this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2026
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Leopards Ate My Face

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A small business owner who voted for Donald Trump recently posted a video on TikTok, pleading for help as crushing tariffs on China threatened to bankrupt his operation, which imports alloy wheels. His call for support, however, drew little sympathy from some fellow Americans.

“Votes have consequences,” he was told, with many comments from Twitter/X users relishing the notion that another MAGA voter was suffering because of their political choice. The backlash prompted a second video from the man, in which he dropped several F-bombs while criticizing the apparent heartlessness of those celebrating his hardship.

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[–] forrgott@lemmy.zip 44 points 23 hours ago (8 children)

Actually, that's not the issue. Like, for real, I'm not trying to mock you it anything like that; I submit disagree with the premise.

The problem is fear, not lack of intelligence. They're cowards. Fear can, and will, make fools of the smartest people. But really, what's the common theme in literally all Republican messaging? Fear.

[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 6 hours ago

It's both. And they feed into one another.

[–] krashmo@lemmy.world 61 points 23 hours ago (2 children)

You have to be stupid to be afraid of the things they say you should be afraid of.

[–] BurgerBaron@piefed.social 7 points 18 hours ago

Their leaders play zero sum games with their stupid followers enabling them.

This is also stupid.

[–] Clent@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Agreed. When in a moment of common someone explains with logic why there is no reason to be afraid, any remaining fear is entirely illogical. Therefore any person who continues to feel the fear has rejected logic and can be best described as a stupid whiny little bitch. The abbreviation for this is M.A.G.A, the initialism only makes sense is it's original stupidlittlebitchanese.

[–] jerkface@lemmy.ca 1 points 7 hours ago

Are you even conscious of what the point of all this bad faith rationalization is?

[–] SabinStargem@lemmy.today 4 points 15 hours ago

If we have a progressive president, the trick would be for them to exude an aura of courage and certainty. FDR and Theodore did that, and are among the top five American presidents for it. Fireside chats were something that FDR did, not just to explain, but also to reassure. Before him, Theodore, was willing to risk his own flesh in battle and to remain standing after being shot by an assassin.

We need brave guys and gals to speak for a better future.

[–] Rhoeri@piefed.world 22 points 22 hours ago

One can be both stupid and fearful. In fact, Trump needs his minions to be both of these things, because with intelligence and rationality, comes the notion that one need not fear things like the LGBTQ+, or women.

When people are stupid enough to believe they have something to fear, the solution can be easily sold to them.

[–] Nastybutler@lemmy.world 12 points 21 hours ago

Porque no los dos?

[–] prex@aussie.zone 8 points 20 hours ago

I remember reading somewhere the disgust is a strong motivator for right wing voters. It was a study where simply cleaning the area where people vote increased support for progressive candidates.

[–] athatet@lemmy.zip 4 points 18 hours ago

It’s deffo both.

[–] Kaz@lemmy.org 5 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

All right wing strategies is about fear, all around the world it's the same tactics, and sorry but the stupid fall for those tactics.

[–] forrgott@lemmy.zip 3 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago) (2 children)

Not just the stupid. Is it stupid to give in to fear? Well, yes, of course it is; but even genius is not infallible. And, unfortunately, the propagandists know exactly how to trap you in fight or flight mode.

It's hard not to dehumanize those that helped bring this about. I know. But it's not an easy, simple thing, and it's been brewing for the entire history of this country. Not to mention bigotry is the favored tactic of our adversary. Behaving on their level is not my plan, I don't know about the rest of y'all...

[–] ChunkMcHorkle@lemmy.world 2 points 15 hours ago

No, you're right. Thank you for the reminder.

[–] Bronzebeard@lemmy.zip 5 points 21 hours ago

It's stupid to give into irrational fear. Yes.