The piece, authored by National Review editor Rich Lowry, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from leftists, many of whom have taken to social media and other platforms to express their outrage.
Lowry’s op-ed posits that former President Donald Trump, despite his often polarizing persona, possesses the character attributes necessary to win the 2024 presidential election. This assertion, though relatively mild in tone, has been met with intense backlash from liberals who view the very notion of Trump’s character as an affront to their values.
People are hammering that Rich Lowry piece for the headline on "Trump Can Win on Character," but it's even worse than you think: He means Trump can win by being Trumpy about Harris's character, and he thinks that's a good idea that would work and not shameful at all: pic.twitter.com/IYP4PV3AUn
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) August 26, 2024
The op-ed suggests that Trump’s resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to his base are qualities that could propel him to victory in a future presidential race. Lowry argues that, contrary to the dominant narrative, these characteristics reflect a type of leadership that resonates with many Americans who feel alienated by the current administration.
He writes, “Trump’s character is defined by his refusal to back down in the face of relentless opposition, a trait that his supporters admire and that could serve him well in a 2024 bid.”
The uproar over Lowry’s op-ed highlights a broader issue within the media landscape—namely, the reluctance of liberal outlets and their audiences to entertain viewpoints that diverge from the prevailing progressive orthodoxy. The intense reaction to a relatively measured piece underscores the left’s intolerance for any narrative that does not align with their own, particularly when it comes to Trump.