Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, Larry, shares his response to Trump's recent comments concerning immigrants, who the former President claims are poisoning the country. Larry's argument is that Trump's harmful rhetoric continues to evolve as the election day approaches. Despite the blatant racism, he finds support in his MAGA base, while the larger Republican Party remains silenced by fear of intimidation.
However, Larry also asserts that such rhetoric cannot sway a general election. The majority of Democrats and most independents, Larry argues, do not subscribe to Trump's divisive portrayal of America. Comparing Trump's extremist rhetoric to that of Adolf Hitler's, Larry points to striking similarities in the former President's and the dictator's perspectives on racial purity.
While some Republicans dismiss Trump's remarks as comedic, Larry urges Americans to acknowledge the reality behind the façade. Considering Trump's track record of inflammatory statements coupled with attempts to translate these sentiments into policy, he argues that dismissing his threat as empty rhetoric is unwise.
Larry is particularly critical of Republicans who withhold public criticism of Trump while sharing their true feelings behind closed doors. He believes their silence indirectly supports Trump's rise in popularity, aiding in the resurgence of his political career.
In contrast to the strictly pro-Trump Republicans, Larry commends Nikki Haley for trying to balance her criticism and compliments for the former president. He acknowledges the potential of her gaining momentum in New Hampshire. However, he criticizes her for attempting to 'have it both ways' with her stance on the former president.
Larry warns that ignoring the possibility of Trump assuming an authoritarian rule could have dire consequences, given his past attempts to overturn an election. The director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia maintains that Trump's potential threat to American democracy should be taken seriously, especially by those who dismissed his credibility before.
