Key Takeaways:
– A second Trump administration may not benefit the country, says a Washington Post columnist.
– Some conservatives see Trump as a potential fix for broken institutions like academia and the civil service.
– Columnist Megan McArdle argues that the ‘Flight 93 mindset’ prevalent among Trump supporters could lead to destructive outcomes.
– According to McArdle, even a flawed system is better than the arbitrary decisions of a strongman.
– Conservatives are likely to find little worth salvaging from a forced system crash.
The Return to Trump?
In the political landscape, there is ongoing discourse about a potential second term of Donald Trump. A Washington Post Columnist, aired her viewpoint on Thursday. She claims that if Trump were to serve another term, it would probably not improve the condition of the country. She further added that conservatives might not find much value in four more years with Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Trump: The Fixer for Broken Institutions?
Supporters of the previous president perceive certain key institutions as failed systems. These institutions include realms such as mainstream media, academia, and civil service. Those echoing this sentiment argue that Trump is undoubtedly the one who can mend these faulty structures.
What’s the ‘Flight 93 Mindset’?
A recurring theme among Trump’s supporters is the ‘Flight 93 mindset’. This perspective was first popularized by an essay in the Claremont Review of Books in 2016, named after the Flight 93. It was the plane whose passengers revolted against 9/11 terrorists, crashing the hijacked aircraft to avert further disaster. This mindset urges conservatives to take drastic action, mirroring the passengers’ heroism. Yet critics fear this mindset could lead to a metaphorical crash and burn scenario for the nation.
Just how would, supposedly, Trump Fix Institutions?
Those advocating for the Flight 93 strategy visualise a world where left-wing elements control the institutions that oversee and execute government policy. This includes academia, civil service, mainstream media, professional groups, and nonprofits. Elected officials certainly lay out the rules. But the enforcement of these rules is seen by many as the true manifestation of power.
The Pluses and Minuses of Strongman Power
Continuing her viewpoint, McArdle asserts that even though these crucial institutions might fail at their missions and dwindle the public trust, Trump is not the answer. She puts forth the argument that even a problematic system is superior to the whims of a single strong individual. While procedural power can be manipulated by any political side, the procedures themselves provide a layer of protection for all, from conservatives to liberals.
Predicting the Outcome if ‘The System Crashes’
McArdle extends her reasoning to speculate about the outcomes of a system crash, willed by the Flight 93 strategy. She anticipates that it would not be fruitful, even in the short term. Conservatives could end up finding little of value to salvage from the resulting wreckage.
Prospects of Chaos Under Trump’s Reign
The columnist paints a rather unsettling picture of chaos likely to ensue from another Trump term. The patient, methodical work of making lasting institutional changes could be replaced with more unpredictable decisions. These could be influenced by assenting advisors who have Trump’s ear, or random stories on Fox News that catches his fleeting attention. The country, as predicted by McArdle, may slip into further turmoil under the personal dictatorship of a strongman.