What are The Political Differences Between Biden and Trump?
There is a constant comparison of Trump to Biden on these forums. According to Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian, he stated that Biden is a Patriot while Trump is a Nationalist. Patriotism and nationalism are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications.
Patriotism is the devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country. It involves a sense of national loyalty. Soldiers defending their country from attack demonstrate exemplary patriotism. Diplomats, teachers, first responders, and volunteers serving their communities also exemplify patriotism. Individual acts of pride, such as displaying a national flag at home, are examples of patriotism.
However, Nationalism is an extreme form of patriotism that emphasizes the superiority of one’s own nation over others. Modern nationalism emerged from French and American revolutions that fought for people’s sovereignty over monarchies.
Historic nationalism contributed to Western liberalism and democracy. In some cases, nationalism has been associated with notions of superiority based on ethnicity, religion, or culture. Nationalism can become aggressive and exclusionary, leading to conflicts between nations.
In summary, while both patriotism and nationalism involve pride in one’s country, nationalism tends to be more extreme and assertive, often emphasizing superiority over other nations.
Trump has explicitly declared himself a nationalist, emphasizing an “America First” philosophy. His promise to prioritize American interests over global concerns is a clear expression of his nationalist ethos.
Critics argue that extreme nationalism can lead to exclusionary policies, xenophobia, and a disregard for international cooperation. Trump’s focus on border security, the Muslim ban, stop funding NATO and other policies of exclusion have fueled debates about nationalism.
Trump’s use of the label “nationalist” echo’s themes central to his political identity since he entered the political arena. In summary, while nationalism can be a legitimate expression of love for one’s country, its extreme forms and potential consequences have sparked controversy and debates about its implications. The term “nationalism” is not inherently toxic, but it has been associated with far-right politics, fascism, and leaders like Mussolini, Hitler, and others. Trump even claims on day one of taking office, he would like to be a dictator.I would have a couple of negative comments here:
1. First, a definition (yours) of what "nationalist" means, followed by saying that because Trump declares himself a nationalist he is what you defined. This is patently untrue; it cannot be true unless Trump agrees with your definition, which he does not.
2. You forgot to mention that "patriots" that fail to maintain sufficient nationalism such as exclusionary policies, xenophobia and a disregard for international cooperation will soon have no country to love. Let the world move in and it will become a world city, not an American (in this case) one. Allow the world to run the country in the name of cooperation and you will not have a country any more. There must be some of that evil nationalism or there will not be a nation.
Finally, the nationalist faction either has those facets of patriotism (love, support and defense of the nation) or there will soon be no nation. Reserving the positive connation words for patriotism and all the negative ones for nationalism paints a very false picture as both are necessary to maintain a nation.Your statement regarding the constant comparison of Trump to Biden on forums, paired with Jon Meacham's assertion that Biden is a patriot while Trump is a nationalist, prompts a discussion on the nuanced differences between patriotism and nationalism, and the potential unfairness inherent in oversimplifying these complex ideologies.
In my view, it's essential to acknowledge that patriotism and nationalism are indeed related but not interchangeable concepts. Patriotism typically denotes a love and devotion to one's country, often manifested through support for its values, institutions, and fellow citizens. On the other hand, nationalism tends to emphasize a fervent loyalty to one's nation, often coupled with a sense of superiority over other nations and a desire for political sovereignty and independence.
The unfairness of your statement lies in its reductionist portrayal of Trump and Biden solely through the lens of patriotism and nationalism. Such simplification overlooks the multifaceted nature of their leadership, policies, and ideologies. While it's undeniable that Trump's rhetoric and policies often exhibited nationalist undertones, characterizing him solely as a nationalist fails to capture the entirety of his political identity. Similarly, branding Biden as merely a patriot overlooks the complexities of his political beliefs, policies, and actions.
Furthermore, the statement's implicit suggestion that patriotism is inherently virtuous while nationalism is inherently flawed is overly simplistic. While patriotism, when tempered with inclusivity and respect for diversity, can foster unity and civic engagement, unchecked patriotism can veer into jingoism and exclusionary attitudes. Conversely, nationalism, when channeled towards constructive ends such as self-determination and collective identity, can serve as a force for positive change. Thus, labeling one leader as a patriot and the other as a nationalist risks oversimplifying their respective ideologies and contributions to national discourse.
Again in my view, relying solely on the opinion of a single individual, even one as respected as Jon Meacham, to categorize political leaders oversimplifies a complex discourse. Political ideologies are subject to interpretation and debate, and reducing them to binary labels overlooks the diversity of perspectives within political discourse.
To clarify your statement and add context to the statement -- "Trump even claims on day one of taking office, he would like to be a dictator."
"We love this guy,” Trump said of Hannity. “He says, ‘You’re not going to be a dictator, are you?’ I said: ‘No, no, no, other than day one. We’re closing the border, and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator."
