism seems to be settling into two identifiable wings of an authoritarian movement.
But perhaps more importantly, there may be a shift occurring in the "cult". 3/
But perhaps more importantly, there may be a shift occurring in the "cult". 3/
A few weeks ago, I wrote about an anti-mask school board protest. After watching the video, I observed how the protest felt like a tailgate party with "casual fans" who barely know anything about football, but were there for camaraderie & to "belong". 4/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1441352652655247369
As I’ve previously noted, on some levels, the post-Trump movement is not really about Trump anymore. Trump is an abstract figure….he’s a symbol of martyrdom. 5/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1388544726882684928
Trump has essentially become the mascot. Trump is equivalent to what Mike Ditka was in Bill Swearski’s (George Wendt) “superfans” SNL skit. 6/
But there is a second group of “fans” (supporters) who consider themselves to be more serious “students of the [political] game”. 7/
These supporters are not only uncomfortable with Trump…
…they’re also uncomfortable with the fact that they’ve aligned themselves with the “superfans” that they secretly despise….even as they condemn the Left for insultingly describing those “superfans” as “deplorables”. 8/
…they’re also uncomfortable with the fact that they’ve aligned themselves with the “superfans” that they secretly despise….even as they condemn the Left for insultingly describing those “superfans” as “deplorables”. 8/
This is the, “But, he has good policies”, crowd. This is the intellectual wing of Trumpism (the anti, anti-Trump crowd). And to the extent that they exhibit cult behaviors, it’s no longer about Trump. 9/
The Trumpism intellectuals still publicly root for Trump, because to do otherwise would require an admission of having been wrong, or of having made a mistake. 10/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1101107680087695360
For Trump intellectuals, Trump is still a guilty pleasure that they privately indulge in….
…..but their true allegiance is to Steve Bannon. 11/
…..but their true allegiance is to Steve Bannon. 11/
Bannon’s ability to “intellectualize” the movement legitimizes their irrational, anti-democratic/un-American impulses.
Bannon creates a permission structure for these beliefs/actions. As seen below, similar to a “sleeper cell”, Bannon “activates” them. 12/
Bannon creates a permission structure for these beliefs/actions. As seen below, similar to a “sleeper cell”, Bannon “activates” them. 12/
One of the criticisms I get is that my analysis of the psychology/behavior of the movement doesn’t accurately apply to all Trump supporters….that my work is insulting to those who are intelligent and think for themselves (“do their own research”). 13/
Basically, the criticism is that my analysis only applies to the “deplorable” wing of the movement, and that my work is not only insulting to Trumpism intellectuals….14/
…..but it proves that I don’t know what I’m talking about to suggest the rational/intelligent wing of the movement has been “brainwashed” (a term I have discouraged using). 15/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1385973235351625731
I recently had a conversation with someone who is a lifelong Republican, has a military background, and as recently as 2019 was aggressively disputing that income gap disparity was larger than any point in the 50+ years of tracking that information…..16/ nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u…
This was a “chamber-of-commerce-Republican”, pro-capitalism defense of Trump's 2017 corporate tax cuts.
In a subsequent argument (late 2020), I was accused of being anti-corporation…which was an implicit accusation that I was an anti-capitalism/pro-socialism liberal. 17/
In a subsequent argument (late 2020), I was accused of being anti-corporation…which was an implicit accusation that I was an anti-capitalism/pro-socialism liberal. 17/
Contrast this w/a recent conversation where I noted the toxic effect that Bannon/Carlson have on society:
“When they come for you, and they will” (Carlson)
“Heads on pikes” (Bannon)
“20,000 shock troops” (Bannon)
Or Carlson fawning over Hungarian autocrat Victor Orban. 18/
“When they come for you, and they will” (Carlson)
“Heads on pikes” (Bannon)
“20,000 shock troops” (Bannon)
Or Carlson fawning over Hungarian autocrat Victor Orban. 18/
In an emotional response this person stated:
-“I’ve been *activated*” (By Bannon)
-“I don’t believe in capitalism anymore” (this was somewhat qualified/walked-back immediately after making the statement and apparently hearing how bad it sounded out loud) 19/
-“I’ve been *activated*” (By Bannon)
-“I don’t believe in capitalism anymore” (this was somewhat qualified/walked-back immediately after making the statement and apparently hearing how bad it sounded out loud) 19/
The conversation also included a modification of what previously was unequivocal support for the proud boys (pre-Jan 6)……to only supporting specific incidents of vigilante/”mob justice” violence against antifa…… 20/
….and a Defense of Hungarian autocrat Victor Orban……
.....which was an obligatory tribal defense of Carlson’s normalization of autocracy….as analyzed here: 21/
.....which was an obligatory tribal defense of Carlson’s normalization of autocracy….as analyzed here: 21/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1422900308108144643
For context, here is analysis of Hungary’s democratic decline by Freedom House, an independent/nonpartisan watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. 22/ freedomhouse.org/report/nations… 
The normalization of authoritarianism is very dangerous.
In previous writings, I’ve analyzed the “authoritarian follower” dynamic, and why/how so many otherwise rational people have become unrecognizable at times: 23/
In previous writings, I’ve analyzed the “authoritarian follower” dynamic, and why/how so many otherwise rational people have become unrecognizable at times: 23/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1448262123096731651
Circling back to the argument, the final relevant component of the exchange was an attempt to defend Bannon’s pardoned/subpoenaed criminality by morally equating my well-documented (in my writings/media appearances) legal issues from 30 years ago. 26/
This behavior paralleled an addict sensing a threat to the addictive behavior (“intervention”), reflexively defending the “dealer” (source of dopamine production), and then *choosing* the continuation of addictive behavior over the personal relationship. 27/
This observation aligns with previous analysis applying addiction models to tribalism/cults/confirmation bias/conspiracy theory susceptibility: 28/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1404066646302416897
As the above exchange illustrates, Bannon has not only effectively branded an anarchistic attempt to destroy America as, "America First", he’s amassed and potentially “activated” millions of followers. January 6th was evidence of this. 29/
https://twitter.com/AnneWheaton/status/1348042485512118272
Let's dissect what "America First" actually stands for:
"America First" is anti-democracy.
