This description of MAGA's cult syndrome with the con is spot on

[Quiet Em]

"He embodies what they are afraid to reveal about themselves"

Saw this in the comment section of a news article I was reading.

[Mister Ed]

1. I'd say he embodies what they *used to* be afraid to reveal about themselves.

But with his example and his encouragement, they've come out of the closet - and they feel exhilarated.

[regnaD kciN]

2. I've been saying for years that he's a "shoulder devil"...

…as in the old cartoons where the main character was facing a temptation, and a mini-angel suddenly appeared on one shoulder, urging the character to be good, and a mini-devil on the other, telling the character to disregard the rules and do whatever they wanted, no matter how damaging.

Trump is like that “shoulder devil” – the fact that he’s been able to always act according to his basest instincts and not only not pay any price, but get elevated to the most powerful and respected position on earth, gives them “permission” to be the worst version of themselves, too.

[progressoid]

3. Yep. He's normalized being a selfish, ignorant, brutish asshole.

Plus a dozen or more other things.

[usonian]

4. Cults often "legitimize" normally forbidden or shunned behavior as part of their appeal.

Of course, it's self-defeating (as they all find out too late) and only the cult leader(s) benefit.