Join the conversation with your favorite political voices. Subscribe to Lincoln Square—one of Substack's fastest-growing communities—for on-demand news, insights, and commentary.
You are truly spot on Kristoffer! Every single solitary word. "They" all believe that they can bury their "ugly" pasts by linking arm in arm with yet another felon of whom we don't have to mention their name!
Absolutely, PJ — every single one of these guys is scum, and sadly, they won’t be the last to try this rebrand hustle. The grift always finds new faces. Thanks for reading and for calling it exactly how it is.
Nazis/white supremacists of today feared that their position of power was being lost due to the "great replacement"(American white demographic would be overwhelmed by growing minority groups) This was argued ad nauseam on the right wing propaganda channel with such notable dirtbags as Trucker Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham and Gutfeld
But their defensive positioning has reversed from denying rights of the "inferior" minority groups(AfroAmericans, Asians, East Indians, even Native American Indians) to an offensive position to demand that the their position of superiority be recognized
This offensive positioning has led the Nazi party to the self righteous conclusion that in the grand scheme of politics that it’s perfectly normal to keep these “no account inferiors” from dominating the political scene Rather than celebrating and embracing DEI(diversity equity and inclusion) there is a concerted attack ultimately leading to excess gerrymandering Win at any cost so as to suppress the “inferiors”
Thanks for reading, Dr. Bill. I appreciate how you broke down the shift from defensive to offensive positioning in white supremacist politics—it really underscores how the MAGA movement has reframed “preserving” power as an active campaign to roll back diversity and inclusion. The way you tied that to gerrymandering and “win at any cost” politics lines up perfectly with what I was aiming to highlight in the piece. Your insight adds depth to the conversation.
If someone is deranged, despicable, demented, and disgusting, maga has a hat for them. If the maga court of public opinion supports trump, then any degenerate will be accepted with open arms.
Washed up, and corrupt 'celebrities' can practice any of the following to receive a red hat welcome basket. . They could go visit maxwell and offer her support while asking for her endorsement. They could commit some bank, securities, or tax fraud. They could just start grabbing random women by the genitals. They might want to consider shooting some pets for disciplinary reason. Adultery is an easy one that forwards maga ears. There are plenty of avenues for maga wannabees get closer to the maga con cult. The crime stage is lit and ready for them. Here is your chance to prove your maga cred...
Thanks for reading, MPT. You nailed one of the most troubling parts of the MAGA “celebrity redemption” arc—the way being vile isn’t a barrier but practically a résumé builder in their ecosystem. Your examples about corruption, sexual misconduct, fraud, and even animal cruelty capture the absurdity of how low the bar is set as long as the person pledges fealty to Trump. I especially appreciate how you framed it as a ready-made stage for anyone looking to boost their MAGA credentials—it’s a perfect reflection of how performative and morally bankrupt the whole spectacle has become.
Well put. I wish dems could start pounding the boards as the party of law and order, as repubs become the party of sexual predators, frauds, and felons. But then again, we are asking dems to move outside the comfort zone. Amazing that Cranks, crooks, creeps and criminals have the upper hand on the law and order stage. Republicans being morally bankrupt is the ticket to being financially secure and celebrated...
Those of us capable of thinking for ourselves are not enamored with celebrities of any kind. We may applaud their talents, but form our own opinions based on FACTS. As I see it, the issue is too many people, including celebrities, lack either the skill or drive to use critical thinking skills.
Thanks for reading, Mary. I completely agree with you—celebrity worship has warped public discourse, and too many people outsource their opinions to whoever has the biggest platform instead of doing the work to form their own. As you said, it’s not about dismissing someone’s talent, it’s about separating that talent from their credibility on issues that affect real lives. The lack of critical thinking and willingness to challenge misinformation is exactly why movements like MAGA thrive. I appreciate you cutting straight to the heart of it.
I am so impressed by the number of caring knowledgeable contributors at Lincoln Square. The level of information and commitment is unparalleled. I learn something new every day and have become a huge fan of several podcasters and writers on the staff.
Thanks for reading, Nansu19. I’m really glad you’ve found value in the work we’re doing at Lincoln Square. It means a lot to hear that the mix of perspectives and dedication to solid information is coming through, and I appreciate you being such an engaged reader and supporter.
As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together!” It gives insight into King Felon’s pardoning of all these folks, just showing a bit of grace toward his fellow criminals!
