How Lockdowns Influenced Our Manners: The MAGA Divide and Other Reflections

COVID Insights: Lockdowns Made Us Impolite

“If you’ve noticed that the world feels a bit more unpleasant and confrontational than it did a few years ago,” points out J.D. Tuccille of Reason, “you’re not the only one. A significant number of Americans feel that the world has become ruder since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The extreme measures taken by authorities caused “businesses and schools to close,” leading to “the isolation of many individuals.” “This is not an isolated occurrence; similar patterns have been observed repeatedly following public health crises” and “authoritarian measures.” The result of isolation is that “the social greasing of manners and engaging in polite interactions experiences a notable decline.” “It seems that in altering our lives and livelihoods,” those in charge succeeded in disrupting our connections with our neighbors.

Political Divide: MAGA vs. the ‘Realists’?

“Assigning the responsibility of intelligence assessment to an official who has openly criticized the president’s policies is a misstep that should be recognized early,” claims Lee Smith of Tablet, referring to Daniel Dale, who was nominated for a “key position in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.” Dale has been critical of Trump regarding Iran, China, and other issues, and was dismissed before even starting the job. However, the perception of a division within Trump’s camp between a “realist” or isolationist group and a more traditionally proactive Reaganite faction doesn’t hold water. This is ultimately about “an external force” — backed by Trump critics like Charles Koch and George Soros — “aiming to attach itself to MAGA in order to undermine Trump’s America First approach to foreign policy.”

Trade Dispute: Make Your Case, Don

President Trump’s tariffs are “creating resentment” and making him appear like “a tyrannical ruler” from whom “control should be taken,” observes Christopher Caldwell at The Free Press. However, there is “strong evidence supporting some of Trump’s claims.” He’s right that “the current structure of the global economy is not viable.” A “managed shift to a more sustainable global economic framework” would be “beneficial.” Unfortunately, Trump’s tariffs feel more like an abrupt cessation. Moreover, there isn’t “sufficient public advocacy” for them — although there is “a valid case” to be put forth. Trade policy issues may be “difficult to elucidate,” but it is crucial that Trump does so. If he fails to “engage the public,” he might struggle to maintain his course; on the flip side, if he succeeds “in making his case,” he could “prevail and even merit it.”

Ukraine Situation: Putin’s Strategy Against NATO

Vladimir Putin’s “larger strategic aim” concerning the Ukraine conflict is “to dismantle NATO,” caution Mark Toth & Jonathan Sweet at The Hill. Putin understands that “his military cannot overcome NATO forces,” but he can “weaken trust” within the alliance’s 32 members. “If Putin emerges from Ukraine with increased wealth and confidence, he will pursue further incursions into Europe — particularly the Baltic States — and this will be more manageable if he can first weaken the transatlantic NATO alliance.” Thus, he is working to “create a rift between Trump and his European partners,” who are “falling for the ploy.” Nonetheless, “Europe needs to actively work to ensure NATO’s integrity from both internal and external threats” by significantly boosting “its own defense budgets.” “Preserving NATO is essential to safeguarding Europe.”

White House Update: Team Trump’s Communication Strategy

“No administration has reached out to voters as frequently or directly” as President Trump’s, reports Charles Lipson in The Wall Street Journal. Senior officials are “bypassing traditional media channels,” opting for “live interviews, podcasts, and social media posts and videos.” This innovative method allows Team Trump “greater command over the narrative and boosts effectiveness” while significantly advancing Trump’s main objective: “to maintain public backing for his ambitious agenda.” While the opposition rants and delays, “the Trump team is persistently active, reinforcing their viewpoints.” There is a “significant transformation in how high-ranking officials engage with voters and how the press reports on them” — but “the crucial question remains whether their policies will be as effective as their promotion.”

— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board