All my friends are in High Anxiety over the closeness of the election numbers. All of us have voted already and are not in a swing state. Your column is all that keeps us off the ledge. Educated women everywhere are having trouble sleeping, so thank you for your sliver of light in the darkness!
Donald Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden was a spectacle that may go down in history as the self-inflicted end of his political career. What was touted as a return to his “king of New York” days instead showcased an unfiltered display of racism, xenophobia, and authoritarianism that many Americans will likely find chilling. This event served as a stark reminder of Trump’s intent for vengeance and retribution rather than uniting the country.
The rally was marred by vitriolic speeches that bordered on neo-fascism, with a lineup of speakers who slung slurs and promoted conspiracy theories. Tony Hinchcliffe, one of Trump’s warm-up acts, tossed out vile, baseless slurs, calling Puerto Rico “an island of floating garbage”—an egregious comment in a city home to nearly 600,000 Puerto Ricans. He went on with “jokes” about Black and Latino communities that were both appalling and strategically alienating to millions of American voters. It was as if Trump and his surrogates were intent on making the rally as offensive and exclusionary as possible.
One speaker described Vice President Kamala Harris as managed by “pimp handlers” and called for “slaughtering” Democrats, while Stephen Miller offered comments that echoed the darkest eras in American history: “America is for Americans and Americans only.” Trump, for his part, spoke in a long, winding monologue filled with conspiracy theories and insults, particularly targeting journalists and Democrats. He called his opponents “enemies of the people” and promised to use the military to exact retribution, chilling echoes of authoritarianism that leave no doubt about his agenda.
The rally's atmosphere was dominated by a sense of racial hostility and a fervent call for a return to an “America” that only Trump’s base seems to envision. Trump called the U.S. an “occupied country” and attacked Harris as a “low IQ individual,” adding layers to his ongoing personal vendetta against her and others. His message is clear: his campaign is driven by resentment, exclusion, and punishment.
Trump’s attack on the media also highlighted his disdain for accountability. Journalists in the crowd faced boos, with Trump egging his followers on to mistrust the press. It was a deliberate move to create an environment where truth is disregarded, and anyone opposed to his rhetoric is treated as a traitor. By repeatedly labeling his opponents as “the most sinister and corrupt forces on earth,” Trump showed his intention to govern not as a leader of all Americans but as a ruler over his most fervent supporters.
Notably, Elon Musk made an appearance, adding another layer of irony by condemning illegal immigration despite his own questionable immigration history. Musk’s alignment with Trump is a stark reminder of the billionaire class’s interest in Trump’s promise to “slash the size of government”—especially the parts that scrutinize corporate giants.
While Trump’s supporters cheered on calls for punishment and retribution, the rally might be the final blow to his dwindling electoral chances. In a country where the majority of voters oppose the hateful, divisive rhetoric on display, Trump’s rally may have only served to solidify his opposition. Political analysts might see this as Trump’s swan song, a performance that drove voters away rather than inspired new support.
The extremism on display at Madison Square Garden won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Trump’s attempt to revive his political career by stirring anger and fear may have instead shown Americans exactly why he should not return to the White House. As November 5 approaches, the rally serves as a potent reminder of what’s at stake: the choice between democracy and a leader who sees dissent as an enemy to crush. Trump may have intended to galvanize his base, but the result is likely to be a historic mobilization of voters against him.
There have been many times when Trump has killed his political career, but for some un-explainable reason, he appears to still be there. I hope his bubble will finally burst on November 5th.
I hope you are right about this rally being a watershed moment that sinks Trump’s political prospects, but I have doubts. It feels like we, collectively as a society, have become unmoored from reality and from the values that have, in the past, allowed us to transcend our differences and really “make America great”.
I agree with Joe Biden that America's best days are ahead of her. The United States is poised to lead the world into a new era of prosperity and peace. We just have to make it over this Trump hump.
Excellent review but what you may not understand about white supremacy is it is intentional without caring about repercussions. There is no self inflicted harm, they know what they are doing and have a plan not back up but a plan with the House of Representatives to steal the election. Mike Johnson is ready to do 45’s bidding especially if the election is close. What WE need to do “The Resistance” is come up with our own 2025 plan when the Coup starts.
Your review doesn’t mention Trump’s reference to his “little secret” with Mike Johnson. If this secret is their collusion for Johnson to withhold certification of the Electoral College ballots and throw the election into the House, then the repulsive effect of the Garden swan song is of little consequence.
