Speaking rapid-fire with no spot for others to jump into the conversation, Mr. Trump makes everyone a co-conspirator to his preferred set of facts, or delusions. I must have agreed that he had the largest inauguration crowd in history because I didn’t challenge that. From the private circle of assent, it moves to public displays of personal fealty at places like cabinet meetings. Next comes Mr. Trump attacking institutions and values you hold dear — things you have always said must be protected and which you criticized past leaders for not supporting strongly enough. Along with Republican members of Congress, you tell yourself you are too important for this nation to lose, especially now.

Source: New York Times May 01, 2019 16:30 UTC