This Politico piece is quite revealing... and in many ways, quite troubling:
If I asked you what most defines Donald Trump supporters, what would you say? They’re white? They’re poor? They’re uneducated?
You’d be wrong.
In fact, I’ve found a single statistically significant variable predicts whether a voter supports Trump—and it’s not race, income or education levels: It’s authoritarianism.
That’s right, Trump’s electoral strength—and his staying power—have been buoyed, above all, by Americans with authoritarian inclinations. And because of the prevalence of authoritarians in the American electorate, among Democrats as well as Republicans, it’s very possible that Trump’s fan base will continue to grow.
My finding is the result of a national poll I conducted in the last five days of December under the auspices of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, sampling 1,800 registered voters across the country and the political spectrum. Running a standard statistical analysis, I found that education, income, gender, age, ideology and religiosity had no significant bearing on a Republican voter’s preferred candidate. Only two of the variables I looked at were statistically significant: authoritarianism, followed by fear of terrorism, though the former was far more significant than the latter.
Authoritarianism is not a new, untested concept in the American electorate. Since the rise of Nazi Germany, it has been one of the most widely studied ideas in social science. While its causes are still debated, the political behavior of authoritarians is not. Authoritarians obey. They rally to and follow strong leaders. And they respond aggressively to outsiders, especially when they feel threatened.
Read the whole thing... would love to hear thoughtful responses to this... my view is Mr. MacWilliams has nailed things... and it honestly doesn't bode well.
The title of the post is a reference to the Old Testament's first book of Samuel, the 8th chapter. The biblically challenged may not be familiar with the outcome of ancient Israel's desire to be led by a king but should take comfort in knowing God redeems those wayward inclinations, ultimately in Christ, but not without first allowing Israel to suffer and badly.
Is there a lesson here?
Of course.
Are we open to believing it?
Time will tell.
Carry on.
Crossposted at Wizbang.
“…my poll asked a set of four simple survey questions that political scientists have employed since 1992 to measure inclination toward authoritarianism. These questions pertain to child-rearing: whether it is more important for the voter to have a child who is respectful or independent; obedient or self-reliant; well-behaved or considerate; and well-mannered or curious. Respondents who pick the first option in each of these questions are strongly authoritarian.”
All scientific and sh*t…four questions on child rearing and bingo, you’re a lover of “strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.”
Yup, the only logical conclusion for folks who want their children to be “respectful, obedient, well-behaved, and well-mannered” certainly must be that they are lovers of authority. Sorry, Rick, but that just dumbassery defined.
And nothing says Right Wing like obedience to the government. As noted in the article – “Since the rise of Nazi Germany, it has been one of the most widely studied ideas in social science.” The Nazis were…wait for it…National Socialist!!! Which is what on the political spectrum? Here’s a hint, neither SHillery nor the DNC chairperson, LittleDebbie, couldn’t give an answer when asked ‘what the difference is between Democrats and Socialists’.
Talk about overanalyzing, Trump support is nothing more than HATE of the politics of today. And more specifically, the absolute, to the core HATE of the status quo, the back stabbing of our elected representatives who supposedly are “on our side”.
It’s why people are willing to ignore Trump’s faults and lack of true Conservative values (spare me the “evidence” that folks on the Left support him). They want someone who is an outsider, someone who isn’t afraid to tell the truth, someone who doesn’t bow to the corrupt Republican Establishment.
It’s not complicated (why people need to make it so is laughable) and it’s certainly not a love of authority, in fact it’s the complete opposite.
tim aka The Godless Heathen
Posted by: Lands’nGrooves | Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 01:49 PM
I'm with you Rick. If Trump's support were just anti-establishment, Carson would still be in the running. Trump appears strong and people believe that he will kick some butt for them. Personally, I am quite sure he will try to kick anyone who gets in his way. If Republican voters turn on him, he will kick at them as hard as he has the establishment. Anyway, here is how I see Trump taking on international negotiations:
https://vimeo.com/36580939
... a moment of silence, please, for Harry Ellis.
Posted by: Brokenberggren | Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 12:29 PM