biochem wrote:Viral tweetIf there was an alien invasion, a solid third of the US might well support the aliens.
Which third would depend upon what Trump tweeted about them.
A humorous but wrong statement... suggesting that those opposed to Trump are acting in as equally a partisan kneejerk reaction against anything that individual stands for as Trump's followers are engaged in a knee jerk partisan support for anything he stands for.
But we know that isn't true. Case in point:
In 2013 Obama was launching a military strike in Syria after reported use of chemical weapons against civilian targets. Support for that action in the absence of a specific Congressional war authorization was polled.
Democrats: 36% Favor - 63% Oppose
Republicans: 28% Favor - 71% Oppose
In 2017 almost the exact same scenario. Reported use of chemical weapons against civilian targets in Syria. No Congressional war authorization. Trump launching a military strike in Syria. The same question of support was polled:
Democrats: 37% Favor - 59% Oppose
Republicans: 86% Favor - 11% Oppose
The Democratic position was essentially unchanged within the polling error. Who was president calling for the strike was *irrelevant*. They had an opinion on the subject itself and they based their support on the principles involved.
The Republican position on the strike COMPLETELY REVERSED when it was Trump and not Obama doing it. Clearly showing they weren't basing their support on the policy but on the person.
Only one side of this is engaged in a cult of personality reaction.