This is exactly what Trump did. But the point was to spin himself as the hero. He wants to fool people, not help people.

Welcome to episode 1,503 of the Trump Reality Show: Sadopopulism in action (term and definition from @TimothyDSnyder)

1/ https://twitter.com/ASlavitt/status/1292395370136457216
2/ Here’s how sadopopulism works:

💠First, the would-be oligarchs create a major crisis that causes pain and suffering to ordinary citizens by ignoring a pandemic and encouraging the spread.

💠Next, identify an enemy: The Democrats.
3/ It doesn’t matter that the Democrats tried to contain the virus by urging precautions, and that the Democrats have been trying to help ordinary Americans while Republicans protect the rich.

Because the truth doesn’t matter. It's a show. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/06/25/trumps-dumbfounding-refusal-encourage-wearing-masks/
Analysis | Trump’s dumbfounding refusal to encourage wearing masks

As coronavirus cases surge, top Republicans urge masks. Trump, though, still refuses.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/06/25/trumps-dumbfounding-refusal-encourage-wearing-masks/
4/ Finally would-be oligarchs pretend to “defend” ordinary people from the “enemies” by offering a plan that actually hurts them even more by defunding social security (kill the payroll tax) and creating a bigger financial disaster later, while benefitting the ruling oligarchy.
5/ They get the headlines they want, they rely on a well-oiled propaganda machine, and they count on people not bothering (or not able) to untangle the lies.

People will get frustrated and say “politics is broken” and tune out.
6/ When citizens say "politics is broken" and think it's hopeless and nothing can be done, the oligarchs win.

We can't let them win.

Enough people right now (even people who have seen the lie machine from the inside) are explaining that it’s all a lie. https://twitter.com/Teri_Kanefield/status/1292130291343978497
7/ Here's a more general definition of Sadopopulaism (part of a larger thread).

I'm taking a break from the news (need a lovely Sunday walk, and will finish Part II of It's All A Lie Book Report)

-- unless we learn that Biden picked Kamala Harris 😂 https://twitter.com/Teri_Kanefield/status/1280166218087845888
You can follow @Teri_Kanefield.
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