The NYT’s David French gets closer to explaining a non-policy MAGA mindset than anyone I’ve read in a while. Basically, many MAGA types enjoy taking pokes at the establishment, saying outrageous things and seeing the reactions, hitting body-politic nerves every chance they get, provoking progressives in particular, etc. etc. There’s a cynical gleefulness and sense of belonging among many MAGA believers, as French notes. … But I’d add there’s also a little bit of the anarchist and libertarian in many MAGA types. I know this is generally true because I’ve talked to a number of Trump-supporter friends who, after readily acknowledging Trump’s obnoxious and toxic flaws, almost invariably say “I don’t care. I just want change.” I.e., there’s a strong anti-establishment, anti-status quo element to MAGA-dom, combined with an unmistakable anti-leftist obsession that finds comfort in seeking out and mocking progressive pronouncements and actions (see Instapundit on any given day to verify this point) …

The problem is, of course, these MAGA types don’t recognize their own anger/fury and how their words and actions are causing deep and lasting harm to a country they say they love. They also don’t see how they’re radicalizing and strengthening the resolve of their political opponents (or “enemies,” as some call them).