Thanks for reading, Randolyn. I completely agree—“birds of a feather flock together” sums it up perfectly. The MAGA embrace of these figures isn’t random; it’s a natural alignment of values (or lack thereof) and shared willingness to excuse or celebrate bad behavior. Your point about it being an act of grace toward fellow criminals couldn’t be more on target.
I just have to say that, as a woman, and a PERSON, and an AMERICAN who has contributed who knows how many tens of thousands of dollars to her country via taxes and other fees contributory to the common good, AND raised a child at an approximate cost of $300 thousand dollars through the age of 18 and another similar amount through college and the first couple of years of establishing a life after that, and voted in every election since turning 21, I am sick at heart and very afraid of the so-called 'masculine' centric wing of MAGA. They have already, performatively, eliminated employment opportunities and jobs for women, and just recently no one less highly placed than Pete the-rapist-Hegseth hosted an event calling for the elimination of womens' right to vote. What's next? I wonder. Before pouring myself a stinger. But seriously, what woman in her right mind doesn't wish all these guys would be 'trafficked' as half-ass slave labor to some island proximal to Antarctica, where they can work off their roid rage breaking rocks.
Thanks for reading, Leigh. Like you, I want these guys to face real justice for the harm they’ve caused. The fact that so many of them are still given platforms, endorsements, and applause instead of accountability is maddening. I also wish people would stop validating and normalizing their toxic behavior—it only fuels their sense of impunity and makes it harder to push back against the damage they’re doing.
‘We the People’ set the course for our democratic federal republic. Praise God that we’ve made more good choices than bad ones over the country’s nearly 250 year history. That said, we have made some really bad, even immoral, choices on occasion such as those now.
The question that confounds me is how do we get our collective moral good judgement (e.g., that of “The Greatest Generation”) back? In the past, unfortunately, it has taken experiencing considerable pain and suffering to regain our moral clarity. I hope and pray that doesn’t need to happen on the same scale now.
I am blessed to be a Septuagenarian in my 76th year of life, and know from my lifetime of experience at their sides that my grandparents, parents and their siblings never would have countenanced what’s happening in America 🇺🇸 today.
Thanks for reading, Stephen. I really appreciate the perspective you bring, especially with your lifetime of experience and the example of your grandparents’ generation. I share your concern about how far our collective moral compass has drifted, and I agree that regaining that clarity shouldn’t require the same level of pain and suffering it has in the past. It’s disheartening to see how much we’ve normalized behavior that previous generations would have outright rejected, but voices like yours are a reminder that there’s still a standard worth fighting for.
Whew! The title of this article had me fooled at first. Lots of women of a certain age have a fun group called the "Red Hats." (I'm not a member, but they tell me they have fun.) That said your article was an eye opener. I had no idea. RHR--red hat rebranding--is a good way to say it. It is definitely a type of group think. A group think I wasn't aware of. That photo with the article is worth a thousand words, also. Thanks, Kristoffer. Well, researched. Well, said. Take care.
Thanks for reading, Maxine. You’re absolutely right—there’s a clear groupthink element to all of this. But I also think a lot of these folks know better. What we’re seeing often feels like a calculated move, with PR teams and publicists framing MAGA alignment as a shortcut—a ready-made “cheat code” to rebuild their brand or keep themselves relevant without doing the harder work of accountability. Your point about the rebranding is spot on, and that photo really does capture exactly what’s going on.
Humans appear to be devolving. Was this anywhere in Darwin's theory of evolution? I confess I fell victim to the belief we were on a positive progression of discovery and growth. But it is apparent that was a fantasy. Logue (previous comment) is right, this is not cute or funny. It is horrifying in the possibility of where this can go. I'm an optimist by nature; determined to foster resilience, not doom. But there is cause for genuine fear.
Haha, thanks for that one Joline—I couldn’t help but laugh a bit myself. You’re kinda onto something, though, and here’s why.
You’re absolutely right in spotting that groupthink vibe—these folks get bundled into an easy narrative that looks like unity, but really it’s a strategic shortcut. Many of them know better; the real move is likely coming from publicists or PR teams framing MAGA alignment as a quick PR “cheat code” to stay relevant or rehabilitate a public image.
As critical thinkers—even with people like anti-vaxxers sometimes—you gotta let Darwinism run its course. I really wish it wasn’t that way, but when folks refuse to evolve intellectually or let facts in, societal natural selection ends up dealing its own consequences. It’s a regrettable reality, but often that’s how it plays out when critical thinking fails.
