Part of an op-ed in The Washington Post by Colbert I. King:As readers embark on the final stretch to Election Day, allow me to lighten your journey with a simple truth: There is nothing you can say or do along the way to convince Donald Trump’s MAGA disciples that he is unfit to be president of the United States.
The best you can do is to cast your sacred ballot, then turn your effortstoward getting all whose lives are linked with yours to the polls, so they can vote for the ticket that is loyal to American ideals, hopes and beliefs: Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Which leaves out “Make America Great Again” voters, whose obedience is to Trump.
At this point, with less than five weeks to go, any thought of influencing Trump’s followers to choose otherwise is tantamount to lunacy.
They have heard the words you have heard. They have seen what you have seen. The difference: You might find the former president’s words and deeds repugnant, but his core supporters’ adoration remains unwavering. . . .
In fact, some of them clearly love what they see and hear, simply because they know many of you don’t.
Don’t underestimate what’s at work on Election Day. Trump has managed to establish himself in the eyes of millions of Americans as the only person capable of “saving” this country, of restoring America’s greatness.
As if it was ever lost.
Trump conjures up an America overrun by the unwanted: dark invaders crossing our southern border. An LGBTQ+ community reshaping schools, churches and civic life. Uppity people of color with the nerve to stand up and talk back.
In casting himself as a genius deserving of unconditional devotion, Trump has pulled off quite a feat: amassing millions of followers who are going to vote for him no matter what he says or does.
They are what truly freedom-loving Americans are up against on Election Day.
This is why voting must come before all else. . . .
The decision is not Trump’s to make. He cannot crown himself. His MAGA cohort cannot praise and adore him into the White House. The choice is yours. Vote.