Dear Prof. Richardson: I don’t think you stand corrected on the “October surprise”. You simply underestimated how low Trump and the MAGA crowd can go in the waning days of the election - understandable for any decent person. The English language fails us and one runs out of descriptions for their behavior: Racist?, Xenophobic? Morally squalid? Abominable? Disgusting? And yet, here we are, with an election that apparently stands on a knife’s edge.
They flip the bird at reason, decency & real American values..
It’s no longer about “policy”. It’s about ultimate power over the world’s biggest economy. Millions of brain washed Americans have fallen for the hype, the lies, and the deception. It is beyond sad. It is an apocalypse.
Fascist
Lying
Intolerant
Corporate-run
Klan
feel free to press "like" while you can still express an opinion!
Demagogues tend to repeat themselves and democracies tend to vote Few Flash against them and sweep them in the garbage heap of history. Figuring most women and insulted minorities are repulsed by his party and their wicked points of view. I bet they don’t have a chance to destroy democracy and rise up as the fascists history has destroyed time and time again..
I hope so but history tends to repeat itself with demigods and false prophets every 80-90 years, which results in mass human devastation. I sincerely hope America will defeat this round peacefully at the ballot box!!!
Heather, Thank you for a timely and thorough response regarding Trump’s fascist rally (which he was 2 hours late for) last night.
The headline speakers certainly all spoke exactly how Stephen Miller speaks and wasted no words to degrade Puerto Ricans.
One would think that most of the over 6,000,000 Puerto Ricans living in the US will most likely NOT be voting for Trump after listening to all the racist statements hurled toward them!
The Republicans running in extremely close elections were wisely very quick to distance themselves from Trump this morning!
Most news sources (and all Republican attendees) failed to mention the 100,000 protesters standing outside last night while the racist words were being slung around .
to be sure, we live in a very divided and diversified country. The stakes could not be higher for Ms Harris. If the "R"'s win our country may never recover. I can not understand what is really in it for Trump and his cohorts. What do they plan to gain.? and what is it with the main stream media? have they no sense og objectivity and honesty? I can not believe what I am witnessing!
While it is somewhat encouraging that at least some Republicans in close races this year recognized that they should disavow the content of this rally, it is frightening that others who are not up for re-election this year or who have safe seats, have not spoke up or have even defended Trump and the other speakers at the rally.
The 1939 Nazi rally at MSG was not a rally for a man who, according to the polls, could be elected president of the U.S. next week.
Sadly, the many early voters who may have voted for Orange man & now think differently are locked into their original choice. The comparisons to 1939 rally @ the Gardens is chilling. Again, why was I led to believe I had a good education through the 60's & 70's when I wasn't taught many details of wars? Thankfully, I had parents who I watched the news with, read the paper with, discussed politics & had access to great history books. Wake up USA. I don't want to live out the rest of my life fighting brown shirt politics.
Just when you thought Trump's campaign couldn't get more disturbing, he goes ahead and doubles down. Maybe, just maybe, he crossed the line here and his MAGA loyalist will finally wake-up, but I'm still not gonna hold my breath.
TFG may figure that running and losing would be the best way out of legal trouble. Harris would presumably not want to be the first president to try to jail her opponent. Yet he needs to be put on probation at the least, lest he use his immunity to try to remain in control of the Republican Party and keep contributions flowing. No scenario is to bizarre to imagine when talking about TFG.
sad state of affairs these United States - why are they doing this - Trump and his minions would never have amassed the wealth they have stolen from us
As usual in much less that the HOURS the Rally went on you gave us the important news. Disgraceful show of Fascism - Rhetoric to inflame the hate. Speakers were awful! Comments worse! Trump and Co are the Garbage in the Country no doubt about that. No doubt Trumps wearing Proud Boy Colors was a signal they should stand by and be ready. When do we do the same? Be ready?
it was so hard to listen to the words that came out of the speakers at the Madison Square Garden rally and the response of the MAGA cultists. I am ashamed for these people. The whole thing made sick to my stomach. It is frightening that this despicable human could end up in the White House AGAIN! From an 11th generation American whose ancestors never owned slaves and paid the Native Americans for the land they farmed.
I quit the Post and my Amazon membership. Enough is enough!
All my friends are in High Anxiety over the closeness of the election numbers. All of us have voted already and are not in a swing state. Your column is all that keeps us off the ledge. Educated women everywhere are having trouble sleeping, so thank you for your sliver of light in the darkness!
The 7 Sisters have your back - Well 5 now but over 50,000 alums of us have cast votes for Harris - Blue all the way!
