Progressive Thinking

Trump’s claim that he is a "protector" of women falls apart when placed under even the slightest scrutiny. Women are far more aware of Trump’s contradictions than he gives them credit for.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - In recent attempts to court female voters, Donald Trump has rebranded himself as the "protector" of women. At rallies across Pennsylvania and North Carolina, he boldly declared that under his leadership, women would be safer, healthier, and happier. He even went so far as to claim that if re-elected, women would “no longer be thinking about abortion,” as if the controversy surrounding reproductive rights would magically disappear with a stroke of his hand. But this narrative is as false as it is insulting.

Trump’s self-proclaimed title of "protector" is laughable, considering his pivotal role in stripping women of their constitutional right to choose. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—a victory Trump openly boasts about—has ignited protests and mobilized women across the country. His appointment of three conservative justices was central to this ruling, a direct attack on women’s rights. Yet, Trump now tries to downplay the significance of abortion, acting as if handing the issue back to the states has settled the matter. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The contradiction in Trump's stance is blatant. He says he will “take care” of women, but his actions over the years reveal someone far more interested in controlling and belittling them. His campaign’s message of protection rings hollow when you consider his troubling history with women. In 2022, Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. He has publicly insulted women for their appearances, questioned their intelligence, and belittled their contributions. How can anyone seriously believe that this man, who has repeatedly attacked women, now positions himself as their guardian?

Trump’s remarks about women being "happier, healthier, and more confident" under his leadership are not only condescending, but they're also dismissive of the real challenges women face. His solution to abortion? Make it a state issue and pretend that resolves everything. But this isn’t protection—it’s avoidance. He’s not advocating for women’s autonomy or safety; he’s simply sidestepping the issue, leaving it to individual states to decide whether a woman has control over her own body. That’s not protection—it’s control, wrapped up in a false promise.

While some women at his rallies may support the idea of leaving abortion to the states, others see through this charade. Laura Hinton, one such attendee, expressed her "mixed emotions" on the topic, acknowledging the importance of reproductive rights while questioning whether it would stop her from voting for Trump. This illustrates the broader division among women voters. But one thing is clear: women know when they are being patronized, and Trump’s attempt to simplify a deeply personal issue shows just how disconnected he is from the realities of women’s lives.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has offered a stark contrast, addressing women’s rights with clarity and urgency. She calls out Trump’s hypocrisy and the damage his policies have inflicted. Harris understands that true protection means ensuring that women have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. It means supporting their autonomy, health, and rights—not using them as political pawns.

Trump’s claim that he is a "protector" of women falls apart when placed under even the slightest scrutiny. His track record is one of attacks, insults, and undermining women’s rights. His recent comments feel more like an attempt to control women’s choices than any genuine offer of protection. The truth is, women don’t need someone to "take care" of them—they need a leader who respects their independence, their intelligence, and their rights.

Women are far more aware of Trump’s contradictions than he gives them credit for. They know that actions speak louder than words, and Trump’s actions have consistently proven that he is no protector. He is the attacker who pretends to defend, but women see right through the façade.

Trump’s rhetoric tries to make it seem like the economy is on the brink of collapse, but the truth is, we are on the verge of the "soft landing" we've all been hoping for.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - Trump is full of shit when he talks about the economy, because the facts just don't support his claims. He paints a picture of a failing economy, but in reality, the Federal Reserve's recent moves show that we're in a much better place than he would have us believe.

Let's be clear: inflation, which peaked at 7.1% in June 2022, has dropped down to 2.5% today. That didn’t happen by accident. It took strong, decisive action from the Fed to raise interest rates and cool off the economy. Sure, it wasn't easy for everyone—families dealt with higher mortgage rates, and businesses had a harder time borrowing—but this "short-term pain" was crucial for long-term stability. And guess what? It worked. Inflation is now under control, nearing the Fed’s 2% target.

Meanwhile, unemployment has ticked up slightly to 4.2%, but that’s still historically low. Let’s not forget, Trump loves to brag about the job numbers during his term, but the economy now has more jobs than were forecasted before COVID hit, and this recovery has been strong, thanks in part to immigrants boosting the labor market. So when Trump says the economy is a disaster, he's conveniently ignoring the facts—unemployment remains low, and inflation is under control.

