I've been thinking. What if Trump unexpectedly died? Would his movement collapse?

[machoneman]

Wouldn't his goal of a Trumpian dynasty even for his adult kids fade to nothing?

Any thoughts?

[rurallib]

1. Was just talking about that with one of our kids

We think it would collapse fairly soon because it is basically built on Trump's personality.
There will be those who will try to pick up the banner, but they just won't have the ability to pull it off.

Pence? One of the kids? De Santis? Abbot? McConnell? they just don't have the personality.
McCarthy? Hawley? Just don't see anyone. Cotton?

[Escurumbele]

45. My belief is that it really has nothing to do with trump's personality, my feeling is that they hate

him as much as everyone else in the world. Their problem and their "loyalty" to trump is all the dirt that trump has on them.

The question is, if the SOB dies, will he leave all the kompromat as inheritance to his kids, or will they die with him?

Can't wait to find out.

[dchill]

68. One thing for sure: they're all just DYING to find out!

[roamer65]

2. Hard to say.

But I hafta admit if he chokes on a KFC bone and dies, I would not shed a tear.

[Ocelot II]

3. By the time the partying has subsided and we've put the empties in the recycling bin,

the RW conspiracy theorists will have started blaming his demise, which will almost surely be the expected result of his lifetime of sloth and bad food, on BLM, Antifa and Nancy Pelosi, or maybe Hillary on account of how she did in Vince Foster. The GQPers in Congress will demand investigations and will insist on the most yuge and beautiful state funeral ever. But because there is no heir apparent, no matter how desperately and obsequiously the climbers have sought that position, the movement (aptly named) could gradually collapse. There is nobody in the current GQP who has the same malign carnival-barker charisma. They're assholes, but they come across as weak, whiny and ineffectual. However, some of the crazier MAGAts are likely to try to stir shit up, just because.

[Claustrum]

30. While I agree with you mostly.

I don't know about the replacement part. Trump came across as weak, whiny and ineffectual back in 2015 for me. It's the main reason I am a democrat now. But apparently, a lot of republicans love him. So, I think they will find someone else to worship if they wanted.

My general feeling is that a cult will fall when the leader is gone. But I just am not sure in this case. They are crazier than cultist imo.

[StClone]

81. Certainly before a replacement, a QAnon-type conspiracy would declare him not dead.

If the rumor was he was alive, well, he could be in that suspended state with Elvis. I got to believe there will be a cult of believers clinging to that conspiracy for years. This could disrupt his followers as they have proven to be gullible, blind, and incalcitrant.

[Claustrum]

88. Definitely. Conspiracy is expected from them at this point.

I've heard someone claim Trump is still president controlling the government in the background and then a few minutes later claim that liberals are controlling Biden with their "liberal agenda". And I have to ask him so is Trump controlling at the background or is it the liberal? Being consistent isn't required for them, matter of fact, they need the insistency to make sense of anything they believe in. So I am sure there will be 50 different versions of Trump's death and they would believe in many of them even though each one contradicts the other.

[Progressive Jones]

106. They like Trump because he's a white, loudmouthed lout like themselves. nt

[DENVERPOPS]

34. The entire U.S. would be inundated with countless asshole Republicans

scrambling to replace him. It would be a total cluster f***, nationwide.

Putin would probably covertly do it, just to continue his work to destroy the U.S. and Democracy.......

Hell, even the Republican party would probably do it, just to get his sorry ass out of their way........

[ironflange]

4. We can always dream

[jmbar2]

5. According to Timothy Snyder, author of "On Tyranny"

authoritarian regimes have a peculiar weakness: failure to plan for succession of the leader. (See Putin).

Unfortunately, when they die, it leaves a power vacuum, to be filled possibly by someone more horrible. But his big orange clown shoes would be hard to fill.

[uponit7771]

10. +1, Putin's Whore is the devil we do know and he's easy to demonize the devil we don't know might be

... smarter, less shitty acting and more malignant

[Dan]

19. I hate to say this, but I wonder

Would we get to “enjoy” mass killings in his base to determine who should become the new GodKing?

[rickyhall]

37. Historically most authoritarian regimes on the leader's death, like Spain,

but some live, like Cuba. USSR continued but nothing like Stalin.

[misanthrope]

53. North Korea hasn't suffered that fate.

They might be the exception.

[KPN]

61. China?

[jmbar2]

93. North Korea's dictatorship is based on a cult of family

The Kims in power today, have few heirs, or they are very young. They cannot plan for a successor because they could never trust that person to not knock them off to get the power.

They too will collapse with his passing, in my humble opinion.

