Even Donald Trump appeared almost dazzled by the magical efficacy of one of the mantras of his 2016 campaign. If a rally got a little boring, and he sensed that people might be thinking of leaving, “I just say, ‘We will build the wall!’ and they go nuts,” he crowed.
His “big, beautiful wall” is no closer to reality than it was then, but he continues to relish its powers. It is clear that it will not be paid for by Mexico, as once promised, and will not do what he says it will to protect the United States. But in his highly performative presidency, Mr Trump values its symbolic importance. Unlike that other mantra – “Lock her up!” – its potency is undiminished by his victory. It allows him to present himself as the eternal insurgent, battling for change against the establishment.
Continue reading...from The Guardian http://bit.ly/2CZiE5I
via
0 Comments