Trump also conveniently leaves out the Fed’s smart moves to lower interest rates recently. The Fed knows what it's doing—they slashed the federal funds rate from 5.3% to 4.8%, and mortgage rates are already falling in response. This helps prevent unemployment from rising any further. And some economists wanted the Fed to wait until inflation hit 2% before cutting rates, but that would’ve been a mistake. The Fed rightly understood that lowering rates now would help avoid a bigger unemployment problem down the road.

Trump’s rhetoric tries to make it seem like the economy is on the brink of collapse, but the truth is, we are on the verge of the "soft landing" we've all been hoping for—a scenario where inflation falls back to 2% without sparking a recession. The Fed’s actions, which Trump would no doubt criticize, are bringing us closer to that goal.

Trump’s critiques of the economy are nothing more than political hot air, ignoring the real progress that’s been made. The facts speak for themselves: inflation is down, unemployment remains low, and the Fed’s strategic rate cuts are setting the stage for continued economic stability. Trump’s doom-and-gloom narrative simply doesn’t hold water.

Deep-seated differences in worldview are part of why America is so divided, and Donald Trump tapped into these divisions in a way that made them even more extreme.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - The United States is more politically divided than ever, and Donald Trump’s presidency has played a significant role in deepening this rift. But it’s important to remember that this division has roots that go far beyond Trump himself. It’s not just that conservatives and liberals have different opinions on policies—it’s that they perceive the world fundamentally differently. These psychological and personality differences are at the heart of why our country feels so divided, and Trump’s leadership capitalized on and amplified those divisions.

Psychological studies have shown that liberals and conservatives aren’t just disagreeing about political issues; they process the world differently. For example, a study led by psychologist Michael Dodd and political scientist John Hibbing of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that conservatives’ eyes linger longer on repellent images like car wrecks or excrement, which suggests that conservatives may be more sensitive to potential threats. This heightened sensitivity might explain why many conservative policies focus on security, law and order, and a cautious approach to change. Conservatives tend to prioritize stability and protecting against perceived dangers, whether that’s through strong borders, a powerful military, or individual gun rights.

On the other hand, liberals tend to be more focused on ideals of fairness, equality, and openness to new ideas. They are more likely to see the world as a place that can and should be improved through social reform, government intervention, and regulation. This explains why liberals tend to advocate for progressive policies around healthcare, climate change, and gun control—areas where they see potential to create a more just and equitable society. In their view, government should play a strong role in addressing inequality and ensuring that all citizens have access to the same opportunities.

These deep-seated differences in worldview are part of why America is so divided, and Donald Trump tapped into these divisions in a way that made them even more extreme. His rhetoric was intentionally divisive, presenting the world in stark, black-and-white terms. He framed himself as the defender of conservative values, often painting liberals as dangerous enemies of the country. Trump’s language reflected the conservative focus on threat and danger—he spoke about immigrants as criminals, portrayed the media as the "enemy of the people," and called Democratic leaders unpatriotic or even traitorous. To his supporters, Trump’s strong stance on issues like immigration, gun rights, and national security made him a protector of their values, someone who was willing to stand up to the perceived threats they saw in the world.

For liberals, though, Trump represented everything they feared about authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. His refusal to follow established political protocols, his attacks on the judiciary and the free press, and his reluctance to disavow white supremacists and conspiracy theories fed into their view that he was a direct threat to democracy and equality. To them, Trump wasn’t just another conservative president—he was a dangerous force who was undermining the very foundations of the country.

This mutual distrust has only grown. Trump’s presidency amplified the existing psychological and political divides by pitting the two sides against each other in a battle that felt existential. His rhetoric fostered an environment where compromise became almost impossible because both sides saw the other as a threat to their way of life. The growing polarization in media consumption added fuel to the fire, with conservatives tuning into Fox News or talk radio and liberals gravitating toward MSNBC or CNN. Each side was trapped in an echo chamber, with little exposure to opposing viewpoints.

One of the clearest examples of how Trump’s presidency deepened these divisions was his handling of the 2020 election. From the moment the votes were being counted, Trump falsely claimed widespread voter fraud, refusing to accept the results. His repeated claims that the election was “stolen” culminated in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when his supporters, believing they were defending democracy, stormed the building in an effort to overturn the results. For Trump’s supporters, this was a fight for their country. For his critics, it was an attack on the very principles of democracy.

