“This is not who we are.” During Trump’s first term as President this was the standard position of Democrats and lefties of all stripes. There was at least some argument for that position then- while Trump had been elected in 2016, it seemed more like an unlikely error than the judgment of the people. After all, he had only received 46% of the vote, and Hillary Clinton had more votes than him. No one can claim that now. Joe Biden’s attempt at normalcy was basically rejected by the public. Trump won again. This time he won the popular vote too. And he has a supportive Congress. It can’t be argued now- the public wants to disrupt the status quo. They don’t mind the “mean tweets” and nastiness. They’re for this.

Oh I know the refrains. “What about egg prices,” and other mocking statements. It is sort of true. Trump made mildly aggressive statements about Gaza and Ukraine, said provocative but limited things about federal employees, and generally focused on what was “wrong” in Biden’s America. So sure, in theory he’s now overstating his mandate. Let’s not pretend he didn’t say he would be chaos. He did say he would overturn Washington’s “status quo.” He promised to be a hurricane. He is.

Democrats are simply unable to respond. Congressional Democrats can’t stop anything. State Democrats have extremely limited ability to stand in the way. Rallies and protests often come off looking more silly than strong. Unlike 2017, people aren’t rallying to the cause. The Democratic Party is the least popular it has been in a generation plus. Further left elements are less popular yet. They all lack the credibility with the public to attack. People aren’t taking them seriously.

Trump promised to hurt the people who oppose him. He’s carrying through on it. Unfortunately we may have to see ourselves through some of this mess before there is a public will to stop it.