If Trump really does donate $1 million

[Awsi Dooger]

16. I had to keep my mouth shut while visiting my Republican aunt today

She asked me to check her windows for readiness in case we are hit by Hurricane Irma here in Miami next week.

After doing that, we watched some of the afternoon news, specifically from 5:30 to 5:50. She doesn't have cable but only watches the local Fox affiliate, which is Channel 7. While covering the Harvey aftermath, Channel 7 ran a graphic with the estimated damages and also that Trump plans to donate $1 million of his own money.

My aunt pounced on that aspect and read it off the screen. "President Trump will donate $1 million of his own money." The sentences that followed did not surprise me in the least, after listening to her for the past 18 months.

"Isn't that amazing? Obama never did anything like that. You know he didn't. It shows who cares about people, and who doesn't."

That's the way simplistic Republicans think, based on their biases and the information they choose to allow into their world. She had the most smug expression on her face, as if Channel 7 had just delivered further grand confirmation of her political choice and leader.

Since I'm exposed to that mindset frequently I have no delusions about Trump losing further support, or being in no-chance position toward 2020. There was absolutely no reason for me to say anything to my aunt. It wouldn't stick, and as soon as she gathered with her new circle of right wing widowed friends they would continue to shove her in the same direction.