Trump’s political shamelessness may be his greatest strength with MAGA voters
In the world of politics, shamelessness seems to be a prerequisite for success. Every politician must navigate the turbulent waters of changing opinions and shifting allegiances, often resorting to justifying their flip-flops with flimsy excuses that no one truly believes. It’s all part of the game, part of the dance that politicians must perform to stay afloat.
Take former President Donald Trump, for example. He was notorious for his about-faces on various issues, from TikTok to foreign policy. He could go from sympathizing with Joe Biden to attacking him without missing a beat. His ability to pivot and backtrack served him well, allowing him to maintain his base of supporters while also appealing to swing voters who appreciated his willingness to change course when necessary.
But Trump is not the only one guilty of shameless political maneuvering. President Joe Biden has had his fair share of missteps, including promising not to pardon his son Hunter only to do so after the election. The backlash was swift and severe, highlighting the hypocrisy that often pervades the political landscape.
In the media frenzy over Trump’s controversial pardons, one in particular stood out: the pardon of Larry Hoover, a convicted murderer and drug dealer. If Biden had done the same, conservative outrage would have been deafening. But with Trump, it barely registered as a blip on the radar, further underscoring the double standards that exist in politics.
Trump’s penchant for nicknaming his opponents came back to bite him when a CNBC reporter asked him about the “TACO” moniker, which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out. Trump bristled at the question, calling it “nasty” despite his own history of name-calling. It’s a classic example of the pot calling the kettle black in the political arena.
Despite his flaws, Trump’s political acumen cannot be denied. His willingness to be shameless, to push boundaries and then pull back when necessary, has endeared him to a significant portion of the American electorate. And with the absence of a strong Democratic voice to counter him, Trump has been able to exploit this to his advantage.
In the end, politics is a dirty game, and shamelessness is often a prerequisite for success. Whether it’s Trump’s brazen flip-flops or Biden’s broken promises, politicians must be willing to bend the truth to suit their needs. And until voters demand better, this shameless dance will continue to play out on the national stage.