"A Political Death in Garden Square"
Donald Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden was a spectacle that may go down in history as the self-inflicted end of his political career. What was touted as a return to his “king of New York” days instead showcased an unfiltered display of racism, xenophobia, and authoritarianism that many Americans will likely find chilling. This event served as a stark reminder of Trump’s intent for vengeance and retribution rather than uniting the country.
The rally was marred by vitriolic speeches that bordered on neo-fascism, with a lineup of speakers who slung slurs and promoted conspiracy theories. Tony Hinchcliffe, one of Trump’s warm-up acts, tossed out vile, baseless slurs, calling Puerto Rico “an island of floating garbage”—an egregious comment in a city home to nearly 600,000 Puerto Ricans. He went on with “jokes” about Black and Latino communities that were both appalling and strategically alienating to millions of American voters. It was as if Trump and his surrogates were intent on making the rally as offensive and exclusionary as possible.
One speaker described Vice President Kamala Harris as managed by “pimp handlers” and called for “slaughtering” Democrats, while Stephen Miller offered comments that echoed the darkest eras in American history: “America is for Americans and Americans only.” Trump, for his part, spoke in a long, winding monologue filled with conspiracy theories and insults, particularly targeting journalists and Democrats. He called his opponents “enemies of the people” and promised to use the military to exact retribution, chilling echoes of authoritarianism that leave no doubt about his agenda.
The rally's atmosphere was dominated by a sense of racial hostility and a fervent call for a return to an “America” that only Trump’s base seems to envision. Trump called the U.S. an “occupied country” and attacked Harris as a “low IQ individual,” adding layers to his ongoing personal vendetta against her and others. His message is clear: his campaign is driven by resentment, exclusion, and punishment.
Trump’s attack on the media also highlighted his disdain for accountability. Journalists in the crowd faced boos, with Trump egging his followers on to mistrust the press. It was a deliberate move to create an environment where truth is disregarded, and anyone opposed to his rhetoric is treated as a traitor. By repeatedly labeling his opponents as “the most sinister and corrupt forces on earth,” Trump showed his intention to govern not as a leader of all Americans but as a ruler over his most fervent supporters.
Notably, Elon Musk made an appearance, adding another layer of irony by condemning illegal immigration despite his own questionable immigration history. Musk’s alignment with Trump is a stark reminder of the billionaire class’s interest in Trump’s promise to “slash the size of government”—especially the parts that scrutinize corporate giants.
While Trump’s supporters cheered on calls for punishment and retribution, the rally might be the final blow to his dwindling electoral chances. In a country where the majority of voters oppose the hateful, divisive rhetoric on display, Trump’s rally may have only served to solidify his opposition. Political analysts might see this as Trump’s swan song, a performance that drove voters away rather than inspired new support.
The extremism on display at Madison Square Garden won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Trump’s attempt to revive his political career by stirring anger and fear may have instead shown Americans exactly why he should not return to the White House. As November 5 approaches, the rally serves as a potent reminder of what’s at stake: the choice between democracy and a leader who sees dissent as an enemy to crush. Trump may have intended to galvanize his base, but the result is likely to be a historic mobilization of voters against him.
There have been many times when Trump has killed his political career, but for some un-explainable reason, he appears to still be there. I hope his bubble will finally burst on November 5th.
I hope you are right about this rally being a watershed moment that sinks Trump’s political prospects, but I have doubts. It feels like we, collectively as a society, have become unmoored from reality and from the values that have, in the past, allowed us to transcend our differences and really “make America great”.
I agree with Joe Biden that America's best days are ahead of her. The United States is poised to lead the world into a new era of prosperity and peace. We just have to make it over this Trump hump.
amen.... but there are so many uneducated people in this country...
Excellent review but what you may not understand about white supremacy is it is intentional without caring about repercussions. There is no self inflicted harm, they know what they are doing and have a plan not back up but a plan with the House of Representatives to steal the election. Mike Johnson is ready to do 45’s bidding especially if the election is close. What WE need to do “The Resistance” is come up with our own 2025 plan when the Coup starts.
Your review doesn’t mention Trump’s reference to his “little secret” with Mike Johnson. If this secret is their collusion for Johnson to withhold certification of the Electoral College ballots and throw the election into the House, then the repulsive effect of the Garden swan song is of little consequence.
