Mike Pence says the virus will be behind us by Memorial Day

[Digressions]

Instead, Trump in all his wisdom decided to open up the political vortex and have idiots running around shouting about their rights etc when really, people should just get serious and hunker down, man-up and deal with it properly.

Instead its a half-cooked approach that was never given enough time to see its fruits and now you want to open up. Its all tactical.

IMO, Trump didn't start the shouting. I'm not sure who started the outrage, but it doesn't feel organic.

The Trumpsters I know, are railing about the government, complaining about the failing economy, complaining about the fiscal and monetary response... basically blaming everyone for everything...except Trump.

I'm not sure how they can logically reach their conclusions, but I gave up trying to understand them long before Trump came along. It appears to me Trump is trying to get back out in front of his base, while not straying too far from the experts, and the more reasonable moderates. He's in a tough spot, but make no mistake, he's abdicated any responsibilities, and is leading from behind.

 

[Bill4411]

IMO, Trump didn't start the shouting. I'm not sure who started the outrage, but it doesn't feel organic.

The Trumpsters I know, are railing about the government, complaining about the failing economy, complaining about the fiscal and monetary response... basically blaming everyone for everything...except Trump.

I'm not sure how they can logically reach their conclusions, but I gave up trying to understand them long before Trump came along. It appears to me Trump is trying to get back out in front of his base, while not straying too far from the experts, and the more reasonable moderates. He's in a tough spot, but make no mistake, he's abdicated any responsibilities, and is leading from behind.

Yea, I know a lot of people, specifically farmers, who still think Trump is devine-literally and a I really can’t understand it but it’s true.

 

[sglowrider]

Yea, I know a lot of people, specifically farmers, who still think Trump is devine-literally and a I really can’t understand it but it’s true.

The Psychology Behind Donald Trump's Unwavering Support
Research explains why Donald Trump maintains support despite shocking behavior.

There’s no doubt that Donald Trump has said many things that would have been political suicide for any other Republican candidate. And almost every time he made one of these shocking statements, political analysts on both the left and the right predicted that he’d lose supporters because of it. But as we have clearly seen over the past year, they were dead wrong every time. Trump appears to be almost totally bulletproof.

The only thing that might be more perplexing than the psychology of Donald Trump is the psychology of his supporters. In their eyes, The Donald can do no wrong. Even Trump himself seems to be astonished by this phenomenon. "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK? It's, like, incredible."


Senator John McCain, who has been a regular target for Trump during his campaign, has a simple explanation for his unwavering support. “What he did was he fired up the crazies.”

Whatever you may think about this statement, it's certainly not a satisfying scientific explanation. So how exactly are Trump loyalists psychologically or neurologically different from everyone else? What is going on in their brains that makes them so blindly devoted?


1. The Dunning-Kruger Effect Rockfish

Some believe that many of those who support Donald Trump do so because of ignorance — basically they are under-informed or misinformed about the issues at hand. When Trump tells them that crime is skyrocketing in the United States, or that the economy is the worst it’s ever been, they take his word for it.

The seemingly obvious solution would be to try to reach those people through political ads, expert opinions, and logical arguments that educate with facts. Except none of those things seem to be swaying any Trump supporters from his side, despite great efforts to deliver this information to them directly.

The Dunning-Kruger Rockfish effect explains that the problem isn’t just that they are misinformed; it’s that they are completely unaware that they are misinformed. This creates a double burden.

Studies have shown that people who lack expertise in some area of knowledge often have a cognitive bias that prevents them from realizing that they lack expertise. As psychologist David Dunning wrote in an op-ed for Politico, “The knowledge and intelligence that are required to be good at a task are often the same qualities needed to recognize that one is not good at that task — and if one lacks such knowledge and intelligence, one remains ignorant that one is not good at the task. This includes political judgment.” Essentially, they’re not smart enough to realize they’re dumb.

And if one is under the illusion that they have sufficient or even superior knowledge, then they have no reason to defer to anyone else’s judgment. This helps explain why even nonpartisan experts — like military generals and Independent former Mayor of New York/billionaire CEO Michael Bloomberg — as well as some respected Republican politicians, don’t seem to be able to say anything that can change the minds of loyal Trump followers.

2. Hypersensitivity to Threat

Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening. A 2008 study in the journal Science found that conservatives have a stronger physiological reaction to startling noises and graphic images compared to liberals. A brain-imaging study published in Current Biology revealed that those who lean right politically tend to have a larger amygdala — a structure that is electrically active during states of fear and anxiety. And a 2014 fMRI study found that it is possible to predict whether someone is a liberal or conservative simply by looking at their brain activity while they view threatening or disgusting images, such as mutilated bodies. Specifically, the brains of self-identified conservatives generated more activity overall in response to the disturbing images.

