How is Trump a Fascist--specifically???
Well, he's certainly a demagogue, and his appeals echo those of historic fascist movements.
He employs ethnic stereotypes, and appeals to voters on the basis of their fears and prejudices. He insists that the nation is in catastrophic decline and pins the blame on "others" that must be demonized and cast out.
Most fascist movements have relied on the trope of national decline by reason of nefarious outside or traitorous forces, that can be only be solved by placing faith in a Strongman. Mussolini famously boasted that he'd make the trains run on time, almost promising to do so by force of will alone. Trump's acceptance speech was filled with the theme that only He, and He alone, could solve our problems. (If he admonished his followers to vote for the rest of the GOP ticket, for Congress on down, I must have missed it.)
Most fascist movements are centered around a cult of personality. That describes Trump and his uncritical followers to a tee. To fan that cult, he flies to gatherings on a helicopter, his name plastered on the side, and otherwise uses the same sorts of fascist tropes that are intended to project power and authority not based on ideas but on the narcotic of placing one's faith in One Man. He cheers when protesters at his rallies are silenced and removed. He encourages a "brownshirt" mentality on the part of his followers, an attitude that excuses thuggishness is a virtue in support of their Dear Leader.
And did you see how he'd jut his jaw out and tug at his lapels with both hands while soaking in the applause at his acceptance speech? Classic Mussolini.
I understand the source of Trump's appeal. The economic recovery has been historically weak, and U.S leadership generally is both weak and dysfunctional. Who doesn't want to see the trains run on time, the villains routed, and respect for the "forgotten man" restored? But at what cost? Are things really so bad that we will all be checking our consciences and common sense at the door to vote for this narcissistic man and his siren song? Because, "fascism" aside, Trump's personality - his megalomania, his temper, his refusal to listen to counsel, his impetuousness, his vindictiveness - are exactly the wrong traits for a President to have in a perilous world. And the latest jolt, of course, is his apparent ties to Russia. If his businesses are propped up by shade Russian money, isn't that simply an unacceptable conflict of interest for a job that will require dealing with that adversary nation?
I had been counseling that the GOP should accept parts of Trump's messenger, but reject the messenger himself as too unstable and dangerous. That hope is done now - Trump's the nominee and we must all deal with the facts as they are. For me, I must confront the reality of voting against my own self-interest and long-time loyalties to try to stop a man who threatens the safety and prosperity of us all.
