One of the most divisive aspects of recent politics is the hatred - Dems hate MAGA, MAGA hates Dems.
If we can learn to laugh at MAGA's weirdness and silliness - and also when occasion demands, ourselves, we might have a chance of re-uniting the country.
I believe the conservative snowflakes who are clutching their pearls over the "weird" moniker should man up and take several doses of their own medicine. It's only fair.
Weird can be good or bad. The older I get the more I appreciate the weirdness in people as a way of expressing how glad I am that we aren’t all the same. But, using the word to describe all the MAGA folk is okay for now. We don’t mean it affectionately. Plenty of other descriptive words will be used over the next 90 or so days.
And, for the record, The Heritage Foundation has joined the ever increasing number of people and things for which Rick Wilson’s book title applies: Everything Trump Touches Dies. Couldn’t happen to a nicer, I mean weirder, group.
Agree with you. "weird" is a transitional message. Necessary but not sufficient. I like it because it sounds unruffled, devoid of hyperbole and histrionics, more like: "what's that smell?" than "the sky is falling."
Minor complication: The sky is falling. So in that sense, "weird" conveys a superior vibe, which I like. It is also demeaning in a very helpful way that will get under their skin. But, as you rightly point out, it does not fully do the job of describing the threat.
Excellent newsletter once again Bill and Andrew. Thank you. Bill, your points about the 'weird' moniker are well made. I'd also add, that the descriptor is useful in the way it brings the temperature down a bit, (much harder to blame an assassination attempt on accusations of 'being too weird for America'), it is also harder to attack for the Repubs. It's amusing to see them push back on being labelled 'weird'. Seeing them throwing a tanty like a five-year old, 'It's not fair mum, they're calling me weird! Make them stop!' However, as you say, its not enough. I am hopeful this is a warm-up act. 'Dangerously weird', is better. Charlie's 'clown with a flame-thrower' springs to mind once again.
I know that conventional wisdom suggests this is a “honeymoon” period and is destined to ebb. But can anyone provide a single data point that would suggest when that is likely to occur? So far, Harris shows significantly more energy, enthusiasm, and frankly ability to be the alpha in this race. Trump looks lost and confused and very much a beta. Seriously. Would anyone outside his campaign (or the maga-its) argue this? The last time this level of engagement and energy was associated with a candidate was Obama. Before that, Reagan. This could be a landslide.
“Weird” has echoes of “deplorables” in 2016. This is worrisome to me..
All who are opposed to Trump should refrain from this line of attack, enjoyable as it may be. Trump’s supporters in the Maga universe will assume we are talking about them (and not just the ticket) and take it as an insult. Would that VP Harris and her campaign leadership could spread the message that acknowledges the dignity of many (most?) who support Trump. It’s their right to do so.
I agree about the weirdness - but I think the better approach is “when they go low ((or weird) we go high.”
"Republicans are weird" is a bumper sticker not a platform. It's not only reductive and dismissive, it 's lazy and avoids having to actually propose attractive alternatives to past and (God forbid) future Republican misrule. If your opponent is "weird," all you have to do is show up and not drool. Have Democrats lost the ability to creatively and concisely say who they are, i.e., The New Deal, The Fair Deal, The New Frontier, The Great Society? Have Democrats forgotten how to spell deplorable?
That there seems to be a need to parse the "weird" discourse at all says what needs to be said about making that word a label for Donald Trump / Republican malign activities. Weak tea in a glass of melting ice. Dangerous, reckless, risky, treacherous, amoral, immoral, ugly, unfair, unethical... the English language is a rich one; "weird" is bargain basement.
Sure, but in middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
Maybe we should consider 'weirdness' as the gateway drug to 'dangerous'. The assertions of a "threat to democracy" wasn't working. People probably consider it typical political rhetoric. If you tell someone to look at that threat, if they don't believe, they will keep going on their way because they're late to meet up with their friends. But if you say look at that weirdo, people will stop and look because we can't resist seeing something weird. After you've got their attention and they agree that it is weird, you can then explain to them that this weirdo is actually dangerous. People accept that the fact that weirdos can be dangerous and will then scurry away in fear.
In middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
Using the term "weird" to label a certain political party and its candidates/ideas/policies is typical political nonsense. As citizens, we expect more of the people we elect to office than to stoop to the level of the mundane. Our democratic republic is at stake! Let's act like it.
But acting like it hasn't gotten us anywhere. In middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
IMO, and as a Minnesotan, I think that our Governor Walz, used the "weird" label to poke fun at Trump, a bully, in a way that he understands and hates. Walz was a former high school teacher and football coach, and has said that he is familiar with bullies. Michelle Obama's, "When they go low, we go high," does not work with Trump and his MAGA cult. For years, Trump has made fun of people. He dishes it out, but can't take it. Too bad.
Weird is not very low at all. It is the mildest of negative descriptions and has the added advantage of being accurate, unlike Trump and his MAGA cult middle school name-calling.