[gratuitous]

6. Don't threaten me with a good time

His mother lived well into her 90s, but maybe his poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyle can counteract the genetic component.

[BlueStater]

20. His mother never made it to 90.

She was born in 1912 and died in 2000.

His father lived to be 93, but spent the last few years of his life suffering from Alzheimer’s.

[GoCubsGo]

26. Neither one of them were morbidly obese, either.

Probably far less sedentary than their putrid spawn, too. Nor, did they ever have COVID-19, which will likely shorten their brat's life, even though he had the best medical treatment available for it. Let's also not forget that their two other sons both died well before they turned 90.

[mountain grammy]

77. Crap. I thought they died much younger

Hope it doesn’t run in the family.

[Chainfire]

7. His legacy of hate and ignorance would continue

He base would swear that he was murdered, forget that he is morbidly obese, sedentary and he eats like a pig. I can see them fixating the murderer(s) as being either the Chinese, Hunter Biden or the Clintons. We would never hear the end of it. It is better for us for him to just drift off into the obscurity of a one term Loser. (the capital L intended)

[dalton99a]

8. I don't want him to die unexpectedly

without suffering a very beautiful and natural pain the likes of which the world has never seen

[Chainfire]

11. Trump dying would be getting off the hook easily

I would rather him have to look at a loser every time he shaves.

[llmart]

23. You know he's a supreme narcissist, right?

He would never look in a mirror and see a loser. Narcissists are incapable of that. I've said it before and I'll say it again, he looks in the mirror and sees George Clooney. That's how mentally ill he is.

[ShazzieB]

66. I agree.

His narcissism truly knows no bounds, and it's not dependent on outward circumstances.

[Chainfire]

114. I don't think so

I think that Trump is aware of his failings. His bluff and bluster is his attempt to keep others from knowing what he knows. DT is a typical insecure bully who tries to make up for being ignorant by being belligerent.

He certainly knows who is in the White House and who is in the club house.

[Unwind Your Mind]

49. A loser in an orange jumpsuit please

Bald head, gray hair buzzed short by the prison barber, no makeup, I could go on...

[Scottie Mom]

63. Oh, happy day!

👍👍👍

Orange jumpsuit. Size quintuple X. His 600 pound life without parole!!!

[MyOwnPeace]

78. Oh, Scottie, BEAM ME UP!!!!!

What a beautiful 'vision!'

[Scottie Mom]

83. Thanks!

I dream of seeing his fat ass perp walked!!

Music to my eyes!

[MyOwnPeace]

85. Oh, yeah!!!!!!

And the crowd yelling: "FAT MAN WALKING!!!!!"

[Scottie Mom]

86. Good one !!!

[ZonkerHarris]

82. He would see a poor innocent victim in the mirror

[joshdawg]

52. LOL!

Sorry, had to laugh at that one.

[Blue Owl]

9. Every day a step closer

I think he's clearly already demented -- wondering what it will take before even his zombie throng must confront the fact?

Or maybe they'll prop him up like "Weekend at Bernie's" even after he's dead and gone...

[50 Shades Of Blue]

12. I've been wondering the same thing!

Bottom line, I'm afraid Trump's demise would not change much. His worshipers will never let him go.

[Red Mountain]

13. Tea party to Trump to ?

The nuts will find something else to latch on to......and the people that profit off them won't be far behind.

We have a right-wing grift industry with an insatiable appetite.

[RKP5637]

14. It would probably spring even more conspiracy theories from the demented and ignorant GOP, and the

gullible will believe them all, albeit a new chapter.

[Midnight Writer]

15. What about Junior?

Relax. I'm kidding.

[world wide wally]

16. I can't wait to find out

[Dan]

17. Nope, I think that his cult would say

That in 3 days it will be shown that he will arise and walk on water.

[Walleye]

18. Lindsey Graham said the republican party cannot go forward without Trump. So ....

[GoCubsGo]

21. His cult will turn him into a martyr and invent conspiracy theories over his death.

Even if it's from natural causes. Just look at what they did when Fat Tony Scalia died. He was quite obviously not a healthy guy. They couldn't believe he died of natural causes, and many still claim the Democrats had him murdered. With The Former Guy, it would be a zillion times worse than that.

As for any sort of "dynasty," that ain't gonna happen. His oldest kids are likely headed to prison.

[bluedigger]

22. They would put him on display at Mar-a-lago, like Lenin.

And sell tickets to see him, of course.

[dalton99a]

28. Yep. $45 for parking; $90 for a glimpse of the great man; $135 for an expanded tour

of his beautiful memorabilia

Bathroom fee: $15

[JHB]

24. Three possible scenarios, IMO:

1) Someone else quickly emerges as a clear successor, rallying the support of the MAGAs enough that rivals do what they do best and knuckle under again. What he loses in not being Trump he gains among the fence sitters who didn't like Trump and pretended to wash their hands by voting Libertarian.

