Trying to Understand Donald Trump's 38%

During the Presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton's characterization of Trump supporters as a “Basket of Deplorables” contributed to her downfall. Not only did it alienate some who might have had the flexibility to change their minds, it was unquestionably incorrect. Trump supporters do not represent a homogenous group despite their entrenched support for him.

As a Psychiatrist, I find it compelling when someone's words or deeds appear to have no impact on their relationships. Therefore, I've decided to suggest a theory of Mr. Trump's unwavering support and the composition of his support group.
I believe this group consists of the following:

1. Those whose feelings toward Mr. Trump represent a certain form of “love”. This is not the love an individual feels towards his spouse or a friend. It's more akin to a parent's love for his child or a small child's love for his parents. In other words, it's unconditional. No matter how poorly behaved a child is, a loving parent's connection will hold firm. The same often holds true for a young child. There are biological and evolutionary imperatives that explain this and, for some, a similar attachment appears to be evident for Mr. Trump.
2. Those whose agenda appears to be represented by Mr. Trump. For some, this is a racist or nationalist agenda. For others, who are not specifically racist, but have a fear of people different than themselves, Mr. Trump speaks to those fears and offers some hope for protection.
3. Politicians who believe that the end justifies the means. There are those who are so committed to their legislative agenda or re-election that they're able to justify appealing to Mr. Trump's narcissistic core. His recent comment that he would sign whatever bill was put on his desk demonstrates an ideological vacancy. For Mr. Trump winning is paramount, and some politicians not only recognize this but hope to take advantage of it. In the end, their motivation appears similar to that of witnesses to the 1964 Kitty Genovese slaying; fearful or cautious detachment that doesn't prevent, and may even contribute to, an egregious outcome.
4. Those with a deeply entrenched sense of anger and victimization. Some of these individuals view Mr. Trump as their champion. They mistake his angry bravado and machismo, despite those being a facade, as representing a courageous fighter who will not be deterred. Additonally, the may identify with Mr. Trump's underdog-outsider portrayal.
5. Those who are “star-gazers.” Some of Mr. Trump's base find his celebrity, his family, his alleged wealth and opulence intoxicating. They cannot be satiated (in a fashion similar to a drug dependency).
6. Those who are co-dependent enablers. The alcoholic may repeatedly emotionally or physically abuse his spouse and children, yet his spouse may never leave. In a state of sobriety, the alcoholic might admit to guilt and shame, deny having a drinking problem altogether or admit to the problem while projecting blame onto others. Trump, at least publicly, doesn't admit to his hurtful behavior. Instead, he lies, projects and manipulates. His enablers accept these behaviors and may even demonstrate defensive strategies such as denial and rationalization in order to maintain the status quo.
7. Blind obedience followers. The Milgram Shock Experiment in 1963 was used to explain acts of genocide during World War II. It suggested that a powerful leader who gives assurance that he'll take responsibility for the actions of a subordinate can convince the subordinate to perform acts he might otherwise consider abhorrent. Mr. Trump appears to have that profound effect on some of our more vulnerable citizens.
8. Those driven by finances above all other considerations. They could fall under #3 as having a “means to an end” motive. There are those who believe that Mr. Trump's loosening of regulations on banks and corporations benefits their financial portfolio. Long-term financial risk as well as the assault on our environment or other moral considerations are ignored by some individuals and corporations who support Mr. Trump.
9. Older Whites who yearn for the “good old days.” Some of Trump's supporters are old enough to remember an America in which their communities or neighborhoods were homogeneously White Christian. If and when African Americans, Jews or other minorities tried to move in they encountered restrictions and resistance (Donald Trump and his father were perpetrators of this). If those minorities were successful in breaking the barrier, some Whites were intensely threatened. Additionally, some in low tech, blue collar jobs in industries that existed without government intervention into safety or the environment, and who lost those jobs as a result of changing technology or environmental regulations, have viewed the future as bleak and the past as having been secure and hopeful. Some of Trump's ardent supporters believe their world can return to a life before change.

While I don't in this article suggest specific recommendations for attempting to convince ardent Trump's supporters that his mental illness is dangerous for our Country, I urge the 62% to be ardent non-enablers and speak the truth constantly and fearlessly. With past as prelude, the dangers of demagoguery are all too obvious.
Brad Greenspan MD