Today she was lamenting about Trump and all the havoc.
I reminded her about how she praised Trump around the time of the election, specifically saying she approved of “a strong man” and making a fist gesture as she said it.
But I was corrected. Turns out I mis-remembered. She always supported Kamala, who “listens to people” unlike Trump who “is always complaining”.
You know they’re full shit, they know they’re full of shit.
It doesn’t matter much, it’s the cognitive dissonance hitting her like a train wreck.
Different people will use different ways to resolve cognitive dissonance by trying to create some sort of internal consistency.
Denial: (we’re here 👋 )
Deny ever supporting him or his policies even though she literally did.
Rationalization:
Argue she was misled, she never believed he’d take such drastic (yet promised) actions.
Alter perception:
Convince herself he’s not really a fascist and it’s necessary for some poorly defined greater good
Selective exposure
Seek out info that aligns with her current view, dismiss anything that contradicts.
I mean it all sucks, but I’d rather deal with people doing #1 or #2 than the other forms of doubling down. 🤷
Build your enemy a golden bridge to retreat across and all that.