So how does this help explain the unbridled loyalty of Trump supporters? These brain responses are automatic, and not influenced by logic or reason. As long as Trump continues his fear mongering by constantly portraying Muslims and Mexican immigrants as imminent dangers, many conservative brains will involuntarily light up like light bulbs being controlled by a switch. Fear keeps his followers energized and focused on safety. And when you think you’ve found your protector, you become less concerned with remarks that would normally be seen as highly offensive.

3. Terror Management Theory

A well-supported theory from social psychology, called Terror Management Theory, explains why Trump’s fear mongering is doubly effective.

The theory is based on the fact that humans have a unique awareness of their own mortality. The inevitably of one’s death creates existential terror and anxiety that is always residing below the surface. In order to manage this terror, humans adopt cultural worldviews — like religions, political ideologies, and national identities — that act as a buffer by instilling life with meaning and value.

Terror Management Theory predicts that when people are reminded of their own mortality, which happens with fear mongering, they will more strongly defend those who share their worldviews and national or ethnic identity, and act out more aggressively towards those who do not. Hundreds of studies have confirmed this hypothesis, and some have specifically shown that triggering thoughts of death tends to shift people towards the right.

Not only do death reminders increase nationalism, they influence actual voting habits in favor of more conservative presidential candidates. And more disturbingly, in a study with American students, scientists found that making mortality salient increased support for extreme military interventions by American forces that could kill thousands of civilians overseas. Interestingly, the effect was present only in conservatives, which can likely be attributed to their heightened fear response.


By constantly emphasizing existential threat, Trump creates a psychological condition that makes the brain respond positively rather than negatively to bigoted statements and divisive rhetoric. Liberals and Independents who have been puzzled over why Trump hasn’t lost supporters after such highly offensive comments need look no further than Terror Management Theory.

In this video, I explain this in greater detail, and offer a potential solution to the problem.


4. High Attentional Engagement

According to a recent study that monitored brain activity while participants watched 40 minutes of political ads and debate clips from the presidential candidates, Donald Trump is unique in his ability to keep the brain engaged. While Hillary Clinton could only hold attention for so long, Trump kept both attention and emotional arousal high throughout the viewing session. This pattern of activity was seen even when Trump made remarks that individuals didn’t necessarily agree with. His showmanship and simple messages clearly resonate at a visceral level.

Essentially, the loyalty of Trump supporters may in part be explained by America’s addiction with entertainment and reality TV. To some, it doesn’t matter what Trump actually says because he’s so amusing to watch. With Donald, you are always left wondering what outrageous thing he is going to say or do next. He keeps us on the edge of our seat, and for that reason, some Trump supporters will forgive anything he says. They are happy as long as they are kept entertained.

Of course these explanations do not apply to all Trump supporters. In fact, some may support Trump to be rebellious or to introduce chaos into the system. They may have such distaste for the establishment and Hillary Clinton that their vote for Trump is a symbolic middle finger directed at Washington.

So what can we do to potentially change the minds of Trump loyalists before voting day in November? As a cognitive neuroscientist, it grieves me to say that there may be nothing we can do. The overwhelming majority of these people may be beyond reach, at least in the short term. The best we can do is to motivate everyone else to get out to the voting booths.


This article was originally published at Raw Story.

 

[HillzHoozier]

I'm not afraid. Why are you so afraid to stay indoors? We've been at it and still "living" for two months. I guess folks in Kentucky aren't very tough.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

"He is a unicorn, riding a unicorn over a rainbow."
Sean Spicer on T.rump

 

[VanPastorMan]

The man who does not believe in evolution who was appointed as the coronavirus czar by Trump. Based on the White House model, with status quo social distancing, Georgia was not supposed to be ready for phase 1 until June 15. And now they are opening up their economy and freaking Pence is saying that this is going to be behind us by Memorial Day weekend.

What a week this has been. With Trump and Fox News pumping malaria drugs, Trump saying that the CDC should study injections of toxic cleaning chemicals and Pence saying that this is all going to be behind us in about five weeks - WTF!

The Fed’s involvement in all of this can only be described as gross malfeasance. Fauci is now on his own since Birx had her backbone removed somehow this past week. Hopefully the good people of Georgia are smarter than the hucksters who are throwing Georgia’s citizens under the bus. Time will tell.

Aren't the instances of the virus going down in Georgia? Here is a common sense question. Do you hope that Pence is right?

 

[Lucy01]

Per the dynamic duo of Pense and Trump.

One more week and Covid-19 is largely behind us! With or without a vaccine we are back!

Aren't the instances of the virus going down in Georgia? Here is a common sense question. Do you hope that Pence is right?

Everyone on this board, if they care for human life should hope Pence is right! Regardless of their political view!

 

[bawlmer]

Everyone on this board, if they care for human life should hope Pence is right! Regardless of their political view!

