Was this the start of a US Presidential campaign

[Balance]

Fact check: Trump and Vance keep falsely describing how tariffs work. Many people think, based on what Trump says, that China will pay the tax rather than the US importer. So, no wonder Trump supporters think tariffs are a great idea. What a lying manipulative conman!

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/09/politics/fact-check-trump-vance-tariffs/index.html

Trump has falsely, and repeatedly, claimed that China – not US importers – pay the tariff.
At a rally in Arizona in mid-August, he claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, is lying when she refers to his tariff plan as a “Trump tax.”
In September, he repeated the claim during an interview with Fox News: “It’s not a tax on the middle class. It’s a tax on another country.”
And he said again during a rally in Wisconsin Saturday that “it’s not going to be a cost to you, it’s going to be a cost to another country.”

Yes, Mexico was going to pay for the wall, remember?

[moka]

The longer Trump’s rap sheet becomes, the higher his estimation goes amongst the Maga supporters!

Yes true. And Trump is very good and very convincing at playing the victim.
While Trump and his supporters maintain that he is the victim of a coordinated witch hunt, the evidence suggests that the various investigations and legal challenges he faces are rooted in specific alleged actions and conduct, rather than purely political motivations. The multiple independent jurisdictions involved and the factual bases of the cases undermine the witch hunt narrative.
Trump's history of legal issues predates his political career, dating back to age 27

Distrust of Institutions
Many Trump supporters distrust mainstream media, political institutions, and even the legal system. This allows them to dismiss negative coverage or legal challenges as politically motivated attacks. The perception that Trump is unfairly persecuted can actually strengthen support among his base.

[moka]

.............................................

But now his performance has deteriorated to the point, that I can't see how more than a minority of people find him entertaining, and I simply don't understand why his support endures no matter what he does.

Do you have any idea?

I think the main reason his support endures no matter what he does is the emotional connection he makes with his supporters. He appeals to those who perceive themselves as overlooked or disadvantaged by ongoing societal transformations.

Trump's ability to tap into feelings of fear, resentment, and humiliation among his supporters creates a strong emotional bond. His charismatic personality and confrontational style resonate with those who feel marginalized or left behind by societal changes.

Trump also aligns with voter concerns.
Many Trump supporters believe he reflects their worldview and will act on issues they care about. They associate his presidency with economic strength, action on immigration, conservative judicial appointments, and a robust international stance. For these voters, these policy priorities outweigh concerns about Trump's personal conduct or legal troubles.

Identity Politics and Cultural Anxiety
Research has shown that Trump's core support comes predominantly from white, non-college-educated, evangelical voters. His appeal is rooted in identity issues related to race, religion, and gender, tapping into feelings of cultural anxiety and resentment among this demographic.

Perception of Divine Purpose
Surprisingly, some supporters, particularly among evangelical Christians, view Trump as fulfilling a divine mission. In a 2019 poll, 1 in 4 Americans believed "God wanted Donald Trump to become president". This religious framing casts Trump as a flawed but divinely chosen leader.

Outsider Appeal
Trump continues to be seen by many supporters as an outsider to the political establishment, someone who will "take their side against Washington". This perception allows him to maintain his appeal as a disruptive force against a system many of his supporters distrust.