Stumping for Republican Senator Ted Cruz in Houston on Monday, Trump warned supporters that Democrats serve “corrupt, power-hungry globalists,” not the American people.
As the crowd booed, Trump set out his own political beliefs.
“You know, they have a word. It sort of became old-fashioned. It’s called a nationalist,” he said. “And I say really, we’re not supposed to use that word. You know what I am? I am a nationalist. Use that word.”
na·tion·al·ist
Noun: A person who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.
The 18,000 attendees broke into chants of “USA, USA,” but liberal commentators on Twitter instantly saw racism. “I guess it’s coming out day for Nazis” quipped Vox journalist Victoria Brownworth.
"You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, okay? Nationalist. Use that word, use that word."–Trump
I guess it's coming out day for Nazis.
— Victoria Brownworth ☣ #FlattenTheCurve #StayInNow (@VABVOX) October 23, 2018
Adolf Hitler: “I am a Nationalist.”
Donald Trump: “I am a Nationalist.”
Wake the fuck up America. This is no longer a circus or a bad reality TV show. This is a full on fascist take over of our country and November 6th is our last best chance to stop it. #VoteBlueToSaveAmerica
— Ryan Knight ☭ (@ProudSocialist) October 23, 2018
Okay folks I am still stuck on Trump saying out loud at a rally tonight that he is a nationalist. Let’s not let this get lost in the chaos. This is a big admission which should terrify us all.
— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) October 23, 2018
In case you were wondering what to be outraged about, CNN’s Don Lemon – last seen laughing along to a contributor calling rapper Kanye West a “token negro” – spelled it out later that night.
Rather than referring to a political outlook that favors one’s own country, Lemon explained that the word “nationalist” is a “favorite of the alt-right and is loaded with nativist and racial undertones.”
And rather than referring to a world view of global commerce, multiculturalism, and integration of international institutions and agencies, “globalist has been used as a slur of sorts, sometimes even against those in the administration, often with anti-Semitic overtones,” he continued.
“What just happened to make the president come right out and embrace nationalism? Openly. And claim that mantle. What has happened here?” Lemon wondered, shaking his head with solemn sincerity.
While Trump has been hesitant to label himself a nationalist, Lemon need not sound so shocked. Trump has twice defended patriotism and the concept of strong nation-states in front of the United Nations – an organization that embodies globalism – and has railed against global alliances like NATO. Likewise his oft-repeated vow to put “America first,” his use of protectionist tariffs in international trade, and his endeavors to end illegal immigration, are all nationalist policies.
But whatever label Trump puts on his own brand of flag-waving, fist-pumping nationalism, his statement on Monday, and the reaction of the liberal media to it, follow a well-established pattern.
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