Trumpism as Political Philosophy

[Angel Martin]

9. i don't think Latin American Caudillismo

exactly captures what Trump is about - although there are similarities.

I think "Jacksonianism" best captures the Trumpian philosophy (perhaps "instinct" is a better word) to politics.

This essay by Walter Russel Mead, written over 20 years ago, describes the history and development of Jacksonianism in America.

http://denbeste.nu/external/Mead01.html

It's a long read but worth it. It presents a case that there actually is a coherent world view behind Trump's apparently erratic moves. And that world view is specifically grounded in American history, and is not an import from the far right in europe.

it also sheds some additional light on:
why Trump has a weird foreign policy mixture that seems to combine elements of isolationism with Dr Strangelove aggression in war.
why Trump is campaigning hard on the 2nd Amendment, but isn't so thrilled with the 1st
why Trump is against "big government", but social security, medicare, student loans and mortgage subsidies are ok
why Trump is more than ready to torture the likes of Al Qaeda/ISIS, but wouldn't use torture against more "honorable" enemies
why Trump's campaign of 'simplistic' slogans is working so well with his target audience.
why Trump is so convincing to the economically hard pressed middle class.
why Trump's crudeness and mockery of elite political norms has been so popular in certain quarters.

again, it is long but worth it.