The Choice in 2020 is Simple — It’s Trumpism vs. America

This election is about the kind of people we are and the nation we aspire to be

Image by pixel2013 from Pixabay

Ever since Donald Trump was elected, many have insisted that the vulgar racism upon which he bases so much of his appeal is “unprecedented,” and “abnormal.”

And sure enough, there are things about the way he deploys racial, ethnic, and cultural hostilities that are new, even in the long and disturbing pantheon of American politics.

For instance, referring to some among a crowd of white supremacists as “very fine people” — as Trump did after the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville — was indisputably unique.

So too, telling four congresswomen of color to “go back” where they came from is something past presidents, no matter their racial biases, have managed to steer clear of doing.

But at the same time, much of Trump’s approach isn’t unique at all.

Playing upon white fears and hostility is one of the oldest plays in the American playbook. Unfortunately, it’s one against which those playing defense have often fallen short.

The good news is, there is an example from recent history that could serve as a guide for Democrats hoping to defeat Trump and the racial…