Overthinking Trump Support and the Middle Finger

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been way overthinking why so many Americans enthusiastically support Donald Trump. I emphasize enthusiastically for two reasons.

1. Enthusiasm counts in elections. Until the proliferation of mail in and advance options, enthusiasm was critical. Perhaps it is less so today, but it is still very important in getting people to support and contribute to campaigns and, yes, go out and harvest those votes.

2. I have not seen a poll asking Trump supporters if they enthusiastically support him or are reluctantly voting for him over the other option. But the primary results and rally turnouts tell us the enthusiasm level is high for Trump.

Those of use who believe the first Trump administration was successful in many ways but were appalled at how it ended with election denial and three hours of silence during the January 6 Capitol protests wonder how and why the level of support is so high?

We’ve been way overthinking it. It is easily explained by the most powerful digit on either hand — the middle finger.

A large swath of “fly over” Americans, many of whom have not always been regular or dependable voters, readily use this digit during election cycles. And here’s what they are saying this year.

To those responsible for the open borders and the resultant influx of illegal migrants …

To those responsible for the uncontrolled influx fentanyl into our country …

To those responsible for the three years of inflation we have experienced …

To those responsible for the shameful way we left Afghanistan …

To those responsible for the lawless looting and crime we see in major cities …

To those responsible for our $33 trillion debt and out of control spending …

Again, don’t overthink it.