Have you read "Thinking, Fast and Slow"

by ReginaldVelJohnson , Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 12:54 (5 days ago) @ Mike (Max)

by Kahneman? I think that framework may work better, and is associated with less of an implied value judgement. We all use heuristics and cognitive shortcuts in day to day life (System 1 thinking). No harm in that. The issue is when we fail to engage System 2 thinking which allows us to refine that thinking through thoughtful investigation and deliberation.

Trump voters seemingly fall victim to the affect heuristic (a System 1 behavior), where they allow emotion to drive. Then they fail to engage System 2 thinking to understand why Trump might not be a good choice, whether through his own failings or an understanding how Trump's policies/behaviors might negatively effect them.

Of course, Trump voters/MAGA people are not the first (or only) to fall victim to this. The "I'd like to have a beer with this guy" test is probably as old as politics itself. The problem therefore isn't using it, but rather willingness (or curiosity) to move beyond it. Seems like an interesting--and believable--argument to suggest that Trump's cult of personality has enriched this population compared to past politicians. An alternative, and perhaps less charitable, reading is that people have engaged deeper thought and have chosen to continue supporting Trump because though he might not help them, but he hurts those they don't like.