The Mugshot Worth A Thousand Words? by Robert Reich
(2023-08-26 at 16:28:33 )

The Mugshot Worth A Thousand Words? by Robert Reich

A defiant photograph is not "news." It is a symbol, an image. Which is exactly what Donald Trump is.

I want to talk about symbols, images, and fascism.

Here is Donald Trumps mugshot from his arraignment yesterday in Georgia. It is a look of defiance-which I am sure he practiced repeatedly beforehand-intended for his supporters and his Republican base to feel defiant, too.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this is Donald Trumps thousand-word response to Wednesday nights Republican debate that he declined to attend.

He is as close to America has come to a fascist leader, who does not want his followers to think or analyze. He wants them only to feel.

He timed his arraignment in Georgia for yesterday so that it-and this photo-would dominate Thursdays and Fridays news, rather than anything or anyone emerging from the debate.

But a defiant photograph is not "news." It is a symbol, an image. Which is exactly what Donald Trump is. He has no political platform, no specific policy agenda, no new ideas, and no plan for what he will do if he gets a second term.

He exists as a symbol for the anger, discontent, bigotry, and vindictiveness he has unleashed in the United States of America.

He is as close to America has come to a fascist leader, who does not want his followers to think or analyze. He wants them only to feel.

Donald Trumps lackeys fell in line, expressing the defiance Donald Trump projected in his mug shot.

On Newsmax, Sarah Palin called for civil war.

Foxs Laura Ingraham told viewers that Donald Trumps arrest was proof that government officials are trying to "take them out."

Foxs Sean Hannity said the Department of Justice will target Republicans "until there is nothing left of the party."

All brainless bile.

Last Thursday, Donald Trump complained that Fox News "purposely show the absolutely worst pictures of me, especially the big "orange" one with my chin pulled way back. They think they are getting away with something, they are not. Just like 2016 all over again.. And then they want me to debate!"

Of course he is angry. For the man who is all symbol and image and without substance, a photo like the following conveys a brainless buffoon. It must drive him crazy.

But Donald Trump is not a brainless buffoon. He is a cunning marketer, a diabolic manipulator of the public, a sly producer of his own daily reality show. His lead in the GOPs presidential sweepstakes has grown. He will almost certainly be the Republican candidate for president next year-even if he is in jail.

How to debate a symbol? How to take on an image? How should Biden and the Democrats, and everyone who cares deeply about this country, respond to a demagogue who obsesses over what he projects rather than what he stands for? How to deal with a fascist who does not want followers to think but only to feel rage?

Expose him for who he is.

Reprinted here from "Common Dreams" has been providing breaking news & views for the progressive community since 1997. We are independent, non-profit, advertising-free and 100% reader supported.