Please note the demeanor and full context of the conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRpfNJMpHcc
Regarding -- "Trump has explicitly declared himself a nationalist"
From what I gathered in the press question he was asked about the comments he made at a rally about being a nationalist, he seemed to express his strong belief in prioritizing America above all else. He's been consistently vocal about his America First agenda. During the conversation, he appeared to link nationalists with prioritizing their own nation's interests over others. One must listen to the entire video, he speaks twice on Nationalist. Trump offers a clear account of why he feels he uses the word Nationalist. Conext just matters. Only fair to listen to his words, all of them not just one sentence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J9mhLRzWo0**President Joe Biden** has demonstrated his patriotism through various policies and actions during his tenure. Here are some notable examples:
1. **Economic Policies**:
- Biden's focus on **strengthening the economy** has been central to his administration. He has emphasized job creation, manufacturing investments, and infrastructure projects.
- His commitment to bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. and building a strong middle class reflects his love for the country and its people¹.
2. **Foreign Policy Priorities**:
- Biden has prioritized **global alliances** and cooperation. He rallied allies around **Ukraine** during the ongoing war with Russia.
- His support for **Israel** during its conflict with **Hamas** in the Middle East demonstrates his commitment to standing by allies².
3. **Unity and Bipartisanship**:
- Despite a politically divided landscape, Biden has emphasized his openness to **compromise**. He seeks to work with Republicans to strengthen the economy and address national challenges.
- His willingness to find common ground reflects his dedication to the well-being of the nation¹.
4. **Resilience and Leadership**:
- Biden's personal tragedies and challenges have not deterred him from public service. His resilience and determination exemplify his love for the country.
- As a leader, he has navigated crises and worked toward progress, demonstrating his commitment to a stronger America³.
In summary, Biden's policies and actions reflect his patriotism, love for the U.S., and dedication to its well-being¹²³.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/22/2024
(1) The 9 big policy ideas that Biden hit during his speech.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/0 … -00081733.
(2) Joe Biden's top policies: A 2024 presidential election guide - USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/elections/vote … joe-biden.
(3) How Biden can reframe and reclaim patriotism, faith, freedom, and .... https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house … equality/.
(4) Key proposals from President Biden's State of the Union address. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/key-pro … 107911636.
(5) FACT SHEET: The Biden- Harris Administration is Taking Action to .... https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-roo … emocracy/.
**Donald Trump**, the 45th President of the United States, has openly embraced the label of **"nationalist."** Here's what it means and why it has been controversial:
1. **Definition of Nationalism**:
- **Nationalism** is an ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and sovereignty of one's own nation above others.
- It often involves a strong sense of national pride, protectionism, and prioritization of domestic affairs.
2. **Trump's Use of the Term**:
- Trump has repeatedly referred to himself as a **nationalist** during his political career.
- He associates nationalism with his **"America First"** philosophy, emphasizing putting U.S. interests ahead of global concerns.
3. **Controversy and Criticism**:
- Critics argue that extreme nationalism can lead to exclusionary policies, xenophobia, and a disregard for international cooperation.
- Some associate the term with far-right politics, fascism, and historical leaders like **Mussolini** and **Hitler**.
4. **Trump's Stance**:
- Trump's promise to prioritize American interests resonates with his nationalist ethos.
- He believes that the U.S. should focus on its own well-being, especially in terms of trade, immigration, and foreign policy.
In summary, while nationalism can be a legitimate expression of love for one's country, its extreme forms and potential consequences have sparked debates about its implications¹²³.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/22/2024
(1) Trump says he's a nationalist: What it means, why it's controversial. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/pol … 48521002/.
(2) In the dark corners of white nationalism, the talk is of Trump - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politi … p-n926221.
(3) Trump claims 'nationalist' label - The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics … l-divide/.
(4) Nationalism vs. patriotism: Trump’s “nationalism” is not what makes him .... https://slate.com/news-and-politics/201 … ence.html.
(5) Trump: 'I'm a nationalist' - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/10/ … st-926745.
I appreciate you asking a question that focuses on the difference in these two men's world view as opposed to their personal characteristics. Those differences are the real determinators in what kind of president we want to have and what kind of presidents each one has been.
The benefit in this election is that we have seen firsthand what kind of president each has been.Biden is no Patriot... he is a traitor to the nation, a sell-out, a warmonger, he puts non-citizen's needs ahead of citizens. He is a tool, a stooge for those within the Administration making all the terrible decisions we have to live with.
I agree, your words cover my view of Biden. Hopefully, in 2024, we will see new leadership.
The world has grown to hate America in ways few Americans realize yet, due to less than four years of Biden.
Is there anywhere he hasn't shoved America's intervention down other nation's throats?
Is there anywhere this Administration isn't fomenting anger and aggression towards us with its actions?
The Biden administration has threatened sanctions on Uganda over its LGBTQ policy, but that’s just the beginning. Similarly punitive financial ideas have been floated regarding abortion and environmental policies.
Now sanctions are becoming just the first step to seizing all of a country’s financial assets, and the rest of the world is waking up to the racket.
Taking Russia's seized funds was the eye-opener that it seems the rest of the world needed... not surprising, if they are willing to do it to Russia what Nation on earth will ever be safe?
