Many of us have frequently judged our friends by suggesting they are “foxhole buddies.” What we mean, of course, is that they can be trusted to stand by us under the worst circumstances. We have confidence that they will not bolt when things get tough; they can be counted on to hang tough and watch our back. I have been fortunate to have such people as friends whom I could call in the middle of the night for help if needed. Our relationships have been unconditional.
I mention this because all the hoopla that Trump and his allies spew about being tough never fails to make me think that it’s all show, “all hat and no horse” as the cowboys say. And the thought of having to share a foxhole with someone like Donald Trump is frightening to the extreme. Trump’s performance to date does not give one confidence in his ethics or loyalty. Evidence suggests that if things got bad, Trump would run, play dead or even dispatch his colleague to win favor with the enemy.
A macho quality pervades MAGA politics: J.D Vance talking tough and strong-arming Zelensky, Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s bravado about “warriors,” Trump’s raising tariffs on China to ridiculous levels, Trump and his acolytes attending martial arts events, and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s stun gunning of her constituents at a town hall meeting. Think about it; this is a short list. Trump and his MAGA machos would throw all of us under the bus to advance themselves.
People who talk tough often are just the opposite. It is frequently a cover for being weak or cowardly. Tough guys don’t have to talk tough.