You have to be stupid to be afraid of the things they say you should be afraid of.

One can be both stupid and fearful. In fact, Trump needs his minions to be both of these things, because with intelligence and rationality, comes the notion that one need not fear things like the LGBTQ+, or women.

When people are stupid enough to believe they have something to fear, the solution can be easily sold to them.

Porque no los dos?

I remember reading somewhere the disgust is a strong motivator for right wing voters. It was a study where simply cleaning the area where people vote increased support for progressive candidates.

All right wing strategies is about fear, all around the world it's the same tactics, and sorry but the stupid fall for those tactics.

If we have a progressive president, the trick would be for them to exude an aura of courage and certainty. FDR and Theodore did that, and are among the top five American presidents for it. Fireside chats were something that FDR did, not just to explain, but also to reassure. Before him, Theodore, was willing to risk his own flesh in battle and to remain standing after being shot by an assassin.

We need brave guys and gals to speak for a better future.

It’s deffo both.

It's both. And they feed into one another.

It's a combination. I saw a video last week about how MAGA tout their larger amyglya (spelling err) as proof they are smarter. The video pointed out that part of the brain regulates fear.

Fear makes one vulnerable to influence by would be protectors. Stoke enough fear and critical thinking is very difficult.

Smarter people learn how to manage the fear and rise above it.