Trump's efforts to get more money to people hurting from COVID show he knows how a populist should behave, even if, most of the time, he does not so behave. To be sure, Trump, a man with more debt than wealth, has no sympathy with hypocritical Republican hand-wringing about the deficit. Money to Trump is not only fungible, but subjective: you're as wealthy as you think you are. Meanwhile he still hopes to create a groundswell that will let him stay in the White House as President after January 20th. Money in your pocket and a vaccine in your arm--what more can I do for you folks? would be Trump's argument for suspending the Constitution and leaving him in power. In the meantime, Trump knows the little guy is getting screwed (unlike fellow Republicans, he harbors no illusions about that); it's just that he doesn't actually care. In his Grinchy heart of hearts, Trump feels the little guy deserves it for being such a sucker, such a palooka, but if he can score some points by suddenly playing Daddy Warbucks, Trump won't hesitate to sing that numbuh.
In the meantime, between the geopolitical illusions of the power elite and the personal delusions of Donald J. Trump, the nation waits for a Superman (or a Superwoman)--a role for which the Donald is particularly unsuited; but, for some, he's all they have.
Even populism ain't what it used to be.
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