Thanks so much for reading and bringing this up—your perspective really sharpens the conversation.
Thank you Kristoffer, I know you're right about the need to let things burn out. But it helps to be reminded. And it is also true that there's a lien between passively waiting/hoping for the burnout and keeping critical thought alive while we wait:).
True, Joline—and I’m not just talking about letting them burn out. I’m also talking about the part of Darwinism where, metaphorically speaking, they get “eaten.” In nature, if a species doesn’t adapt, it’s not just that it fizzles out quietly—it gets overtaken by predators or environmental changes it can’t handle. In our context, that means being outpaced by reality, exposed by facts, or losing influence when their toxic tactics stop working. It’s a rough process, but it’s the natural consequence of refusing to evolve.
Weirdest, best, most upbeat reminder of how evolution works you could have offered. As of course, an unwillingness--or ability-- to adapt is the key variable. I appreciate you taking time to weigh in. a welcome balance to my morning's darkness:).
Until our culture can stop or diminish admiration and the celebration of psychopathic/sociopathic/narcissistic icons, with exciting dominance-submission and violent themes, going back to Al Capone and before - continuing in our movies, media, and online porn - then dictators, with masterminds like Putin will succeed here in the USA. We have met the enemy, and we are they, to paraphrase a Pogo cartoon. Only it's not so cute or funny but all too real now. Ugh.
Thanks for reading, Judith. You’re right—our culture has a long history of glamorizing dangerous and deeply flawed figures, from Capone to modern-day political strongmen. That celebration of dominance, violence, and narcissism in movies, media, and now online spaces creates an environment where these traits are not only normalized but rewarded. The line you paraphrased from Pogo is dead on—we’ve met the enemy, and far too often, we’ve turned them into entertainment. It’s not cute or funny because those narratives help keep these individuals in power, and the consequences are painfully real. Thanks for reading!
Join the conversation with your favorite political voices. Subscribe to Lincoln Square—one of Substack's fastest-growing communities—for on-demand news, insights, and commentary.
You are truly spot on Kristoffer! Every single solitary word. "They" all believe that they can bury their "ugly" pasts by linking arm in arm with yet another felon of whom we don't have to mention their name!
Absolutely, PJ — every single one of these guys is scum, and sadly, they won’t be the last to try this rebrand hustle. The grift always finds new faces. Thanks for reading and for calling it exactly how it is.
Your very welcome Kristoffer!
Amen! Great article!
Thank you, Mel.
Cheeto and White Supremacy
Nazis/white supremacists of today feared that their position of power was being lost due to the "great replacement"(American white demographic would be overwhelmed by growing minority groups) This was argued ad nauseam on the right wing propaganda channel with such notable dirtbags as Trucker Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham and Gutfeld
But their defensive positioning has reversed from denying rights of the "inferior" minority groups(AfroAmericans, Asians, East Indians, even Native American Indians) to an offensive position to demand that the their position of superiority be recognized
This offensive positioning has led the Nazi party to the self righteous conclusion that in the grand scheme of politics that it’s perfectly normal to keep these “no account inferiors” from dominating the political scene Rather than celebrating and embracing DEI(diversity equity and inclusion) there is a concerted attack ultimately leading to excess gerrymandering Win at any cost so as to suppress the “inferiors”
Thanks for reading, Dr. Bill. I appreciate how you broke down the shift from defensive to offensive positioning in white supremacist politics—it really underscores how the MAGA movement has reframed “preserving” power as an active campaign to roll back diversity and inclusion. The way you tied that to gerrymandering and “win at any cost” politics lines up perfectly with what I was aiming to highlight in the piece. Your insight adds depth to the conversation.
If someone is deranged, despicable, demented, and disgusting, maga has a hat for them. If the maga court of public opinion supports trump, then any degenerate will be accepted with open arms.
Washed up, and corrupt 'celebrities' can practice any of the following to receive a red hat welcome basket. . They could go visit maxwell and offer her support while asking for her endorsement. They could commit some bank, securities, or tax fraud. They could just start grabbing random women by the genitals. They might want to consider shooting some pets for disciplinary reason. Adultery is an easy one that forwards maga ears. There are plenty of avenues for maga wannabees get closer to the maga con cult. The crime stage is lit and ready for them. Here is your chance to prove your maga cred...
