Why Some Republicans Still Support Trump Over Kamala Harris
There’s one question that’s been on my mind a lot lately: Namely, how “good” Republicans can back Trump even though they know he’s a con artist/criminal/chaos agent/etc. I’m not talking about the folks drinking the Kool-aid. I’m talking about the rest of them, the ones who somehow think that as bad as they know Trump is, Kamala would be worse. And of course I know the real, depressing answer, which is some combination of racism/sexism/all-I-care-about-is-low-taxes.
But I wanted to believe there was more than that. That there was some underlying principle so profound that moral Republicans were willing to abandon science, democracy, and the truth in its defense.
So I asked ChatGPT. And to my surprise, its answer was remarkably insightful (the whole thing is worth a read, but feel free to skip down to the conclusion in bold — you may find yourself going back up to the analysis!):
Understanding the Voters’ Perspective
ME: By now, most people understand full well that Donald Trump is a pathological narcissist, liar, fraud, and con man with only the vaguest sense of how to run a government. Granted, there is a portion of the population, maybe 20%, who has genuinely fallen for his con and think he really is a kind of powerful figure with all the answers. But most voters aren’t fooled. And yet a very large group of these not-fooled voters nevertheless has made the calculation that somehow Kamala Harris and what she represents or would bring to the country as President is so awful that it would be worse than electing a twice-impeached con man. They know that climate change is real but think that what Harris represents would be worse than electing a many who denies the scientific reality of climate change. And so on down the line. So my question is, are they purely driven by propaganda that they mistake for truth — believing, for example, that the immigration crisis represents an existential threat to the country when it does not and that the economy is doing poorly when it is objectively doing well, etc. or is there something they believe about Kamala that in their minds makes her genuinely so dangerous that they’re willing to abandon facts, science, expertise, and all the other metrics we formerly used to agree on what constitutes a valid basis for making policy (even if we disagree on that policy)?
ChatGPT’s Insightful Analysis
CHATGPT4:
The situation you describe, where a significant portion of voters may reject Donald Trump’s clear flaws but still oppose Kamala Harris and what she represents, is likely driven by a combination of propaganda, ideological fears, and cultural anxieties. Several factors could explain why these voters are willing to support Trump despite acknowledging his shortcomings:
Influence of Propaganda and Media Bubbles
- Misinformation plays a powerful role: Conservative media outlets, social media echo chambers, and political figures have consistently amplified fear-based narratives about immigration, the economy, and societal changes. This environment fosters the belief that the country is under existential threat from forces like socialism, government overreach, or progressive policies, and that Harris, by association with these ideas, is dangerous.
- Economy and immigration distortions: Many voters have been led to believe that the Biden administration has worsened the economy and exacerbated immigration issues. In reality, while challenges exist, the economy has shown signs of strength in several areas (job creation, wages) that contradict these negative portrayals. However, if voters hear a constant drumbeat of negativity, they might perceive economic decline regardless of facts.
Fear of Identity Politics and Cultural Change
- Kamala Harris symbolizes progressive change: For some voters, Harris represents a demographic and cultural shift that triggers deep-seated fears. Being the first female Vice President of color, her rise can be seen as a challenge to traditional power structures. This shift evokes fears among certain voters about the loss of status or cultural dominance, which can manifest as rejection of her potential presidency.
- Race and gender fears: Historical biases and cultural conservatism play a role in how voters view Harris. For some, Harris represents the empowerment of groups they see as antithetical to their worldview, and this can trigger anxiety or distrust. This isn’t always overt racism or sexism but can be more subtle resistance to change or discomfort with what her leadership could signify.
The Narrative of “Radical Left” and Socialism
- Fear of “socialism”: Harris has been painted, often falsely, as a far-left progressive who would push radical socialist policies. Even though her actual political positions are generally more centrist than portrayed, this image has been pushed hard by Trump and others to create a boogeyman. Some voters genuinely fear that her leadership would lead to government overreach, more regulations, and a loss of personal freedoms.
- Policy-based fear: Issues like Medicare for All, immigration reform, climate change action, or criminal justice reform, often framed by right-wing media as “radical” or dangerous, have been tied to Harris. For voters already skeptical of government intervention, these policies are seen as destructive.
Distrust of Government Institutions and Experts
- Populist rejection of expertise: Trump’s rise came at a time of widespread distrust of institutions and experts, and that distrust hasn’t faded. Many voters feel disconnected from the scientific, political, and academic elites, and Trump’s brand of populism thrives on this sentiment. Harris, having served in government and being associated with “establishment” politics, is easily cast as part of this distrusted elite.
- Denial of science: Despite the scientific consensus on issues like climate change, many voters who support Trump are willing to ignore or deny scientific realities because they feel the policies related to these issues (e.g., climate regulations, environmental protections) would hurt them economically or infringe on their freedoms.
Deep Partisan Loyalties and Voting as Opposition
- “Lesser of two evils”: For many Republicans and conservatives, the decision comes down to opposing Democrats at all costs. They may recognize Trump’s flaws but see the Democratic platform, which Harris represents, as worse for their values or economic interests. Their vote is less an endorsement of Trump and more a rejection of the alternative.
- Party loyalty and single-issue voting: Issues like abortion, gun rights, or religious freedom often overshadow broader concerns about governance or personality. Harris, as a Democrat, is seen as aligned with policies on these issues that directly oppose the values of conservative voters.
Misconceptions and Fears about Competence
- Doubts about Harris’s competence: Conservative media has often framed Harris as being incompetent, reinforcing narratives about her being unprepared or unqualified for the presidency. This portrayal amplifies fears about her potential to lead effectively in times of crisis, even if the critiques are often unfounded or exaggerated.
Conclusion
In essence, the rejection of Harris by voters who acknowledge Trump’s flaws is a mix of fear-driven narratives, media influence, and cultural resistance. These voters are often driven more by what they fear Harris represents than by any factual or policy-based analysis of her positions. The rise of misinformation, combined with cultural anxieties and a distrust of government and expert institutions, has created a situation where many voters are willing to overlook Trump’s disqualifying traits to prevent what they see as a greater threat.
I was so impressed with this answer that I showed my wife. She replied, “Well sure, but now you need to ask it the same question from the right-wing point of view and see what AI has to say when you put it their way!
So I did…
Exploring the Right-Wing Perspective
ME: We know that Donald Trump is a con man, a pathological liar and narcissist, and an unstable leader with a history of mishandling important issues, notably the COVID crisis. But when we look at how disastrous a Kamala Harris presidency would be to our cratering economy and spiraling inflation, to our out of control immigration crisis, and to our compromised national security under her and Joe Biden’s administration, and the way she appears committed to wasting the country’s tax dollars on overhyped liberal causes like climate change, CHIPs/poverty reduction, and expanding health care, and the