No need for apologies! I’m uneasy with the “weird” moniker. It seems trivial. And because many on Harris’ team are using it, it seems inauthentic. In any interview now I’m waiting for how they’ll work it into the conversation.
Sometimes I’m at a loss for the right word. I love my family and I love a butter-pecan sundae with chocolate syrup and wiped cream. Please don’t make me choose. They’re just different.
Several days ago a friend who is Trump-adjacent told me to let go of my hate for Trump and start preparing for his next 4 years in office. Hate seems too trivial. I hate when I lose in fantasy football. I disdain T because he is an affront to all things decent. I can live with ineffectual policy choices but I just cannot let myself start preparing for a DJT/JDV administration. Does that make me weird?
Weird is the right word. We're aiming to make a vibe stick; simple is how you do that. Think middle-aged low interest voter scrolling on Facebook, moving over the latest in his feed. If you can make his usual response to MAGA be "Christ, that's weird," you're most of the way to making him incapable of voting for it. The key is you want it to be a reflexive frame people apply. And you can't brain your way to that; it's gotta be visceral.
I don’t need much convincing. I’m supportive of any effort to diminish T’s electability. I suppose the Harris team tested the efficacy of using the term. At this point they have to make each effort count. More to come…..
Weird is a very authentic and accurate moniker. Simple one-syllable word that hits MAGA with more force than equally accurate descriptors like like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal. See, MAGA is on board with remaking America into a right -wing authoritarian state, and in comment forums they constantly insist they represent the majority of Americans. Facts showing them to be the minority do not move them at all. However, with one word, "weird," they understand they are indeed the minority.
I wonder if MAGA supporters will hear the term used. I suppose it’ll filter through the MAGA media landscape as another attempt by liberals to insult the integrity of T supporters. I could see this becoming a badge of honor. It’s my understanding, however, that when used as a descriptor it’s directed at defining DJT/JDV. But by extension, they may embrace it.
I’m not sure it will change hearts and minds—ie. Deplorables.
So for now WIERD will suffice as a device to focus attention on the dangers of the T and the MAGAverse. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
Re.the "weirdos."
Laughter is always more healing than hate.
One of the most divisive aspects of recent politics is the hatred - Dems hate MAGA, MAGA hates Dems.
If we can learn to laugh at MAGA's weirdness and silliness - and also when occasion demands, ourselves, we might have a chance of re-uniting the country.
Very well stated. Thank you Bill!
I believe the conservative snowflakes who are clutching their pearls over the "weird" moniker should man up and take several doses of their own medicine. It's only fair.
Weird can be good or bad. The older I get the more I appreciate the weirdness in people as a way of expressing how glad I am that we aren’t all the same. But, using the word to describe all the MAGA folk is okay for now. We don’t mean it affectionately. Plenty of other descriptive words will be used over the next 90 or so days.
And, for the record, The Heritage Foundation has joined the ever increasing number of people and things for which Rick Wilson’s book title applies: Everything Trump Touches Dies. Couldn’t happen to a nicer, I mean weirder, group.
Agree with you. "weird" is a transitional message. Necessary but not sufficient. I like it because it sounds unruffled, devoid of hyperbole and histrionics, more like: "what's that smell?" than "the sky is falling."
Minor complication: The sky is falling. So in that sense, "weird" conveys a superior vibe, which I like. It is also demeaning in a very helpful way that will get under their skin. But, as you rightly point out, it does not fully do the job of describing the threat.
Excellent newsletter once again Bill and Andrew. Thank you. Bill, your points about the 'weird' moniker are well made. I'd also add, that the descriptor is useful in the way it brings the temperature down a bit, (much harder to blame an assassination attempt on accusations of 'being too weird for America'), it is also harder to attack for the Repubs. It's amusing to see them push back on being labelled 'weird'. Seeing them throwing a tanty like a five-year old, 'It's not fair mum, they're calling me weird! Make them stop!' However, as you say, its not enough. I am hopeful this is a warm-up act. 'Dangerously weird', is better. Charlie's 'clown with a flame-thrower' springs to mind once again.
I know that conventional wisdom suggests this is a “honeymoon” period and is destined to ebb. But can anyone provide a single data point that would suggest when that is likely to occur? So far, Harris shows significantly more energy, enthusiasm, and frankly ability to be the alpha in this race. Trump looks lost and confused and very much a beta. Seriously. Would anyone outside his campaign (or the maga-its) argue this? The last time this level of engagement and energy was associated with a candidate was Obama. Before that, Reagan. This could be a landslide.
“Weird” has echoes of “deplorables” in 2016. This is worrisome to me..
All who are opposed to Trump should refrain from this line of attack, enjoyable as it may be. Trump’s supporters in the Maga universe will assume we are talking about them (and not just the ticket) and take it as an insult. Would that VP Harris and her campaign leadership could spread the message that acknowledges the dignity of many (most?) who support Trump. It’s their right to do so.