Hope is not a strategy. That's why everyone on this board should vote against Trump/Pence in November.

 

[Lucy01]

Hope is not a strategy. That's why everyone on this board should vote against Trump/Pence in November.

You most have a strategy you agree with, what is it?

 

[bawlmer]

You most have a strategy you agree with, what is it?

The White House's own plan it announced in April was not too bad, actually. But it hasn't been pursued and has actually been undercut by statements from the President.

 

[Lucy01]

The White House's own plan it announced in April was not too bad, actually. But it hasn't been pursued and has actually been undercut by statements from the President.

Quit the diversion, what are your strategy?

 

[mcmurtry66]

The White House's own plan it announced in April was not too bad, actually. But it hasn't been pursued and has actually been undercut by statements from the President.

The white house’s own plan didn’t account for the unique culture of each state and the rugged individualism of so many Americans, and stupidity. Hoot had a good post on this the other day. Comparing Americans to the rest of the world ignores our uniqueness. It’s what makes us great and awful. No national plan would ever work. It’s why our elections are basically 50/50.

 

[Lucy01]

The White House's own plan it announced in April was not too bad, actually. But it hasn't been pursued and has actually been undercut by statements from the President.

The short bus is calling you!

 

[bawlmer]

Quit the diversion, what are your strategy?

Test sick people, trace contacts for positive results and isolate those people, then repeat for all contacts.

 

[Lucy01]

Test sick people, trace contacts for positive results and isolate those people, then repeat for all contacts.

Trump and Pence are doing that already !

 

[bawlmer]

The white house’s own plan didn’t account for the unique culture of each state and the rugged individualism of so many Americans, and stupidity. Hoot had a good post on this the other day. Comparing Americans to the rest of the world ignores our uniqueness. It’s what makes us great and awful. No national plan would ever work. It’s why our elections are basically 50/50.

I don't buy the argument, but it's better than herd immunity. What's missing is the leadership to sell people on the plan.

 

[mcmurtry66]

I don't buy the argument, but it's better than herd immunity. What's missing is the leadership to sell people on the plan.

If you don't buy the argument then you don't have facebook. i see it posted daily. anecdotal, but often.

 

[bawlmer]

Trump and Pence are doing that already !

Only for visitors to the White House.

 

[Lucy01]

Only for visitors to the White House.

And I was there twice last year!

 

[bawlmer]

If you don't buy the argument then you don't have facebook. i see it posted daily. anecdotal, but often.

We just need to be smarter than the Facebook loudmouths. Make it a requirement for their employers to have sick employees tested. Or just entice them with making football contingent on successful treating and tracing.

 

[mcmurtry66]

We just need to be smarter than the Facebook loudmouths. Make it a requirement for their employers to have sick employees tested. Or just entice them with making football contingent on successful treating and tracing.

Yeah i agree. someone had a good post the other day. i think it was marvin about essentially prioritizing those who get tested. for instance if you're a server at a restaurant you should be regularly tested, etc. if you're doing IT from home, maybe not.

 

[Cream&Crimson]

Trump and Pence are doing that already !

No they aren't. Stop lying.

 

[UncleMark]

Yeah i agree. someone had a good post the other day. i think it was marvin about essentially prioritizing those who get tested. for instance if you're a server at a restaurant you should be regularly tested, etc. if you're doing IT from home, maybe not.

But but but... that would mean the McDonalds worker would be ahead of Marvin in line!!!!

 

[mcmurtry66]

But but but... that would mean the McDonalds worker would be ahead of Marvin in line!!!!

i'm still a bit lost on it. if i get tested tues morning and it comes back clear but wed i contract it who gives a shit. without routinized testing i don't think it means much. and i doubt we ever get it routinized.

 

[hoosboot]

It's okay, Hillz. I know you're scared. But, it'll be okay. The rest of America is made up of tough folks who will help you get through it.

 

[UncleMark]

Never fear. All this will go away after the election. I guess that's when the Democrats will turn off the virus.

Eric Trump Claims COVID-19 Will ‘Magically’ Vanish After Election Day

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-trump-covid-19-biden-disappear_n_5ec0b627c5b6d456749bed3d

“You watch,” Eric added. “They will milk it every single day between now and November 3rd.”

“And guess what – after November 3rd, coronavirus will magically, all of the sudden, go away and disappear and everybody will be able to reopen.”​

 

[bawlmer]

i'm still a bit lost on it. if i get tested tues morning and it comes back clear but wed i contract it who gives a shit. without routinized testing i don't think it means much. and i doubt we ever get it routinized.

I would put almost all the emphasis on testing all symptomatic people. Then work backward through testing positive people's contacts to catch asymptomatics. It's not perfect but it best targets the tools we have to fight it fight now.

