Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Steve Bannon's Ideology And Donald Trump

Donald Trump latched onto Steve Bannon during his campaign because Bannon understood the messages that were working for populists in Europe, and Trump learned that they were effective in his rallies.  David Brooks has taken a good look at Bannon's ideology and he understands its origins and its implications.  If Trump is really a disciple of Bannon's ideology, and he can sell it to what remains of the Republican establishment, we will see a significant change in US foreign policy and perhaps a new world order.  David Brooks is betting against that because he does not believe that Trump is motivated by ideas.  He dismisses Trump as a narcissist who is intent upon feeding an insatiable ego, and who has no grand strategy in his immature brain.  He also believes that the Republican Party will resist the efforts of Bannon to change the direction of US foreign policy.  The jury is out.  We will have to wait and see how this plays out.  I have little confidence in a Republican Party that has been given access to presidential power and authority with little competition from Democrats.  I also suspect that Trump is smarter than he may appear when he gives his sermons to his followers.  He tells them what they want to hear.  It may not be what he believes.

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