Insults and Cowardice #154

Everyone knows an insult when they hear one and while there aren’t any formal rules, one shouldn’t “punch down” or attack those with less power or status. Nor should insults mock a physical condition or handicap. An effective insult should require the person being insulted to think a little in order to “get” it. 

That’s why I’m surprised when people relish Trump’s insults; they’re so coarse. Many should be alienated by the schoolyard bullying juvenile insults. No one stood up to this until one brave woman did. Jacob Weisberg recounts an exchange between candidate Trump and debate moderator Megyn Kelly. She said, “You’ve called women you don’t like ‘fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals.’” Then she was cut off by Trump. 

Undeterred, Kelly persisted, “Does that [those insults] sound like the temperament of a man we should elect as president?”

After that confrontation, Trump attacked Kelly, as did his minions. Things became so dangerous for Kelly that Fox News hired an armed security detail for her. Even protecting the Kelly family at Disneyland. She stayed strong for a bit, but... She told audiences she was proud to vote for Trump in 2024. Her reversal is surreal. 

In Weinberg’s book, Profiles in Cowardice Kelly gets a deserving chapter. She really doesn’t need to capitulate with all her money, fame, and influence and yet caved (what a coward). Also, Kelly claims to be a victim (what a snowflake). And she is completely unhinged and obsessed with transgender issues (what a bigot). 

She resisted, then rationalized, then embraced Trump the bully. And now Kelly's insults are just like his: punching down, attacking those with less power and status, and using stupid nicknames. Her cowardice is appalling and so, so sad.