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Seeing Trump and his acolytes lose so spectacularly is powerful schadenfreude for millions across the globe
Donald Trump’s Republicans suffered a decisive defeat in the US midterm elections, though Trump has denied that the result reflects on him. The writer argues that watching his supporters lose has brought many people a moment of relief and amusement, while cautioning that Trump remains president and the political consequences are still unclear.
The article links that reaction to Trump’s public comments about the bodies of male politicians and supporters, including Senator John Husted, who lost his midterm race. It also recalls Trump describing “big, strong, handsome Oklahoma studs” at a rally and dismissing football in front of supporters, many of whom enjoy the sport. The writer says the humour lies in the contrast between these moments and the movement’s strict ideas about masculinity, while arguing that Trump’s remarks reflect his tendency to treat people as objects.
In short
- Republicans suffered a decisive midterm defeat.
- Trump denies the result reflects on him.
- The writer finds irony in his remarks about men and masculinity.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
For those who welcome the Republicans’ defeat, it offers relief that voters have checked a political movement they regard as harmful, and a rare moment of levity after years of polarising politics. Trump’s comments about male politicians and supporters also invite satire: supporters who promote rigid ideals of masculinity may find those ideals unsettled when their own leader speaks about men’s appearance in unexpected terms.
The case against
Those wary of celebrating the defeat argue that electoral outcomes have serious consequences for voters and the country, so treating political losses as entertainment can deepen division and obscure what comes next. They may also see jokes about Trump’s remarks as reinforcing the same habit of judging people by their bodies that the article criticises, while noting that one defeat does not resolve the movement’s influence or the issues that draw people to it.
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