Reflections on Donald Trump’s Quote: ‘I Wouldn’t Lose Any Voters’
Back in 2016, after the explosive Access Hollywood tape and the subsequent pledges from some of his supporters for silence, I believed that morally-minded Republicans would quickly distance themselves from Trump. However, as we stand on the brink of 2024, the fear is that he underestimates the corrosive power of absolute power and its capacity to manipulate and excuse any wrongdoing. This sentiment is not new; Matthew 4 in the New Testament paints a stark picture of temptation: “And the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, ‘All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.’”
The Promise of Power and Corruptibility
For Trump, the promise of power seems to provide a blank check. It’s the tax breaks, the Supreme Court seat, and the sheer power itself that he finds appealing. It appears that he genuinely believes he can do anything and get away with it. And, as tempting as it might be to dismiss this belief as nothing more than hubris, there might be something to it. The tax breaks and the Court seat alone might be enough to grant him a pardon for any crimes, including his attempts to incite insurrection and subvert democracy.
The Indifference of the Supporters
The idea that he wouldn’t lose any votes was more than just a boast; it was a statement reflecting the voters' willingness to vote for him regardless of his actions. When he made that statement on 5th Avenue, he wasn’t just boasting about his voters’ loyalty; he was pointing to a disturbing truth: that his supporters agreed that they were that dumb.
Unreliable Allies and Alarming Behavior
He can be caught stealing classified documents and selling them to our enemies, yet he still won’t lose votes. This was always one of the few statements that the “orange clown” was known to have said with confidence. Even if he hasn’t been charged with selling the documents, the fact remains that if classified folders were recovered from Biden and it was proven that Trump received millions, I wouldn’t believe he was innocent.
His quote is a chilling embodiment of his understanding of his supporters’ level of loyalty. He stated, “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and wouldn’t lose any voters.” He was saying that his followers would cheer, agreeing that they were that stupid. He didn’t say the police would let him go—he said he wouldn’t lose any voters. It’s hard to argue with something that clear: no matter what illegalities or crimes he commits, his “dumb AF voters” would still vote for him.
How is he smart enough to know this? But he’s comfortable insulting them because he won’t lose any voters—they’re that dumb. His supporters are in a state of pervasive coma, metaphorically wearing diapers on the outside of their clothes. And somehow, he knew who they were.
Conclusion
The reflection on this statement is more than just a historical curiosity; it is a warning about the dangerous consequences of ethical neglect and the potential for power to corrupt completely. As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of politics in 2024, these lessons from the past serve as a critical reminder of the power of truth and the importance of ethical conduct.