2) No leader quickly emerges, and they fall into a circular firing squad, the MAGAs not accepting anyone as good enough, splintering their votes among factions.

3) No leader quickly emerges, letting the Old Guard reassert control by being the only remaining effective force, returning them to the clown-car days of 2012.

[zipplewrath]

29. 1 then 2 leading to 3

Truth be known, there are already those positioning themselves as the successor. But since they established themselves as lap dogs to Trump, I don't see how they pull it off. Trump was the "Only I can" kinda guy. Desantis, Gaetz, MTG, or even the Abbotts and the like just don't have that kind of reputation. They'll always be the "wanna be". Rudi won't be the guy. Bannon won't. So then that leads to #2 and again, with no real replacement of the same reputation, you quickly end up at #3.

[JHB]

32. A lot would also hinge on non-politicial RW media figures

One or two (Tucker) might venture a bid themselves, but most will feed their own fanbase what they like, and organizing mutual support coming in a distant second.

With Limbaugh gone, they don't have the single Big Voice to pull them all in the same direction.

[DENVERPOPS]

38. My bet

would be on DeSantis or Ivanka...........LOL

[UTUSN]

25. Despite wingnut bleating the name even RAYGUN is abstract and forgotten.

The younger generations don't know him, just hear the name being equated with wingnuttiness, not to mention that they don't know his corruption. Heck, with his previous shallow intellect and his subsequent mental deterioration, even *he* probably didn't grasp his own corruption.

My point being that Drumpf, too, shall pass, especially since he had no ideological grounding to start with.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

27. Ivanka or Don jr would probably take over

Don't know how successful they'd be but their not going to let a successful grift go.

[dianaredwing]

72. That might be fun to watch

Kind of like the Borgias. I don't think there is any love lost between any of that repulsive group and neither is likely to support the other, further fracturing the RWnut crazies. It might make bookies happy for a while.

[Binkie The Clown]

31. Several people would vie for leadership and the movement would fracture into pieces. nt

[smirkymonkey]

97. This would be the most likely scenario.

They will eat each other alive.

[John Ludi]

33. I want to see him

completely lose what remains of his mind and randomly do the chicken dance and fling feces at attendees of various functions at Mar a Lardo before he does. I want to watch his worshipers continue to revere him and spout their pathetic excuses for his insane behavior as he runs across the lawn covered from head to toe in refried beans.

Then when 2024 comes up I want to see him bark like a dog while wearing a full diaper on his head during the debates.

At that point, the people who are still primitive, stunted and dysfunctional enough to still call themselves Republicans will have peeled off another 1 or 2% of their ilk that are finally tired of all the gibbering madness and that gives the Dems a wide enough margin that even the clowns in AZ can't play their idiotic little parlor games after the election.

Then I hope he dissolves into a puddle of orange goo.

Though if that last bit happened sooner (like tomorrow) I'd still crack open a bottle of the good stuff and do a happy dance that will probably fracture both my ankles.

[Grasswire2]

101. omg covered in refried beans??!!

Where did that image come from? LOLOL

[rownesheck]

35. I've asked myself the same question,

but without the second part. Then I ask myself this question, "which beer would I be guzzling for the party I'll be having? And which travel site would I use to book my flight to wherever he's gonna be buried so that I can piss all over his grave?"

It helps me get through the day.

[MyOwnPeace]

90. Always wanting to help:

If it's Florida, you gotta' go Cigar City! https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

However, if it's New Jersey (where the family just might be planning to build a 'shrine') - some great choices:

https://victorybeer.com/

https://www.dogfish.com/

Whichever, you would be doing locals proud and I'd be willing to drive to join in the support of the purchase and toast of the 'material' for the tribute (the 'last' part - you're on your own and probably waiting in a VERY LONG LINE!)

[bucolic_frolic]

36. Gold plated sarcophagi would be cloned and travel the land in Cadillac motorcades

Lenin's tomb would seem a mouse in comparison.

I do think the movement would falter. It would have to be seen as an indication from God. Preachers would take the pulpit and proclaim rapture.

[Nasruddin]

39. Evolution

Fake news. His followers won't believe it. Endless conspiracy theories will roil the cult but the common thread will be that he still lives and is waiting for the appropriate moment to return in glory, like the 12th Imam, or King Arthur.

Maybe Jr will be turned into Donny Two-scoops; it's really Jr who has passed, giving his life so Donny can have a new body.