Dear Prof. Richardson: I don’t think you stand corrected on the “October surprise”. You simply underestimated how low Trump and the MAGA crowd can go in the waning days of the election - understandable for any decent person. The English language fails us and one runs out of descriptions for their behavior: Racist?, Xenophobic? Morally squalid? Abominable? Disgusting? And yet, here we are, with an election that apparently stands on a knife’s edge.
I watched coverage of Trump’s rally in NYC.
The Republican Party is now Trump’s “Flick" Party
They flip the bird at reason, decency & real American values..
It’s no longer about “policy”. It’s about ultimate power over the world’s biggest economy. Millions of brain washed Americans have fallen for the hype, the lies, and the deception. It is beyond sad. It is an apocalypse.
Fascist
Lying
Intolerant
Corporate-run
Klan
feel free to press "like" while you can still express an opinion!
Demagogues tend to repeat themselves and democracies tend to vote Few Flash against them and sweep them in the garbage heap of history. Figuring most women and insulted minorities are repulsed by his party and their wicked points of view. I bet they don’t have a chance to destroy democracy and rise up as the fascists history has destroyed time and time again..
I hope so but history tends to repeat itself with demigods and false prophets every 80-90 years, which results in mass human devastation. I sincerely hope America will defeat this round peacefully at the ballot box!!!
Heather, Thank you for a timely and thorough response regarding Trump’s fascist rally (which he was 2 hours late for) last night.
The headline speakers certainly all spoke exactly how Stephen Miller speaks and wasted no words to degrade Puerto Ricans.
One would think that most of the over 6,000,000 Puerto Ricans living in the US will most likely NOT be voting for Trump after listening to all the racist statements hurled toward them!
The Republicans running in extremely close elections were wisely very quick to distance themselves from Trump this morning!
Most news sources (and all Republican attendees) failed to mention the 100,000 protesters standing outside last night while the racist words were being slung around .
to be sure, we live in a very divided and diversified country. The stakes could not be higher for Ms Harris. If the "R"'s win our country may never recover. I can not understand what is really in it for Trump and his cohorts. What do they plan to gain.? and what is it with the main stream media? have they no sense og objectivity and honesty? I can not believe what I am witnessing!
While it is somewhat encouraging that at least some Republicans in close races this year recognized that they should disavow the content of this rally, it is frightening that others who are not up for re-election this year or who have safe seats, have not spoke up or have even defended Trump and the other speakers at the rally.
The 1939 Nazi rally at MSG was not a rally for a man who, according to the polls, could be elected president of the U.S. next week.
Sadly, the many early voters who may have voted for Orange man & now think differently are locked into their original choice. The comparisons to 1939 rally @ the Gardens is chilling. Again, why was I led to believe I had a good education through the 60's & 70's when I wasn't taught many details of wars? Thankfully, I had parents who I watched the news with, read the paper with, discussed politics & had access to great history books. Wake up USA. I don't want to live out the rest of my life fighting brown shirt politics.
Cindy I'm 70 years old but will spend the rest of my life fighting these brown shirts.
It feels like our nation is in grave danger. Even though there are more of us than there are of them.
I am not surprised by anything MAGA does anymore. MAGA will only fade when it's defeated year after year for at least 6-8 election cycles.
Just when you thought Trump's campaign couldn't get more disturbing, he goes ahead and doubles down. Maybe, just maybe, he crossed the line here and his MAGA loyalist will finally wake-up, but I'm still not gonna hold my breath.
TFG may figure that running and losing would be the best way out of legal trouble. Harris would presumably not want to be the first president to try to jail her opponent. Yet he needs to be put on probation at the least, lest he use his immunity to try to remain in control of the Republican Party and keep contributions flowing. No scenario is to bizarre to imagine when talking about TFG.
sad state of affairs these United States - why are they doing this - Trump and his minions would never have amassed the wealth they have stolen from us
As usual in much less that the HOURS the Rally went on you gave us the important news. Disgraceful show of Fascism - Rhetoric to inflame the hate. Speakers were awful! Comments worse! Trump and Co are the Garbage in the Country no doubt about that. No doubt Trumps wearing Proud Boy Colors was a signal they should stand by and be ready. When do we do the same? Be ready?
it was so hard to listen to the words that came out of the speakers at the Madison Square Garden rally and the response of the MAGA cultists. I am ashamed for these people. The whole thing made sick to my stomach. It is frightening that this despicable human could end up in the White House AGAIN! From an 11th generation American whose ancestors never owned slaves and paid the Native Americans for the land they farmed.
I quit the Post and my Amazon membership. Enough is enough!
Your posts are always amazing, but this is definitely one of the BEST!
Thank you!