The "America First" movement does not believe in elections or trust the democratic process unless they win…….and they’re willing to do so by any means necessary. 30/
"America First" is anti-democracy.
The "America First" movement does not believe in elections or trust the democratic process unless they win…….and they’re willing to do so by any means necessary. 30/
"America First" is anti-law enforcement.
The “America First” movement despises the FBI….and apparently the Capitol police, as well: 31/ salon.com/2021/07/27/con…
The “America First” movement despises the FBI….and apparently the Capitol police, as well: 31/ salon.com/2021/07/27/con…
"America First" is anti-constitution.
The America First movement does not respect the Article III branch of the government (Judiciary), or the peaceful transition of power.
“America First” is increasingly pro-political violence……
32/
The America First movement does not respect the Article III branch of the government (Judiciary), or the peaceful transition of power.
“America First” is increasingly pro-political violence……
32/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1446644332107165697
“America First” is anti-capitalism.
Despite the fear mongering about the Left ushering in “socialism”,….…the “America First” movement, led by Bannon’s “righteous indignation of the working class” dogma,…. 33/
Despite the fear mongering about the Left ushering in “socialism”,….…the “America First” movement, led by Bannon’s “righteous indignation of the working class” dogma,…. 33/
https://twitter.com/ZTPetrizzo/status/1445035729139159040
…...increasingly sounds like a Marxist movement:
“Marxism examines the effect of capitalism on labor, productivity, and economic development and argues for a worker revolution to overturn capitalism…” 34/ investopedia.com/terms/m/marxis….
“Marxism examines the effect of capitalism on labor, productivity, and economic development and argues for a worker revolution to overturn capitalism…” 34/ investopedia.com/terms/m/marxis….
“America First” is anti-public safety….
“America First” Anti-personal responsibility…. 35/
“America First” Anti-personal responsibility…. 35/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1342068015274237954
“America First” is anti-“United” States (secession/"Civil War"). 36/
businessinsider.com/majority-of-tr…
businessinsider.com/majority-of-tr…
America First” is anti-subpoenas, and, therefore, anti-rule of law….37/
https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1446857112756400131
Unless they are recognized/ordained/approved by tribal leaders (Bannon)…..“America First” does not believe scientists. “America First” does not believe doctors. “America First” does not believe courts. “America First” does not believe experts. This is by design,…. 38/
….because when people feel that they can’t believe anyone/anything, they are more susceptible to believing “I alone….”, rhetoric……regardless of whether that comes from sociopathic politicians, or “media authoritarians”…. 39/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1101852013527105536
In theory, populism, which is a movement to empower “the people”….and autocracy (power concentrated in one person) are mutually exclusive.
Autocrats….who often present with Cluster B personality disorders (Narcissism/Sociopathy)…manipulate and exploit populist resentment. 40/
Autocrats….who often present with Cluster B personality disorders (Narcissism/Sociopathy)…manipulate and exploit populist resentment. 40/
Throughout history, what has started out as a movement to empower “the people”, inevitably results in power becoming increasingly concentrated in the leader of the movement.
It also results in the people not only having less power….but also having less “freedom”. 41/
It also results in the people not only having less power….but also having less “freedom”. 41/
That is exactly what is happening:
Bannon’s populism is the vehicle being used to deliver Trump’s autocracy. 42/
Bannon’s populism is the vehicle being used to deliver Trump’s autocracy. 42/
As I pointed out in this thread, there has been a concerted effort through the manipulation/exploitation of neuropsychological fear responses…… 43/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1391378914132463620
…to not only create the perception of chaos, but to create literal chaos. Because when people sense/fear chaos, they will vote for, or in extreme cases, violently install a “strong man” to restore “order”. 44/
This was on display on day one of Trump’s presidency when he used the “American Carnage” theme. 45/
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1442966965698527243
This country is imperfect. It has many flaws. The working class/poor have been poorly treated for decades. But Trump, Bannon, Carlson are the antithesis of “working class”.
Trump/Carlson are sons of “elite” wealth…and likely have never even had a callous on their hands…. 46/
Trump/Carlson are sons of “elite” wealth…and likely have never even had a callous on their hands…. 46/
…and Bannon is a Harvard business school graduate, a former Hollywood movie producer, & a former Goldman Sachs investment banker.
Trump, Carlson, & Bannon are the epitome of “elite”. They have a dysfunctional/pathological desire for the accumulation of power and influence. 47/
Trump, Carlson, & Bannon are the epitome of “elite”. They have a dysfunctional/pathological desire for the accumulation of power and influence. 47/
Trump, Carlson, and Bannon are fraudulent opportunists. They are “elites” (wolves) in proverbial working class (sheeps’) “clothing”. They are not solutions to the problems. They are an exacerbation. 48/
A Relevant thread on the mechanics and dangerous effect of disinformation:
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1225030897184886786
The above thread about Steve Bannon, "America First" has been rewritten into article format (no paywall). 50/
patreon.com/posts/57588045
patreon.com/posts/57588045
Thread analyzing a 2019 Breitbart interview where Trump alluded to the January 6th insurrection:
https://twitter.com/Nick_Carmody/status/1412036236215128068
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