Or perhaps they will transfer to Joe Biden, since he's apparently acting as president but can't possibly be the real one. Could we be so lucky - do we want to be so lucky?

Who knows - one thing for sure, they will reject the idea of his death.

[NJCher]

40. since it's a personality cult

It is a given that it will collapse when he dies.

[Sucha NastyWoman]

41. No Because it's not about Trump

It’s about hating us

[CloudWatcher]

42. I dread the day he dies ...

Ok, well the next day. That hangover is gonna be fierce.

[Iggo]

43. All Hail Mike Lindell.

[barbtries]

44. i think his movement would die.

a lot of people would move on, shake it off, and begin to support democracy.

many more people would be dancing on his grave, which should be built with gutters leading to the sewer.

[SergeStorms]

46. I've already seen 'Don Jr. 2028' on bumper stickers.

Don Jr. is only slightly more intelligent than the lint in my navel, but they love him, simply because he's the devil spawn of The Orange One.

[Martin Eden]

47. Would the unwashed Q-publican masses believe he really died?

I think many would insist he merely went underground to better carry on the fight.

[SoonerPride]

48. The conspiracy theories would explode

They would think he wasn’t dead

Or blame Hillary

Or China

Or Biden

Or Obama

They’d think he was still alive and in hiding.

It would go on and on and on

But the movement would die and the GQP would try to find a successor but no one and I do mean not one person would enthuse and energize and captivate the rubes and the whole thing would collapse and implode.

I’m here just hoping it happens soon.

[dflprincess]

51. Exactly. Nt

[JHB]

65. Yup. Being dead didn't stop them from thinking JFK Jr. would swoop in with a big reveal...

...and a lot of them will say Trump's "continuing the fight underground" and liken him to the Terminator franchise's rebel leader John Conner.

Or, "Trump assassination" theories will proliferate, blaming the usual blame-targets.

Or both, because they do that.

[misanthrope]

50. Cults can live on after their leaders die

Look at Christianity. It got its biggest bump by its progenitor's execution.

[Ocelot II]

57. But that guy is said to have risen from the dead, and is still alive,

although not in the usual sense of the word. Trump would have to do likewise, or else his cult followers would have to concoct a resurrection myth about him - which I fully expect some of them to do.

[misanthrope]

99. Other religions include a resurrection myth

Christianity isn't unique there.

[Ocelot II]

100. Yes, of course; but that isn't the point.

The point is whether the Church of Trump will create one for The Former Guy, too?

[misanthrope]

104. More like the Elvis conspiracies

Where he fakes his death.

[brewens]

54. Unexpectedly? The dudes gonna drop dead any minute! I'm not doctor, but I'd give him way less than

2024, so I don't expect him to be the nominee. Of course he wouldn't exactly be a nominee, since he owns the part now. They probably wouldn't even have a primary if he lives.

[ashredux]

55. Yes...fade to nothing...someone would try and grab the "baton", it would fizzle

[LudwigPastorius]

58. Another authoritarian racist dickhead would step up to take his place.

The GOP is rife with them these days.

[TreasonousBastard]

59. Dunno, but can't wait to find out.

[homegirl]

60. Death is too

good for him. A totally debilitating stroke, suffer without a voice, mobility or any choice for twenty years. Preferably in a poor Southern states public facility for the severely disabled.

[Orrex]

62. His fuckhead cultists will freak out when he doesn't rise from the dead after three days

His corpse should be stuffed in a barrel with liquid pig shit and dumped somewhere in the desert to ferment.


Sorry. What was the question again?

[634-5789]

64. STOP TRYING TO CHEER ME UP!

[multigraincracker]

67. Call me crazy, but I'm thinking

Liz Cheney. She’s mean enough and full of herself.

[Martin Eden]

69. Some dreams can (or should) come true ...

Trump's aid came to him and said, " Sir, I had a dream. You got your parade! It was miles and miles long winding thru Washington D.C. Millions of joyful people lined the streets. All the people were cheering, joyful, and literally dancing in the streets. And you were riding in the most beautiful carriage."

Trump asks, "Was I happy?"

The aid answers, "I don't know sir. The casket was closed."

[TheFarseer]

70. I don't think it's about him

It’s about “f—k the liberals”. The proof is the guy in Oklahoma, when asked What if Donald Trump told you to get vaccinated? The guy says, Why would I care what some New York liberal says?

[Martin Eden]

71. A sweet little old lady was overheard saying a fervent prayer in church:

Dear Lord, this last year has been very tough. You have taken my favorite actors Kirk Douglas and Olivia de Havilland; my favorite television host, Alex Trebek, and Carl Reiner, from Your Show of Shows; my favorite singer from the 50’s Little Richard, even Charlie Daniels and Kenny Rogers, my two favorite country western singers; and from sports your took Gale Sayers and my favorite basketball player Kobe Bryant.