Thanks for reading, MPT. You nailed one of the most troubling parts of the MAGA “celebrity redemption” arc—the way being vile isn’t a barrier but practically a résumé builder in their ecosystem. Your examples about corruption, sexual misconduct, fraud, and even animal cruelty capture the absurdity of how low the bar is set as long as the person pledges fealty to Trump. I especially appreciate how you framed it as a ready-made stage for anyone looking to boost their MAGA credentials—it’s a perfect reflection of how performative and morally bankrupt the whole spectacle has become.
Well put. I wish dems could start pounding the boards as the party of law and order, as repubs become the party of sexual predators, frauds, and felons. But then again, we are asking dems to move outside the comfort zone. Amazing that Cranks, crooks, creeps and criminals have the upper hand on the law and order stage. Republicans being morally bankrupt is the ticket to being financially secure and celebrated...
Agreed. If only....
Those of us capable of thinking for ourselves are not enamored with celebrities of any kind. We may applaud their talents, but form our own opinions based on FACTS. As I see it, the issue is too many people, including celebrities, lack either the skill or drive to use critical thinking skills.
Thanks for reading, Mary. I completely agree with you—celebrity worship has warped public discourse, and too many people outsource their opinions to whoever has the biggest platform instead of doing the work to form their own. As you said, it’s not about dismissing someone’s talent, it’s about separating that talent from their credibility on issues that affect real lives. The lack of critical thinking and willingness to challenge misinformation is exactly why movements like MAGA thrive. I appreciate you cutting straight to the heart of it.
I am so impressed by the number of caring knowledgeable contributors at Lincoln Square. The level of information and commitment is unparalleled. I learn something new every day and have become a huge fan of several podcasters and writers on the staff.
Thanks for reading, Nansu19. I’m really glad you’ve found value in the work we’re doing at Lincoln Square. It means a lot to hear that the mix of perspectives and dedication to solid information is coming through, and I appreciate you being such an engaged reader and supporter.
As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together!” It gives insight into King Felon’s pardoning of all these folks, just showing a bit of grace toward his fellow criminals!
Thanks for reading, Randolyn. I completely agree—“birds of a feather flock together” sums it up perfectly. The MAGA embrace of these figures isn’t random; it’s a natural alignment of values (or lack thereof) and shared willingness to excuse or celebrate bad behavior. Your point about it being an act of grace toward fellow criminals couldn’t be more on target.
I just have to say that, as a woman, and a PERSON, and an AMERICAN who has contributed who knows how many tens of thousands of dollars to her country via taxes and other fees contributory to the common good, AND raised a child at an approximate cost of $300 thousand dollars through the age of 18 and another similar amount through college and the first couple of years of establishing a life after that, and voted in every election since turning 21, I am sick at heart and very afraid of the so-called 'masculine' centric wing of MAGA. They have already, performatively, eliminated employment opportunities and jobs for women, and just recently no one less highly placed than Pete the-rapist-Hegseth hosted an event calling for the elimination of womens' right to vote. What's next? I wonder. Before pouring myself a stinger. But seriously, what woman in her right mind doesn't wish all these guys would be 'trafficked' as half-ass slave labor to some island proximal to Antarctica, where they can work off their roid rage breaking rocks.
Thanks for reading, Leigh. Like you, I want these guys to face real justice for the harm they’ve caused. The fact that so many of them are still given platforms, endorsements, and applause instead of accountability is maddening. I also wish people would stop validating and normalizing their toxic behavior—it only fuels their sense of impunity and makes it harder to push back against the damage they’re doing.
My response ~
Well said, Kristoffer ~ Thank You!
‘We the People’ set the course for our democratic federal republic. Praise God that we’ve made more good choices than bad ones over the country’s nearly 250 year history. That said, we have made some really bad, even immoral, choices on occasion such as those now.
The question that confounds me is how do we get our collective moral good judgement (e.g., that of “The Greatest Generation”) back? In the past, unfortunately, it has taken experiencing considerable pain and suffering to regain our moral clarity. I hope and pray that doesn’t need to happen on the same scale now.
I am blessed to be a Septuagenarian in my 76th year of life, and know from my lifetime of experience at their sides that my grandparents, parents and their siblings never would have countenanced what’s happening in America 🇺🇸 today.
