Understanding Trump's Use of the Third Person with Bill Barr
The infamous instance of Donald Trump speaking in the third person during conversations with Bill Barr is more than just a stylistic choice. It reveals deeper psychological and manipulative tendencies that Trump exhibited throughout his political career. Let's delve into why Trump resorted to this practice and what it signifies.
The Psychology behind Third Person
Significance of Third Person Speech: Speaking in the third person is a technique often used by individuals who have a grandiose self-perception, as it allows them to adopt a more detached yet elevated tone. This can be seen as a means to emphasize their superiority and better manipulate their audience. For Trump, it was an effective tool to project a facade of being above other actors in the political drama.
Psychological Analysis: Many political analysts and psychologists suggest that Trump's use of the third person is a symptom of narcissistic personality traits. Narcissists often feel entitled to special treatment and admiration, and speaking about themselves in the third person can serve as a subtle way to demand attention and adulation while maintaining a sense of distance and superiority. This is not unlike how kings of old would refer to themselves in the third person to elevate their status.
The Context of Trump and Barr's Interaction
Drastic Shift in Political Landscape: As Trump's presidency seemed to crumble after his election loss, his communicative style changed drastically. He became more erratic and defensive, particularly when he felt his narrative was being challenged. When confronting Bill Barr over election fraud claims, Trump's aggressive behavior was palpable, including the noted incident where he slammed his hand on the desk.
Deciding to part ways with Barr: Barr, a prominent figure in the legal and political arena, decided to step away from his position. His decision was driven by the deteriorating relationship with Trump and the potential for a more public confrontation. This move highlighted the shift in power dynamics and communication styles between the two during a critical period in American politics.
Manipulative Techniques and Victim Narrative
The Manipulative Master: Trump is widely known for his adept use of manipulative tactics, especially in appealing to a specific segment of the population. His tendency to emphasize his own victimhood, like referring to himself as "Your president," is a strategy designed to garner sympathy and support. This victim narrative is a common technique in politics, often employed by authoritarian leaders.
Manipulating Perceptions: By portraying himself as a persecuted victim, Trump aims to capitalize on the fear and uncertainty felt by many Americans. He uses this tactic to instill a sense of urgency and require action from his supporters. Examples of this rhetoric can be seen in his frequent statements like: "Your president needs you. Look what you are doing to him." These statements are designed to create a bond between the leader and his followers while also demanding obedience.
Social Science Insight: Thorstein Veblen's "The Theory of the Leisure Class," published in 1928, provides valuable context. This work critiques the concept of a leisure class and its relationship with others, offering a social commentary that resonates with Trump's behavior. The book suggests that an individual's status and superiority are often portrayed through social narratives, similar to how Trump constructs his own persona.
Conclusion
Trump's use of the third person with Bill Barr was a strategic choice that reflected his personality and manipulative tactics. By referring to himself in the third person, he emphasized his perceived superiority and manipulated his audience more effectively. This behavior, along with his victim narrative and other rhetoric, underscores his effort to control information and maintain power. For political observers and the general public, understanding these psychological and linguistic techniques is crucial to interpreting the complex and often misleading nature of modern politics.