Neoconservatives, often viewed as “smart,” serious individuals, seem to be oddly thrilled by the looming threat of nuclear conflict.
On Tuesday morning, President Trump suggested a significant escalation in the conflict with Iran, implying that the U.S. might resort to nuclear action if Iran doesn’t submit and completely abandon control of the Strait of Hormuz. Historically, Trump has hesitated when making severe threats, but this time, the tension feels notably different. People are genuinely upset.
Interestingly, there’s a shift happening among conservatives. Those who previously supported Trump during his less-than-respectable moments are now criticizing this current threat to obliterate “an entire civilization.” Meanwhile, some former Never Trumpers, who’ve long disapproved of his disrespectful style, are now backing or even praising this nuclear brinkmanship.
Mark Levin, a key figure in the MAGA movement and a favorite on FOX News, seems quite eager for this moment. It’s almost as if he’s been anticipating this scenario for quite some time.
On his Sunday show, Levin highlighted famous battles fought by the U.S., noting the casualty counts. It felt like he was laying the groundwork for justifying a more aggressive military approach, maybe even suggesting that a nuclear option could be on the table.
Dinesh D’Souza, known for making controversial documentaries during the Obama era, remarked that the fear of nuclear war is “a little scary” yet also “exhilarating.” For him, war appears as a binge-worthy Netflix series, far more captivating than any previous work he’s produced.
He also provocatively suggested that if one substitutes Trump’s name for Churchill’s and Iran for Germany, it might alter one’s perspective on the situation entirely.
Erick Erickson, identifying himself as an “imperialist,” shared a theory about Trump’s negotiation tactics. He argued that Trump might be embracing the “madman” theory, attempting to instill fear among the Iranian populace to secure a better deal.
In yet another twist, Washington Post columnist Mark Thiessen seemed to casually endorse mass murder, suggesting that if Iran doesn’t capitulate, they’d get their wish in a horrific manner.
Even Alexis Wilkins, Kash Patel’s country singer girlfriend, joined in, implying that some lack an understanding of the complexities of both war and trade.
It’s important to note that the “Never Trump” faction has long criticized Trump’s unruly actions, only to struggle with how to react to the potential loss of civilian life in Iran. Many who have built their careers advocating for military action against the Iranian regime are, rather perplexingly, largely silent about the implications of mass casualties. Some even appear to find the idea thrilling.
I find this completely, well, madness. Pure madness.