 

[bawlmer]

And test all nursing home staff twice per week. That by itself will save thousands.

 

[UncleMark]

i'm still a bit lost on it. if i get tested tues morning and it comes back clear but wed i contract it who gives a shit. without routinized testing i don't think it means much. and i doubt we ever get it routinized.

Agreed. I've mentioned this before. People keep talking about Testing! as if it's a magic bullet of some sort. I know it's probably not meant that way, but that's the impression.

I would put almost all the emphasis on testing all symptomatic people. Then work backward through testing positive people's contacts to catch asymptomatics. It's not perfect but it best targets the tools we have to fight it fight now.

Symptomatics, yes, but also those in high contact positions like retail, police, health care, etc. Both groups are being prioritized now from what I can gather, but I don't think they're getting the blanket testing they should. It seems like retail workers in particular aren't getting anywhere close to the scrutiny they should. The clerk at Kroger should get his test long before people like me and Marv.

 

[mcmurtry66]

Agreed. I've mentioned this before. People keep talking about Testing! as if it's a magic bullet of some sort. I know it's probably not meant that way, but that's the impression.

Symptomatics, yes, but also those in high contact positions like retail, police, health care, etc. Both groups are being prioritized now from what I can gather, but I don't think they're getting the blanket testing they should. It seems like retail workers in particular aren't getting anywhere close to the scrutiny they should. The clerk at Kroger should get his test long before people like me and Marv.

these grocery store workers. i mean wtf. my heart pours for them. i'm reading about some bill to forgive student loans by doctors. absurd. this pandemic sucks but their 40 year earnings will be astronomical. they'll be just fine. these grocery store workers are angels. at the store i routinely go to i know half the checkers by name. they've been there for ages. heroes. And, perhaps most importantly, they didn’t sign up for this nightmare.

 

[bawlmer]

these grocery store workers. i mean wtf. my heart pours for them. i'm reading about some bill to forgive student loans by doctors. absurd. this pandemic sucks but their 40 year earnings will be astronomical. they'll be just fine. these grocery store workers are angels. at the store i routinely go to i know half the checkers by name. they've been there for ages. heroes.

Absolutely. Several grocery store workers died here in Maryland.

And nursing home workers. My mom's staff has been amazing. Several quit jobs at multiple facilities (to makes ends meet) in order to limit the risk by working at just one.

 

[Cortez88]

Absolutely. Several grocery store workers died here in Maryland.

And nursing home workers. My mom's staff has been amazing. Several quit jobs at multiple facilities (to makes ends meet) in order to limit the risk by working at just one.

Nursing home CNAs are paid poverty wages. It’s very sad. Especially what they are being asked to do and asked to risk. For $12 an hour.

 

[Sope Creek]

Never fear. All this will go away after the election. I guess that's when the Democrats will turn off the virus.

Eric Trump Claims COVID-19 Will ‘Magically’ Vanish After Election Day

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-trump-covid-19-biden-disappear_n_5ec0b627c5b6d456749bed3d

“You watch,” Eric added. “They will milk it every single day between now and November 3rd.”

“And guess what – after November 3rd, coronavirus will magically, all of the sudden, go away and disappear and everybody will be able to reopen.”​

Sounds a bit like a concession speech . . . .

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

Sounds a bit like a concession speech . . . .

I'm sure when T.rump loses, he will claim that he sacrificed himself for the good of the country.

 

[Lucy01]

Nursing home CNAs are paid poverty wages. It’s very sad. Especially what they are being asked to do and asked to risk. For $12 an hour.

Do you think If the Nursing home CNAs were paid $30 an hour that the Nursing homes wouldn’t pass that expense along to its customers!

 

[82hoosier]

We're all getting this. You can get 'er done 'Merica style and go back to living, or you can stay indoors and have it take 2 years like CA and KY are doing. Eff that.

Stop being afraid.

Quit the diversion, what are your strategy?

14 day downward trajectory. 3 phases. Masks. Testing. Tracing. Have you heard about this?

 

[Lucy01]

14 day downward trajectory. 3 phases. Masks. Testing. Tracing. Have you heard about this?

Worthless!

 

[mcmurtry66]

14 day downward trajectory. 3 phases. Masks. Testing. Tracing. Have you heard about this?

That guideline was tantamount to some ivory tower edict. States weren’t going to follow that. We’d be shutdown too long for the masses to comply. No practicality at all.

 

[bawlmer]

14 day downward trajectory. 3 phases. Masks. Testing. Tracing. Have you heard about this?

Maryland followed this and opened on Friday.

 

[82hoosier]

That guideline was tantamount to some ivory tower edict. States weren’t going to follow that. We’d be shutdown too long for the masses to comply. No practicality at all.

This plan was rolled out by Trump and with 24 hours he was telling three states with democrat governors to liberate themselves.