Give Trump Credit - He Knows How Stupid His Base Is

After yesterday's Trump rally in Iowa, I have to hand it to Trump...regardless of the consequences from starting an illegal war to crippling tariffs his base still adores him.

It remains me of a domestic situation where one spouse is mistreating the other and the other accepts the cruelty just to be next to their lover.

After the rally reporters from several organizations asked attendees about being concerned about the high prices caused by Trump's illegal war.

One attendee, a Nebraska voter, replied, "I'm sure people don't like high gasoline prices, but I look at it, as soon as we get this war over with, it will be worth it."

Another voter said he was more concerned about issues affecting children than about rising prices.

"I'm not worried about the high prices at this point. I'm more worried about how our kids are getting mishandled in schools," said an Iowa voter, identified only as Corey.

Trump's loyal supporters will tolerate high prices if it stops them from admitting Trump broke a major campaign promise. 

Studies have shown this loyalty is driven by a complex mix of psychological mechanisms, differing definitions of "truth," and deep-seated political identities. 

Then you throw in the fact that MAGA is a cult and Trump is their king. The faithful perceive Trump as highly honest because he excels at "belief-speaking." When he makes an exaggerated or factually inaccurate statement, supporters frequently view it not as a lie, but an authentic expression of a deeper truth they already believe.

It helps to take into account that Trump's base lives in an "alternative reality bubble." Within this space, mainstream fact-checkers and traditional news institutions are dismissed as biased or "fake news."

Trump is always asking for, and getting money, from his base. He utilizes continuous, high urgency email and text message campaigns that rely on polarizing language to solicit recurring financial donations year-round.

By leveraging his brand Trump soaks his base through commercial products, ranging from standard campaign merchandise (like "MAGA" hats) to branded bibles, digital trading cards (NFTs), sneakers, and promotional access on platforms like Truth Social.  

As it Stands, because Trump is a malicious narcissist he doesn't love anyone but himself. His clueless base believes he loves them. Trump just grins and keeps taking advantage of their stupidity.