I just wanted you to know that my favorite politicians are Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham.

Amen.

[Jakes Progress]

73. Might to a long way towards proving there is a God.

[Harker]

74. The Clodfather is the sticky glue that holds it all together.

Nobody fears or respects Fredo, Connie, or Sonny.

[Paper Roses]

75. One can only hope! I hope I live long enough to celebrate. n/t

[bluescribbler]

76. I don't think we have to wait that long.

MAGA nation is shrinking with each new indictment, each new grift of his supporters, and each new unnecessary COVID fatality.

[NellieStarbuck]

79. They'd claim he was murdered by The Clintons and George Soros.

Never mind that he's morbidly obese, sedentary and eats crap.

[Raine]

80. No, the movement is more then Trump. nt

[scarytomcat]

84. His multiple court visits will do more to tarnish his movement

in the future. His death would heighten his appeal and legacy.

[keithbvadu2]

87. Donnie Jr might try and take his lap dancing queen.

Donnie Jr might try and take his lap dancing queen.

[Iggo]

98. Ew.

[PortTack]

89. If you study history, the answer is yes. Something will arise to take it's place.

Depending on circumstances, how many races the qgop is losing and how many voters they will have lost, will give a window into what their next move might be

[Kingofalldems]

91. Hawley and Cruz would step over his casket

to try and claim the movement.

[Nexus2]

92. Hundreds of Trumpers would wait three weeks over his grave site waiting for him resurrect.

Just like the 1st coming.

[keithbvadu2]

95. Pat Robertson says he/we have the power to raise the dead.

Pat Robertson says he/we have the power to raise the dead.

There should be plenty of Trumpsters willing to bring him back.

[keithbvadu2]

96. When PR dies, will his son resurrect him or let him stay dead so the son can keep the bucks?

When PR dies, will his son resurrect him or let him stay dead so the son can keep the bucks?

[moondust]

94. The next King Predator?

I don't know of anybody else who has spent decades using their huge inheritance to plaster personal advertising on the tops of tall buildings, on a private jet, on golf courses, etc., while declaring bankruptcy a half dozen times for possibly an all-time record. Who among them can match that level of pretence?

[Yavin4]

102. Trump's death won't matter because his followers won't believe it.

Trump faked his death so as to put together his master plan of mass arrests of Hillary and Obama which will then lead to Trump taking back the presidency.

[StarfishSaver]

103. A year ago, I would have thought it would fade without him

Now I'm not sure. He started something that seems to have a life of its own now, unfortunately.

[Progressive Jones]

105. I'd be satisfied with "Trump suddenly died". nt

[drmeow]

107. One possibility

is that each division of the "Ministry of Propaganda" would anoint their preferred successor triggering in-fighting. Fox might name one successor or maybe there would be splinter groups. But even with one from Fox, Jones, OAN, and the rest may each have a different preffered new dear leader. Viewers will follow their preffered sources pick.

[David__77]

108. Mostly, yes.

...

[Tommy Carcetti]

109. I would probably pour myself a celebratory drink. nt

[Murphyb849]

110. If this happened

Even if the former guy popped his clogs they would raise him from the dead somehow or communicate with Ouija board. His Trumplicans are certifiable and the cult would find a way.

[Initech]

111. Trump is replaceable.

Even if he did die something I'm worried about is someone with charm and charisma taking over the MAGA movement. That's the one thing I think saved us. Two things that Trump does not have are charm and charisma. But if the GOP found someone smart enough and charismatic enough to control that part of the movement...

Thankfully I don't see anyone out there that could be that person at least for now!

[Straw Man]

112. Yes.

Last edited Mon May 10, 2021, 03:55 AM - Edit history (1)

It would collapse. It's not really a movement anyway; it's a cult of personality. Trump knows how to do only one thing: to channel rage. There's no real policy there, just a search for the lowest common denominator of the mob -- their deepest-seated fears and hatreds. Then he appeals to that as a means to grow his power and his wealth.

He's essentially a huckster. Unless another huckster comes along, the whole thing will dry up and blow away like dandelion fluff. Not that we won't still have haters and hate-mongers; they'll always be with us. But they will lack that one central figure around whom to coalesce. I don't buy into the fear of the smarter, more evil fascists waiting in the wings; the Trumpies don't want smart. They want a boob like themselves, only a boob writ large. And really, Trump's totally amoral self-absorption is hard to top for pure evil.

[betsuni]

113. They'd just watch another reality show.