In the end, the divide isn’t just about Trump or the policies he promoted—it’s about the fundamental differences in how conservatives and liberals see the world. Trump’s presidency highlighted and exploited these differences, turning political disagreements into a cultural war. The fear, mistrust, and anger that grew during his tenure has left the country more polarized than ever, with little room for the kind of compromise and understanding needed to heal the divisions. As the study by Dodd and Hibbing suggests, conservatives and liberals are wired differently, and until there’s a greater understanding of those differences, it will be hard to bridge the gap Trump helped widen.

This article challenges the notion that today’s political divide is simply about Democrats versus Republicans or right versus wrong. Instead, it emphasizes that the real issue is distinguishing truth from lies. It explores several key issues—such as the economy, immigration, climate change, women’s rights, COVID-19, healthcare, the 2020 election, January 6, and gun control— where some Republican beliefs diverge from the facts. The piece encourages readers to consider the consequences of discovering that what they believed to be true might not be, urging a commitment to truth for the sake of our society’s future.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - It’s essential to step back from the idea that our divisions are just about Democrats versus Republicans or even right versus wrong. The real issue at hand is distinguishing truth from lies. In today’s political climate, there are several beliefs held by some Republicans about critical issues like the economy, immigration, climate change, women’s rights, COVID-19, healthcare, the 2020 election, January 6, and gun control that don’t align with the facts. Let’s examine some of these beliefs, the truth behind them, and consider how one might feel if they found out the things they believed were not true.

The Economy

Belief: Some Republicans believe that cutting taxes for the wealthy and corporations always leads to economic growth and benefits everyone.

Truth: While tax cuts can stimulate short-term economic growth, the long-term effects often increase income inequality and national debt without significantly benefiting the middle class or poor. Studies have shown that wealth does not necessarily "trickle down" to the rest of the population.

Immigration

Belief: Many believe that immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, take jobs away from Americans and significantly burden public resources.

Truth: Immigrants, including undocumented ones, contribute to the economy by filling essential jobs, paying taxes, and starting businesses. Numerous studies indicate that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens and that they contribute more in taxes than they consume in public services.

Climate Change

Belief: Some Republicans assert that climate change is either a hoax or not significantly influenced by human activities.

Truth: The overwhelming consensus among scientists is that climate change is real, primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, and poses a severe threat to the planet. Ignoring this reality increases the risk of catastrophic environmental and economic consequences.

Women’s Rights

Belief: There's a belief that limiting access to abortion is about protecting life and doesn’t infringe on women’s rights.

Truth: Restricting access to abortion not only undermines women’s autonomy over their bodies but also disproportionately affects low-income women and women of color. It can lead to dangerous, unregulated procedures and worsens inequalities in healthcare.

COVID-19

Belief: Some believe that COVID-19 was either overblown or that vaccines and masks were unnecessary and ineffective.

Truth: COVID-19 was a deadly pandemic that claimed millions of lives worldwide. Vaccines and masks were critical in reducing the spread of the virus and saving lives. Ignoring or downplaying the seriousness of the virus contributed to unnecessary illness and death.

Healthcare

Belief: Many Republicans hold that a free-market healthcare system without government intervention is the best way to ensure quality care.

Truth: The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, yet has worse health outcomes compared to other developed nations with more government intervention. A market- driven approach can leave many without access to necessary care, particularly those with pre- existing conditions or those who cannot afford high premiums and deductibles.

The 2020 Election

Belief: A significant number of Republicans believe that the 2020 presidential election was stolen or rigged.

Truth: There is no credible evidence to support claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Multiple audits, recounts, and court rulings, including by judges appointed by Republican presidents, confirmed that the election was fair and that Joe Biden won.

January 6

Belief: Some believe that the January 6th attack on the Capitol was either justified, not an insurrection, or was perpetrated by left-wing activists.

Truth: The January 6th attack was a violent attempt to overturn a democratic election, instigated by false claims of a stolen election. It was carried out by supporters of then- President Trump, and it resulted in deaths, injuries, and significant damage to one of the symbols of American democracy.