🤞🙏🇺🇸🌎🌍🌏
Thanks for reading, Stephen. I really appreciate the perspective you bring, especially with your lifetime of experience and the example of your grandparents’ generation. I share your concern about how far our collective moral compass has drifted, and I agree that regaining that clarity shouldn’t require the same level of pain and suffering it has in the past. It’s disheartening to see how much we’ve normalized behavior that previous generations would have outright rejected, but voices like yours are a reminder that there’s still a standard worth fighting for.
🤞🙏🇺🇸🌎🌍🌏
Whew! The title of this article had me fooled at first. Lots of women of a certain age have a fun group called the "Red Hats." (I'm not a member, but they tell me they have fun.) That said your article was an eye opener. I had no idea. RHR--red hat rebranding--is a good way to say it. It is definitely a type of group think. A group think I wasn't aware of. That photo with the article is worth a thousand words, also. Thanks, Kristoffer. Well, researched. Well, said. Take care.
Thanks for reading, Maxine. You’re absolutely right—there’s a clear groupthink element to all of this. But I also think a lot of these folks know better. What we’re seeing often feels like a calculated move, with PR teams and publicists framing MAGA alignment as a shortcut—a ready-made “cheat code” to rebuild their brand or keep themselves relevant without doing the harder work of accountability. Your point about the rebranding is spot on, and that photo really does capture exactly what’s going on.
Humans appear to be devolving. Was this anywhere in Darwin's theory of evolution? I confess I fell victim to the belief we were on a positive progression of discovery and growth. But it is apparent that was a fantasy. Logue (previous comment) is right, this is not cute or funny. It is horrifying in the possibility of where this can go. I'm an optimist by nature; determined to foster resilience, not doom. But there is cause for genuine fear.
Haha, thanks for that one Joline—I couldn’t help but laugh a bit myself. You’re kinda onto something, though, and here’s why.
You’re absolutely right in spotting that groupthink vibe—these folks get bundled into an easy narrative that looks like unity, but really it’s a strategic shortcut. Many of them know better; the real move is likely coming from publicists or PR teams framing MAGA alignment as a quick PR “cheat code” to stay relevant or rehabilitate a public image.
As critical thinkers—even with people like anti-vaxxers sometimes—you gotta let Darwinism run its course. I really wish it wasn’t that way, but when folks refuse to evolve intellectually or let facts in, societal natural selection ends up dealing its own consequences. It’s a regrettable reality, but often that’s how it plays out when critical thinking fails.
Thanks so much for reading and bringing this up—your perspective really sharpens the conversation.
Thank you Kristoffer, I know you're right about the need to let things burn out. But it helps to be reminded. And it is also true that there's a lien between passively waiting/hoping for the burnout and keeping critical thought alive while we wait:).
True, Joline—and I’m not just talking about letting them burn out. I’m also talking about the part of Darwinism where, metaphorically speaking, they get “eaten.” In nature, if a species doesn’t adapt, it’s not just that it fizzles out quietly—it gets overtaken by predators or environmental changes it can’t handle. In our context, that means being outpaced by reality, exposed by facts, or losing influence when their toxic tactics stop working. It’s a rough process, but it’s the natural consequence of refusing to evolve.
Weirdest, best, most upbeat reminder of how evolution works you could have offered. As of course, an unwillingness--or ability-- to adapt is the key variable. I appreciate you taking time to weigh in. a welcome balance to my morning's darkness:).
Atavistic urges seem to lie dormant and until they don't.
AGREED!
So prevalent, that "I'm not racist, but...," is the people of maganation's manta.
Spot on. Mian. Thanks for reading.
Until our culture can stop or diminish admiration and the celebration of psychopathic/sociopathic/narcissistic icons, with exciting dominance-submission and violent themes, going back to Al Capone and before - continuing in our movies, media, and online porn - then dictators, with masterminds like Putin will succeed here in the USA. We have met the enemy, and we are they, to paraphrase a Pogo cartoon. Only it's not so cute or funny but all too real now. Ugh.
Thanks for reading, Judith. You’re right—our culture has a long history of glamorizing dangerous and deeply flawed figures, from Capone to modern-day political strongmen. That celebration of dominance, violence, and narcissism in movies, media, and now online spaces creates an environment where these traits are not only normalized but rewarded. The line you paraphrased from Pogo is dead on—we’ve met the enemy, and far too often, we’ve turned them into entertainment. It’s not cute or funny because those narratives help keep these individuals in power, and the consequences are painfully real. Thanks for reading!
Oh, that’s Russell Brand. I wondered why there was a picture of Charles Manson.
Hahaha. I think he was trying to grow a thinker beard.