While it is clear that the President has given ample evidence that he suffers from extreme narcissism, his money and now his power have so far shielded him from its consequences (narcissism with money and power is the bane of america). In fact his pathology has resonated with enough of the electorate to put him in power. Unfortunately, pointing out his pathology only brings more approval from his base as witnessed by some of the comments here. And so far, it doesn’t seem to be a strategy that mobilizes those who may have some qualms to take action. It’s accepted that Mr Trump is erratic and vindictive but the price paid for this isn’t yet worth giving up the power. One wonders when it or if it ever will be. At the same time, it’s clear things will get worse. This is an evolving crisis, with each event feeding the need for further action by Trump et al. to retain power. The playbook they have includes 1) continued playing to the base (more rallies especially) 2) fueling divisive politics (right now that means very right wing nominee for scotus) 3) the orchestration of foreign policy “victories” to claim (trade war, North Korea, immigration, terrorism) and 5) attacking domestic opposition. I am particularly concerned about the latter because the key theme to power that Trump has pursued is stoking up fear. If domestic opposition is perceived as getting too strong, how hard would it be for dark forces to engineer an event that would lead to a declared state of national emergency?

All of this begs the question though- what is it in Mr Trump that speaks to his base and what is in them that finds the message so appealing. I would suggest that the drama and theatre are critical. Reality tv that makes it look like something is happening and you can root for your guy. I also suspect that Mr Trumps efforts to project himself as having money and capabilities-being a “big guy” who can be crass if he wants also appeals. It must feel for his electorate that they have power directly through him. Of course all electorates feel the power of their representative to some degree. In this case I think that sense of power is visceral and embodied. The power is through Trump. Which is why efforts to address his pathology have so little impact on his base. They share his pathology. It’s their path to power.

What to do about it? Somehow we have to find a way to sever that embodiment, to make those who feed on trumps powerful narcissism understand that there is nothing there except their own desires. They have to come to see that wearing the emperors new clothes leaves them naked too.