EEsAug 9, 2023
Robert Reich
Donald Trump is a fascist. Use the word. https://youtu.be/9XTJNy_OrjE
Is Donald Trump a Fascist? | Robert Reich

YouTube
Aug 8, 2023 at 3:03pmWeb
Show threadRob HoneycuttAug 8, 2023

@rbreich

More technically, I'd say he's a "wannabe" fascist. Tom Nichols admonished some months ago, 'Be careful because words have meaning. There may come a point where we genuinely need this one for what happens.'

Show threadTergenev has movedAug 8, 2023
@robhon @rbreich I don’t think it says anywhere in the description of fascism that it has to be successful. Father Coughlin was a fascist even though his movement petered out.
Show threadRob HoneycuttAug 8, 2023

@Tergenev @rbreich

The definition is: "a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition"

I just don't think we're there yet. And, if we should arrive, we don't want the term to already be normalized.

Show threadLee 🌏Aug 11, 2023
@robhon @Tergenev @rbreich
The road to Fascism is paved with people saying, "stop worrying about Fascism"
Show threadRob HoneycuttAug 11, 2023

@MrLee

Except, no one said "don't worry about fascism."

Show threadSkepticAug 8, 2023
@rbreich
Political correctness can only go so far; at some point, one has to call things what they are.
#Trumpisafascist
Show threadMikeAug 8, 2023
@rbreich if you are telling us that is the correct term, then I, for one, will use it knowing it's valid.
Show threadgpjimAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Mr. Reich, can a fascist government be covertly ruled by an oligarchy?
Show threadLorentzAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Jesus Christ, thank you! Finally. People are so reluctant to use the word, but the guy casually quotes Mussolini and kept a copy of Mein Kampf on his bedside table.
Show threadjoe•iuculano Aug 8, 2023

@rbreich

Yes, #TrumpIsAFascist
#StopFascism

Show threadWeekend EditorAug 8, 2023

@rbreich

All the time. Even quoting Robert Paxton of Columbia, scholar of fascism:

https://www.someweekendreading.blog/authoritarian-cops/#:~:text=No%20less%20a,until%20that%20point.

On Authoritarian Cops in the US

Cops in the US are a hot mess of authoritarianism, viewing themselves as an occupying army. They’re sufficiently out of hand that the “defund the police” movement is starting to look like the side with the cool-headed, sensible arguments.

Show threadlnmnkatzAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Traitor
Show threadplinthAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa put all of this into a very approachable book called "Dictatorship: It's Easier Than You Think!" It's terrifying and should be required reading for getting through the next 20 years. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250781000/dictatorshipitseasierthanyouthink
Dictatorship: It's Easier Than You Think!

Co-hosts of the popular podcast Gaslit Nation outline the authoritarian's playbook, illuminating five steps every dictator needs to take to successfully amas...

Macmillan
Show threadTake It EV Podcast 🎙️Aug 8, 2023
@rbreich @vmstan it's no longer just fascism, it's modern fascism which we should be just calling trumpism
Show threadChris DudleyAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Facsist must be barred from positions of public trust for the same reason that communists are barred. They cannot, with sincerity, swear an oath to defend the Constitution.
Show threadLou KatzAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Not only fascist. Traitor.
Show threadJeff FurlingtonAug 8, 2023
@rbreich I have been for a long time. More often since the coup attempt. Unfortunately, most of the American-right are fascists after decades of grooming from Rupert Murdoch.
Show threadUrbanHermitAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Yep. Nice to see someone else using that f-word.
Show threadk cavaliereAug 8, 2023
@rbreich Yes, #Trump is a #fascist. A desperate fascist.
Show threadxs4me2Aug 8, 2023

@rbreich

Obviously… if it behaves like one, if it talks like one…

He is dangerous and should never be allowed near public office again…

Show threadUlrich K.Aug 8, 2023

@rbreich

True!

Show threadDarwin WoodkaAug 8, 2023

@rbreich

nah, he's a mob boss

Show threadKarl ThackerAug 9, 2023
@rbreich I agree. I also think a bit of (it) is Trump's desperate need to be liked. By anyone.
Show threadNicole ParsonsAug 9, 2023

@rbreich

Trump's donors fund his fascism.

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/06/donald-trump-post-arraignment-dinner-high-dollar-donors

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/033116/top-10-corporate-contributors-trump-campaign.asp

There appear to be an endless supply of inadequate Republican lawyers willing to destroy their careers over Trump
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trumps-donors-help-fund-his-legal-bills-becoming-windfalls-for-his-attorneys-9b119b1c

https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-spawned-a-new-group-of-mega-donors-who-now-hold-sway-over-gops-future

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/politics/trump-operation-spending-legal-troubles/index.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trumps-legal-woes-are-costing-political-operation-millions-dollars-rcna97196

Donald Trump’s Post-Arraignment Plans Apparently Include a Candlelit Dinner and Selfies With High-Dollar Donors

After appearing in Miami federal court, the former president is scheduled to head back to his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf course where he’ll hold a campaign fundraiser.

Vanity Fair
Show threadjigamathingyAug 9, 2023
@rbreich
Show threadjigamathingyAug 9, 2023
@rbreich wow you nailed it. Thank you!
Show threadKenneth John BardsleyAug 10, 2023
@rbreich
Never remotely in doubt.
Show threadNumber SevenAug 10, 2023
@rbreich Donald Trump is Fascist & So is it's Bogus Jonstonednazi's ToryBrexitfluent counterparts in, 'Sewage Party'Ununited CONthem.
Show threadOdradekAug 11, 2023
@rbreich "is trump a fascist?" - "is franziskus a catholic?"
Show threadProximaAug 18, 2023
@rbreich The term fascism is very much not systematic and can be defined as the descriptions you described or in a much mote rigid context. However, I do not believe words like saying it's "fascist etc." will bolster any discussions or add any value. I really do not see the value of saying Trump is fascist rather than Trump disdain of women, lgbtq+ people, wants rejection of democracy for a strongman etc. Why should we try to encapsulate all the wrongdoings in a word