That's why I buy Rubio being the eventual successor, because he seems more capable of wielding actual power and consolidating the regime.
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Rubio doesn't have the GOP/MAGA fanbase AND malleability The Heritage Foundation would be looking for in a successor. Plus he consistently exudes uncertainty and fear, like a kid who didn't do the homework and hopes the teacher doesn't call on him.
aug 14, 2025, 5:40 pm • 6 0 • view
he also looks like Ralph Wiggum
aug 14, 2025, 5:43 pm • 0 0 • view
The thing about the cult of personality is that it will generalize and rationalize itself after the figurehead dies. I would argue it is already undergoing this process given how increasingly obvious it is that Trump is aging out + his less than tasteful Epstein response
aug 14, 2025, 5:44 pm • 13 0 • view
This is to say, the movement will look to rationalize and consolidate as a movement and so cult figureheads themselves become less important. There’s already too much trouble between all of Trump’s children combined.
aug 14, 2025, 5:45 pm • 10 0 • view
Yeah, Vance obviously does not have command of the movement like Trump does, but the right people and institutions have already signaled willingness to pass their acquiescence onto him when the time comes. They've decided he'll do.
aug 14, 2025, 6:48 pm • 1 0 • view
And I think it's especially easy to inherit the mantle of an anti-democratic movement, given that dissent is already not tolerated and there is no expectation of doing something that demonstrates an achievement of popular legitimacy.
aug 14, 2025, 6:48 pm • 0 0 • view