Gun Control

Belief: The belief persists that any form of gun control is a threat to the Second Amendment and that more guns make us safer.

Truth: Research consistently shows that more guns lead to more gun violence and that countries with stricter gun laws have far fewer gun deaths. Sensible gun control measures, like background checks and restrictions on certain types of firearms, do not infringe on Second Amendment rights but can save lives.

The Bigger Question

Now, let’s take a moment to consider: What if you found out that these things you’ve believed so strongly weren’t true? How would that make you feel? Would you feel betrayed by those who provided the misinformation? Would you be angry or confused?

Once upon a time deep divisions grew as many residents embraced misinformation, believing in a stolen election, false conspiracy theories, and denying the severity of the pandemic and climate change. Despite efforts by a few to bridge the gap, the town ultimately fell apart, a stark warning of the destructive power of unchecked falsehoods.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - Once upon a time, in a small town not very far from, where we are now, the people found themselves deeply divided. On one side, a large group believed with all their hearts that the 2020 election had been stolen from their leader. They heard it repeated so often from sources they trusted that they refused to accept the rulings from the courts or the findings from countless audits that proved otherwise. The idea of widespread voter fraud, especially through mail-in ballots, became a cornerstone of their belief system, even though thorough investigations—including those led by their own party—found no evidence to support this claim.

Among these townsfolk were some who embraced a wild and dark tale known as QAnon. They were convinced that their leader was secretly battling a global cabal of elites engaged in unspeakable crimes. This conspiracy theory, despite being thoroughly debunked time and again, spread like wildfire in the hidden corners of the internet, breeding an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and paranoia.

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the town, these same people downplayed the threat. They believed the virus was either a hoax or not nearly as dangerous as the “mainstream” claimed. Vaccines, in their eyes, were not life-saving solutions but dangerous tools of control. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence proving the severity of the pandemic and the safety of the vaccines, they clung to misinformation. And so, as they refused to protect themselves and their neighbors, the virus claimed many lives, leaving grief and loss in its wake.

Climate change, too, was something they dismissed. They ignored the rising temperatures, the intensifying storms, and the frequent floods that began to plague their once peaceful town. To them, climate change was a myth, a fabrication designed to scare them into submission. But as the waters rose and fires ravaged the nearby forests, their denial only hardened, even as their homes and livelihoods were threatened.

They idolized their leader as a self-made billionaire, the epitome of success in their eyes. They believed he had built his empire from nothing, a true rags-to-riches story. But the truth was far different—his wealth was inherited, his business dealings questionable, and his so-called success often propped up by others’ losses. Yet, the myth of his self-made greatness was more comforting than the reality.

Distrust of the media was rampant among them. They saw the press as the enemy, labeling all unfavorable coverage as “fake news.” Any information that contradicted their beliefs was immediately dismissed, no matter how credible the source. They retreated into echo chambers where misinformation thrived, reinforcing their worldview and shutting out anything that might challenge it.

Despite the efforts of a few who tried to reach out, to engage in respectful dialogue and promote critical thinking, the divide only deepened. The townsfolk who believed in the misinformation became more entrenched, seeing any attempt to change their minds as an attack on their identity and values. What began as conversations turned into arguments, which then escalated into open hostility.

As time went on, the town began to fall apart. Neighbors stopped talking to one another. Friends became enemies, and families were torn apart by their differences. The misinformation that had once seemed merely a difference of opinion now had real, devastating consequences. The town’s economy suffered and the environment around them deteriorated, but they were too entrenched in their beliefs to see the role they played in it.

In the end, the town was left fractured and weakened, a mere shadow of its former self. What had once been a thriving community, built on cooperation and mutual respect, had become a battleground of conflicting truths, where facts no longer mattered, and the loudest voices drowned out reason. Those who had tried to bridge the gap were left disheartened, realizing that some minds could not be changed and some divisions could not be healed.

The fate of this once-happy town stands as a stark warning to others: when misinformation is allowed to take root and grow unchecked, it can destroy everything in its path—relationships, communities, and even the very fabric of society. If we do not fight to uphold the truth, if we do not protect the institutions that safeguard it, we risk losing more than just arguments—we risk losing our future.