Trump’s not Hitler, he’s Mussolini:

[Ferd Berfel]

LINK To SALON:

Trump’s not Hitler, he’s Mussolini: How GOP anti-intellectualism created a modern fascist movement in America
Fascism is about the most powerful epithet one can use -- but it fits with Donald Trump. A historian explains why

In an interview with Slate, the historian of fascism Robert Paxton warns against describing Donald Trump as fascist because “it’s almost the most powerful epithet you can use.” But in this case, the shoe fits. And here is why.

Like Mussolini, Trump rails against intruders (Mexicans) and enemies (Muslims), mocks those perceived as weak, encourages a violent reckoning with those his followers perceive as the enemy within (the roughing up of protesters at his rallies), flouts the rules of civil political discourse (the Megyn Kelly menstruation spat), and promises to restore the nation to its greatness not by a series of policies, but by the force of his own personality (“I will be great for” fill in the blank).

To quote Paxton again, this time from his seminal “The Anatomy of Fascism”: “Fascist leaders made no secret of having no program.” This explains why Trump supporters are not bothered by his ideological malleability and policy contradictions: He was pro-choice before he was pro-life; donated to politicians while now he rails against that practice; married three times and now embraces evangelical Christianity; is the embodiment of capitalism and yet promises to crack down on free trade. In the words of the Italian writer Umberto Eco, fascism was “a beehive of contradictions.” It bears noting that Mussolini was a socialist unionizer before becoming a fascist union buster, a journalist before cracking down on free press, a republican before becoming a monarchist.

Like Mussolini, Trump is dismissive of democratic institutions.
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And he's preparing to 'Order' his brown shirts to disrupt Bernie's rallies. It's gonna get like the early 30'

[DCBob]

1. Same manorisms as well.

We may be experiencing the rise of America's first Dictator.

[Wounded Bear]

2. I've noticed that...

same smug expressions, likes to hug himself self satisfactorily. Has the out-thrust jaw that says "I'm the man." Has that tough-guy pose down pat.

And, I suspect, the same insecurities and failings. Loves to talk big about what he'll do, without any particulars as to how. Seems to assume he can bully his wishes onto others, and far too many people believe he will or can. Has no concept of how his actions and words will trigger reactions in others. No way I want the power of the US government at the hands of an asshole like that.

[hobbit709]

4. Trumpolini

[Ferd Berfel]

6. Drumpfeuhrer or Drumpolini ?!

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. You've got Trumpolini's #, but this part reminds me of another candidate as well:

>>>>This explains why Trump supporters are not bothered by his ideological malleability and policy contradictions: He was pro-choice before he was pro-life; donated to politicians while now he rails against that practice; married three times and now embraces evangelical Christianity; is the embodiment of capitalism and yet promises to crack down on free trade. >>>>

The details and biographical specifics don't line-up very well but what IS the same is the compulsive changing of positions, the lack of a coherent ideology or philosophy.

Except for: "Vote for ME... cause I'm SWELL!"

[socialist_n_TN]

5. Yeah, I've thought Mussolini more so than Hitler too.............

It is fascist either way.

[Ferd Berfel]

7. Well Mussolini invented Fascism,

Hitler just grabbed and ran with it.

[rhett o rick]

8. He not only ran with it, he strengthened it into Totalitarianism. nm

[socialist_n_TN]

11. Yes to both........

I don't think that the Trumpeter would have any problem with a seamless merger of government and corporations. And yes, Hitler did run fascism to it's logical conclusions.

As I said though, any fascism has to be fought, unfortunately sometimes with violence. If you believe in self-defense, as most do, then that's an acceptance that you're going to use violence under those circumstances. I just extend the concept of self-defense to my class.

[Shankapotomus]

14. Which means we should be on the look-out

for a post-Trump Hitler wannabe.

[rhett o rick]

9. Cruz is more like Hitler. Scary. nm

[Ferd Berfel]

10. yep - he has the messianic thing

St Rafael - the Anointed of god, here to bring on the end-times

[socialist_n_TN]

12. A theo-fascist...........

in my view, the worst kind. You can literally excuse ANYTHING if it's "in the service of God".

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Well we have said at home for oh since last July

but most folks are far more familiar with the rise of naziism, and even that is not that good.