I agree about the weirdness - but I think the better approach is “when they go low ((or weird) we go high.”
"Republicans are weird" is a bumper sticker not a platform. It's not only reductive and dismissive, it 's lazy and avoids having to actually propose attractive alternatives to past and (God forbid) future Republican misrule. If your opponent is "weird," all you have to do is show up and not drool. Have Democrats lost the ability to creatively and concisely say who they are, i.e., The New Deal, The Fair Deal, The New Frontier, The Great Society? Have Democrats forgotten how to spell deplorable?
That there seems to be a need to parse the "weird" discourse at all says what needs to be said about making that word a label for Donald Trump / Republican malign activities. Weak tea in a glass of melting ice. Dangerous, reckless, risky, treacherous, amoral, immoral, ugly, unfair, unethical... the English language is a rich one; "weird" is bargain basement.
Sure, but in middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
I hope someone sends your essay about “weird” to the Harris campaign. Excellent points!
Maybe we should consider 'weirdness' as the gateway drug to 'dangerous'. The assertions of a "threat to democracy" wasn't working. People probably consider it typical political rhetoric. If you tell someone to look at that threat, if they don't believe, they will keep going on their way because they're late to meet up with their friends. But if you say look at that weirdo, people will stop and look because we can't resist seeing something weird. After you've got their attention and they agree that it is weird, you can then explain to them that this weirdo is actually dangerous. People accept that the fact that weirdos can be dangerous and will then scurry away in fear.
In middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
Using the term "weird" to label a certain political party and its candidates/ideas/policies is typical political nonsense. As citizens, we expect more of the people we elect to office than to stoop to the level of the mundane. Our democratic republic is at stake! Let's act like it.
But acting like it hasn't gotten us anywhere. In middle school school, the kiss of death was classmates coalescing around the idea that a schoolmate was weird (accuracy optional). From then on, that schoolmate's school life became a living hell. It makes sense that for the perpetually immature Trump and his MAGA cult, the relatively weak appellation of "weird" (as opposed to more serious and accurate descriptions like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal) may be the ticket to possibly deprogramming some of them. "Weird" has the additional advantage of being a one syllable word. Kudos to Vance for being so weird that Dems finally thought of it.
IMO, and as a Minnesotan, I think that our Governor Walz, used the "weird" label to poke fun at Trump, a bully, in a way that he understands and hates. Walz was a former high school teacher and football coach, and has said that he is familiar with bullies. Michelle Obama's, "When they go low, we go high," does not work with Trump and his MAGA cult. For years, Trump has made fun of people. He dishes it out, but can't take it. Too bad.
Weird is not very low at all. It is the mildest of negative descriptions and has the added advantage of being accurate, unlike Trump and his MAGA cult middle school name-calling.
No need for apologies! I’m uneasy with the “weird” moniker. It seems trivial. And because many on Harris’ team are using it, it seems inauthentic. In any interview now I’m waiting for how they’ll work it into the conversation.
Sometimes I’m at a loss for the right word. I love my family and I love a butter-pecan sundae with chocolate syrup and wiped cream. Please don’t make me choose. They’re just different.
Several days ago a friend who is Trump-adjacent told me to let go of my hate for Trump and start preparing for his next 4 years in office. Hate seems too trivial. I hate when I lose in fantasy football. I disdain T because he is an affront to all things decent. I can live with ineffectual policy choices but I just cannot let myself start preparing for a DJT/JDV administration. Does that make me weird?
Weird is the right word. We're aiming to make a vibe stick; simple is how you do that. Think middle-aged low interest voter scrolling on Facebook, moving over the latest in his feed. If you can make his usual response to MAGA be "Christ, that's weird," you're most of the way to making him incapable of voting for it. The key is you want it to be a reflexive frame people apply. And you can't brain your way to that; it's gotta be visceral.
I don’t need much convincing. I’m supportive of any effort to diminish T’s electability. I suppose the Harris team tested the efficacy of using the term. At this point they have to make each effort count. More to come…..
Weird is a very authentic and accurate moniker. Simple one-syllable word that hits MAGA with more force than equally accurate descriptors like like authoritarian, dangerous, demagogue, illiberal. See, MAGA is on board with remaking America into a right -wing authoritarian state, and in comment forums they constantly insist they represent the majority of Americans. Facts showing them to be the minority do not move them at all. However, with one word, "weird," they understand they are indeed the minority.
I wonder if MAGA supporters will hear the term used. I suppose it’ll filter through the MAGA media landscape as another attempt by liberals to insult the integrity of T supporters. I could see this becoming a badge of honor. It’s my understanding, however, that when used as a descriptor it’s directed at defining DJT/JDV. But by extension, they may embrace it.
I’m not sure it will change hearts and minds—ie. Deplorables.
So for now WIERD will suffice as a device to focus attention on the dangers of the T and the MAGAverse. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.