4 Comments

That speech was really interesting but mostly because it shows how a functional president has his sights firmly planted on congress because that's what he checks. Throughout he spoke like a fighter in the ring against congress on behalf of his voting block. It's a very functional and pragmatic speech; almost no ideals are present anywhere in it because he was speaking strategy and tactics directly to his party in open air for all to hear. If I'm being honest the way he speaks and what he speaks isn't far off from people like Hillary but the difference sits somewhere in my stomach because the applause isn't phoned in.

My dad for instance really embodies these prejudices you speak of that exist within the working class; no matter how deeply he supports and shows love for his gay son he can't help but vomit out a hairball consisting of a gay slur from time to time when I reference gay culture. Young male culture to this day stills exhibits low-level anti-gay sentiments and machismo by making jokes of bro-jobs, fucking each other and other "microaggressions". Expecting the working class voting base to rise to liberal ideals is too big an ask in most cases when people are fed up with the socioeconomic situation; be it the great depression, the great recession or lock-downs.

Practical economics and social programs are the only path of unity through the American left, right and center. Truman was speaking like a general waging a campaign and he was. Just consider; is there any difference between Truman's speech and republicans shouting, "Let's go Brandon!" Zeitgeist doesn't lie. Boys want war and they'll cheer for blood. Just last night my dad was amazed when the stadium at a football game started chanting in unison to the beat of a drum. America's feeling tribal right now but that can be used to our advantage because tribalism is an easily performed and exploited commonality of human psychology.

Expand full comment