This is a great explanation for why people support Trump:
"Many explanations are proposed for the continued
rise of Donald Trump, and the steadfastness of his support, even as the outrages and criminal charges pile up. Some of these explanations are powerful. But there is one I have seen mentioned nowhere, which could, I believe, be the most important: Trump is king of the extrinsics.
Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are
inclined towards empathy, intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world.
People at the extrinsic end of the spectrum are more attracted to prestige, status, image, fame, power and wealth. They are strongly motivated by the prospect of individual reward and praise. They are more likely to objectify and
exploit other people, to behave rudely and aggressively and to dismiss
social and environmental impacts. They have little interest in cooperation or community. People with a strong set of extrinsic values are more likely to suffer from frustration,
dissatisfaction, stress, anxiety, anger and
compulsive behaviour.
Trump exemplifies extrinsic values. From the tower bearing his name in gold letters to his gross
overstatements of his wealth; from his endless ranting about “winners” and “losers” to his reported habit of
cheating at golf; from his extreme objectification of women, including
his own daughter, to his obsession with the
size of his hands; from his rejection of public service, human rights and environmental protection to his extreme dissatisfaction and fury,
undiminished even when he was president of the United States, Trump, perhaps more than any other public figure in recent history, is a walking, talking monument to extrinsic values..."
newrepublic.com
