In a recent essay titled “I Hate Hate,” Elliot Kirschner critiques the divisive nature of contemporary politics, particularly highlighting Trump’s use of hatred as a tool for mobilizing support. Kirschner is incensed by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s poorly-received jokes at a Trump rally, suggesting these comments exemplify a broader hatred that permeates Trump’s political campaigning. He argues that Trump’s approach fosters animosity toward various social entities—such as diversity, women, and democratic norms—under the guise of populism. However, there’s an implication that Kirschner’s own inflection of hate, directed toward Trump and his supporters, clouds his judgment and inhibits a fair assessment of the current political landscape.
The relationship between the political elite, particularly Democrats, and the rise of figures like Trump is complex and deeply rooted in the social dynamics of resentment. Many Democrats fail to acknowledge how their party’s establishment actions have contributed to Trump’s rise, seeing their feelings of aversion as a reflection of Trump’s policies rather than introspections into their own party’s failures. This resentment stems from an increasing awareness of the perceived collusion between the political elite and financial institutions that historically exploit the very public that mobilizes populist sentiments, ultimately giving Trump an opportunity to pitch himself as a champion against this system.
The emergence of Trump’s candidacy can be traced back to the disillusionment arising from the 2008 financial crisis, which many commentators claim resulted from deep-seated corruption within the financial elite. Particularly egregious was the behavior of institutions like Citibank, whose executives, despite being complicit in the fraud that led to the crisis, faced no repercussions thanks to political decisions made during Obama’s administration. The lack of accountability for financial elites galvanized public resentment and provided fertile ground for populism to take root, allowing candidates like Trump to gain traction by positioning themselves as outsiders willing to dismantle the existing order.
In the aftermath of the financial crisis, calls for accountability were largely ignored, leading to further disillusionment among the electorate towards traditional political mechanisms. The Democratic Party’s handling of key figures like Hillary Clinton only exacerbated this situation; her lucrative speeches to Wall Street firms highlighted a disconnect between party leaders and the working class. This corporate alignment, coupled with a perception of neglect toward those affected by the crisis, further entrenched the disdain that had begun to simmer in many segments of the population, effectively creating a pathway for Trump and his political rhetoric.
Compounding these issues, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) diverted attention from internal corruption scandals that emerged during the 2016 election cycle—most prominently, the revelations from leaked emails. Rather than address the damaging information about their leadership and donor ties, the DNC perpetuated the Trump-Russia collusion narrative, which critics argue served as a distraction from legitimate questions regarding the party’s transparency and ethics. This created a scenario where rather than face the music, the party opted to pursue a sensational narrative, ultimately damaging public trust across the board.
Moreover, Hillary Clinton’s acceptance of donations from foreign oligarchs, specifically the controversial relationship with Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk, reflects a willingness to prioritize financial gain over ethical governance. This behavior, which many Democrats were quick to overlook, fosters skepticism about the motivations of political leaders and fuels a national discourse where ideas of corruption and elite elitism can thrive. This multifaceted interplay of resentment, populism, and ethical questions concerning political leadership illustrates why love and hate in politics are often intertwined, complicating the pathways toward meaningful political discourse and progress.