"Make him look like a loser": Kasparov on how to oppose Trump

[BainsBane]

You have to reinforce the institutions, steadily and legally, and work through them. If you go too far, and react violently, it will only play into the hands of the Trump administration, which is already portraying all opposition as paid agitators and other ridiculousness straight from Putin’s playbook. When I talk about these things on Twitter or Facebook, I immediately receive a bunch of “Here too!” responses from people living in other authoritarian regimes, from Venezuela to Vietnam.

Riots will only frighten the “moderate middle” you will need as allies sooner or later. If Trump convinces them with lies that the opposition is controlled by dangerous thugs, you’re going to have eight years of Trump and another of his kind to follow. Stick to the facts, repeat them boldly and frequently, so his supporters see the would-be emperor has no bathrobe!

The courts are important, but things won’t really change unless enough Republicans start to see Trump as a liability to their fundraising and reelection chances. That could be quite soon if he can’t fulfill his many campaign promises. Making him look like a loser is crucial. Either the GOP will turn on him or he will be chastened and more likely to compromise. If a demagogue succeeds in claiming credit for wins and scapegoating his enemies for losses, he’s very hard to stop.

Trump will continue to push the limits, to find the cracks in the system that constrains him. America is finding out the hard way that much of its government is based on tradition and the honor system, and not explicit laws. There will be a crisis every day.

Everyone must do what they can themselves and not wait for others to act. If you want change, you have to initiate action, even at a personal level that might seem insignificant. As the motto of Soviet dissidents went: “Do what you must, and so be it.”

http://www.vox.com/conversations/2017/2/11/14577834/garry-kasparov-putin-trump

Much more at the link.

[pangaia]

1. That seems so very well said.

And as naive as I am about how to beat the fuckwad and all those on the other side of this world war, this seems the smartest...

[BainsBane]

7. Kasparov has experience dealing with Putin

and the point about violence is key. Trump can't have an excuse to implement emergency powers because of violent unrest. Dissent must be peaceful.

[guillaumeb]

2. Recommended. Excellent political and strategic analysis.

Here:

The courts are important, but things won’t really change unless enough Republicans start to see Trump as a liability to their fundraising and reelection chances.

The GOP politicians are concerned with retaining power in the face of demographic changes that could, in theory, favor the Democratic Party. But to take advantage of the demographics, the Democrats must offer a credible alternative. As many commenters have noted, in a choice between a real Republican candidate and a Democratic not as bad as a Republican candidate, the real Republican will win. So the Democratic candidate must inspire.

Note:
And please do not read the last sentence as an implication that Hillary Clinton was not an inspiring candidate. I read her platform and heard her debate and speak. In a non-rigged electoral process she would have easily won.

[BainsBane]

8. Though I think to focus on the presidency

now is a mistake. We have to focus on 1) resisting what's happening now; 2) then the midterms. The presidency will resolve itself because the political world doesn't lack for ambitious people. Candidates will arise and people will vote, but none of that should be the focus now. A lot can happen in four years, and we can't let Trump succeed with his dire agenda.

[guillaumeb]

10. All excellent points.

And we must not only resist, we must educate ourselves, our friends and families, and point out the inconsistencies between what Trump promised and what he has already abandoned.

And we must make certain that voting becomes automatic for Democrats and those who are Democrat by philosophy. States like Texas, with its very restrictive voter registration laws, will require a lot of work at the county and local level to educate people about the right to, and necessity of, voting.

If we do that, 2018 may be a good year for Democrats.

[BainsBane]

11. That's an important goal

and we should definitely work toward it. There certainly are signs of increased civic engagement.

[sheshe2]

3. "Make him look like a loser"

Yup. Hit him where it hurts him the most, his ego.

Thanks, great read.

[BainsBane]

5. Mockery is a powerful weapon against him

It's how Kellyanne backed down from the Bowling Green claim. Trump doesn't like being made fun of, so programs like SNL can have a real influence, as can mockery on social media.

[sheshe2]

9. Very powerful and he makes an easy target.

I know five year olds that are more mature than donnie. His vanity and ego rule him.

[elleng]

4. 'Stick to the facts, repeat them boldly and frequently,

so his supporters see the would-be emperor has no bathrobe!

The courts are important, but things won’t really change unless enough Republicans start to see Trump as a liability to their fundraising and reelection chances. That could be quite soon if he can’t fulfill his many campaign promises. Making him look like a loser is crucial.'

[MFM008]

6. LOOOSSSEEEERRR

3 marriges

4 bankruptcies

[Cirque du So-What]

12. Works for me

I hope these 'black bloc' troublemakers are soon outed as agents provocateur. Funny that law enforcement hasn't apprehended a mother's one of them, considering that this tactic has been used for many years now.

[ginnyinWI]

13. Thanks--worth reading the whole article n/t