As to Mamdani and Trump, my take is that Trump unconsciously recognizes Mamdani as appealing to the same working class he does, but also as having far more authenticity. Trump is a charlatan, and on some level must be aware of that; he has channeled the working class's resentment of the rich, but has also spent his whole life trying to gain acceptance and dominance among precisely that same set of wealthy oligarchs that they resent. In Mamdani he sees someone who really does relate to the working class; I think Trump is genuinely impressed, and even a bit jealous.
When Steven Pinker met Epstein, he recognized that Epstein was “an intellectual imposter” and tried to stay as far away from him as possible. It is odd that Chomsky, who treated other lesser intellects with condescending scorn, was fooled by Epstein.
As to Mamdani and Trump, my take is that Trump unconsciously recognizes Mamdani as appealing to the same working class he does, but also as having far more authenticity. Trump is a charlatan, and on some level must be aware of that; he has channeled the working class's resentment of the rich, but has also spent his whole life trying to gain acceptance and dominance among precisely that same set of wealthy oligarchs that they resent. In Mamdani he sees someone who really does relate to the working class; I think Trump is genuinely impressed, and even a bit jealous.
I think you're right.
When Steven Pinker met Epstein, he recognized that Epstein was “an intellectual imposter” and tried to stay as far away from him as possible. It is odd that Chomsky, who treated other lesser intellects with condescending scorn, was fooled by Epstein.
Insightful comment, Tony!!! Of course, life is good, until the next email. Let's cross our fingers!!!