Trump Is Making the 250th Small
The State Fair rally was an empty celebration of a man instead of a country.
TL;DR
- The event, intended as a 250th birthday celebration for American democracy, was treated by Donald Trump as a partisan rally.
- Trump's speech was characterized by division, grievance, and self-congratulation, focusing on "red-meat issues" rather than civic celebration.
- The author contrasts Trump's "vulgar nationalism" with patriotism, arguing that Trump views America's greatness as a competition against other nations.
- Instead of reminding people of the nation and its ideals being bigger than all of us, Trump focused on his own greatness and how it makes America great.
- Multiple artists canceled their participation upon realizing Trump would use the event for a partisan spectacle.