Harvey Mansfield on Donald Trump and Political Philosophy

This paragraph introduces the concept of a demagogue, a traditional term used by Plato, Aristotle, and the American founders to describe a political figure who appeals to the masses without concern for principles or quality, seeking only popularity and love from the people. Trump is characterized as a demagogue who loves big rallies, uses tweets to bypass the media, and employs outrageous and shocking statements to appeal to people's hidden resentments and gain attention.

The paragraph discusses Trump's populist appeal, which involves appealing to people's resentment against political correctness and bringing out hidden feelings and thoughts. It contrasts Trump's approach with the progressive idea of "change" and protecting vulnerable minorities, suggesting that Trump's appeal lies in his willingness to disregard boundaries and speak directly to the forgotten majority, promising a vague notion of change or "greatness" that resonates with his supporters.

This paragraph examines Trump's relationship with the common good and America's national pride. It suggests that progressives have lost sight of the common good in favor of catering to specific minority interests, while Trump's appeal to "Make America Great Again" resonates with those who feel excluded from the benefits of political correctness. It also discusses Clinton's attempt to identify with the public through "I feel your pain," contrasting it with Trump's approach of denouncing injustice and expressing resentment.

The paragraph explores how Trump's approach relates to the American founders' vision for the nation. It discusses the founders' belief in a "can-do" spirit combined with respect for individual rights and the Constitution's role in balancing these two principles. It suggests that Trump appeals to the democratic impatience of the people while also highlighting the role of elites in protecting rights and slowing down the process, potentially challenging the founders' vision of a stable and effectual republic.

This paragraph discusses how the Constitution was designed to channel the ambition of individuals like Trump toward the common good, while also checking their power through the separation of powers and the ambition of others. It suggests that American politics is defined by the "politics of contentious ambition" played out before the people, and that the Constitution aimed to enable outstanding individuals to contribute positively rather than being dismissed or exiled.

The paragraph explores the role of political parties in upholding principles and lasting policies, contrasting them with the fleeting nature of demagogues and factions. It discusses the difficulty political scientists face in distinguishing between parties and factions due to their value-neutral methodology, and how parties are seen as serving a function in organizing opinion and enabling majority governance, even if the precise definition of a party remains vague.

This paragraph delves deeper into the nature of political parties, tracing their origins to Edmund Burke's idea of a body united by particular principles, in contrast to the Founders' initial reluctance to embrace parties. It discusses the shift from viewing parties as conspiracies to recognizing their legitimacy and how the concept of "principle" has evolved to signify acting against one's interests for a higher cause, something parties are expected to uphold.

The paragraph examines Trump's relationship with the party system and the Constitution, noting that despite his anti-establishment persona, he owes his victory to the electoral college and Republican support. It suggests that Trump's claims about the popular vote may stem from his dislike of being obligated to these establishments. It also discusses Trump's tendency to lie unnecessarily, which may be a calculated strategy to cause surprise and remain unpredictable, even if it risks overreach.

In this concluding paragraph, the participants reflect on Trump's demagogic tendencies, such as his willingness to lie and make false claims, and the potential risks and advantages of this approach. They acknowledge the difficulty in predicting whether Trump's strategies will ultimately work in his favor or lead to overreach, and the need to observe how events unfold over time.