What are your experiences with family who voted for Trump a 2nd time? I recently talked about politics with my dad (who’s fighting COVID w/ thankfully mild symptoms). It was fine civil, but it amazed me how radically different his reality is from *actual* reality (1/7)

He thankfully takes COVID seriously & admitted Trump says stupid things. He also went all-in on attacking “the media.” He rationalized Trump’s abhorrent statements (Mexican rapists, “fine people on both sides”) by clarifying what he *actually* meant (according to my dad) (2/7)

He said that because Trump isn’t eloquent, it’s easy to “misquote him.” I had to bite my tongue for most of the conversation & put my hands over my face. But here’s the thing: He’s been primed for decades to accept the evangelical martyrdom complex. He’s also a minister. (3/7)

He’s not deplorable nor is he a MAGAt, & Trump won’t be the GOP nominee again. But the fact that he’s rationalized Trumpism is painfully illuminating. It never ceases to amaze me how our brains will bend into irrational pretzels to avoid cognitive dissonance. (4/7)

Conservative evangelical culture is built on the kinds of moral grievances common to Trumpism: the media & elite are against us; we’re persecuted for sticking up for “the truth” & morality; those who dare to speak “the truth” will be vilified by the powerful. (5/7)

I grew up in that system & actually understand most of the arguments on the religious right. I also know that it’s a fantasy — a communal delusion — built on guilt, purity culture, & fundamentalism. (6/7)

Having said all that, I can’t stress enough how good & decent a man my father is. Even though his politics are rather ridiculous, he’s one of the most compassionate, hardworking & honest people I know. The root of the problem is conservative/fundamentalist evangelicalism. (7/7)