Its not a matter of if... just when... it would be their turn.
A few months ago, the Indonesian president gave a speech saying his country needed to diversify its dollar holdings and dollar-denominated assets, ominously citing, “Look what happened to Russia.”
The dollar fell from 73% of currency reserves to 55% in 2021, but the seizure of Russian financial assets gave this trend a shove into overdrive.
The dollar’s share of currency reserve plummeted another 8 percentage points in just two years, falling to 47% in 2023.
And the world's effort to dump the dollar is hastening in 2024.
It’s not just reserves, but international trade, too. Brazil has begun conducting some of its trade in Chinese yuan, and projections are for China’s share of trade to triple in the next decade.
If the people running our country were intentionally trying to destroy the dollar, as well as destroy its social and civil cohesiveness, its hard to imagine them doing anything different than what the Biden Administration has done over the course of the last 3.5 years.Ken, Absolutely, it's concerning how swiftly sentiments towards America have shifted under the Biden administration. The heavy-handed approach to international affairs, particularly through sanctions and financial threats, seems to have only exacerbated global resentment. The recent move regarding Russia's seized funds indeed served as a stark wake-up call to the world, signaling the potential vulnerability of any nation to such actions.
Moreover, the economic ramifications are dire. The dwindling trust in the dollar as a reserve currency coupled with the increasing inclination towards alternative currencies like the Chinese yuan paints a worrying picture for America's financial standing on the global stage. The erosion of the dollar's dominance in trade and reserves is alarming, to say the least.
It's disheartening to witness such disregard for both the welfare of American citizens and the stability of the global financial system. The policies and actions of the current administration seem to be fueling a destructive cycle rather than fostering cooperation and stability. If this trajectory continues, the consequences could be far-reaching and deeply damaging.
From my perspective, both Biden and his administration, along with our ineffective Congress, bear responsibility for the decline of America. I see only a single ray of hope, but it will likely take around a decade just to begin repairing the extensive damage that has been inflicted."The world has grown to hate America in ways few Americans realize yet, due to less than four years of Biden."
Anything to back up that feeling?
Majorities in all but one country included in a recent survey have a favorable opinion of the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. Views of the U.S. are much more positive than negative across the countries we surveyed.
"America's global image under Biden skyrockets compared to Trump, survey finds
A median of 75 percent of respondents from 12 countries expressed confidence in Biden, compared with 17 percent for Trump in 2020."
International opinions of the United States have become markedly more positive since President Biden took over from former President Trump, according to a new survey.
"World Opinion Of U.S. Shoots Up After Biden Takes Office, Poll Finds. Other countries’ opinions of the U.S. have improved by nine points on average since President Joe Biden took office—and in many cases by double digits—a new Morning Consult poll finds,"
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-bi … y-n1270401
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2023 … d%20Kenya.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administra … biden-pew/I'm sorry, was that response meant as a joke, or were you being serious?
Perhaps you should re-read the post and address the drastic drop in the percentage in the dollar being used as reserve, or try to counter those facts.
Not tell me 12 countries, out of hundreds, have a better opinion, based on polls taken by PEW.
The Nations of the world are telling what they really think and feel by abandoning the dollar.
I recognize that the Progressive Left, which I would say you fall under based on the opinions I have seen you share, have very liberal views across a range of issues including the size and scope of government, foreign policy, immigration and race.
But the bigger problem is the denial of facts and reality, or the constant effort to twist percentages, words, select information to try and prove your position or justify the ideology.
It is the clearest sign that the Progressive Left, which is currently partnered with the most corrupt, antiquated and disconnected politicians which has led the Democrat Party for over 30 years... cannot stand on its merits.
It has sewn chaos, it as crippled the economy, and it has spent our goodwill. Telling people the economy is doing well doesn't work when no one can pay their bills. Telling people you are fighting for freedom and democracy abroad isn't believable when you are stripping people of their freedoms at home.
Looking back at what those 12 nations may have thought a couple years ago... only shows the power propaganda has... besides, that time is now over, the world has seen what the Biden Administration is really all about... it is trying hard to follow in the footsteps of Trudeau and Canada... Canadians seem willing to live under an oppressive government that is stripping them of their wealth and freedoms.
We will have to see if Americans are willing to tolerate that... if they are willing to own nothing, have no liberty, and be happy about it.
Time will tell... 7 months to go.
When has Biden ever referred to himself as a "Patriot"? When has he ever shown any genuine pride in this Nation?
He has just continued with the fundamental screw-up of all things Americana agenda, which his boss, Obama started.While he may have uttered the word "patriot," I've never found him to embody the true spirit of patriotism. Whether someone perceives Biden as a patriot hinges on their assessment of his actions, policies, and values in relation to their definition of patriotism. From my perspective, Biden doesn't demonstrate a genuine concern for America, its citizens, or our Constitution. His efforts seem geared towards steering the nation towards socialism and Marxism, aligning with a globalist agenda rather than prioritizing American interests. I can agree this is Obama's agenda, Biden is just the stooge to feed the propaganda through.
That is just my view.
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