Grand Strategy

This is not necessarily a cookbook. But there are some good things here to keep in mind.

I asked ChatGPT how to defeat a bully like Trump and this is what it said:

Defeating someone like Donald Trump—who thrives on media attention, sharp rhetoric, and an “us versus them” narrative—requires a strategy that’s less about matching his style and more about taking away his strongest weapons while strengthening your own position.
Here’s how that generally works in politics and public life:

1. Don’t feed the spectacle

• Trump often uses outrage as oxygen. The more emotional, reactive, and personal the opposition becomes, the more he can frame himself as the victim and rally supporters.
• Instead, respond with calm, fact-based points—boring to him, powerful to others. It denies him the drama he thrives on.

2. Control the narrative

• Trump likes to be the one setting the agenda. If you’re reacting to him 24/7, you’re playing his game.
• Keep conversations focused on your own policies, plans, and wins—not just criticisms of him.

3. Use facts, but frame them simply

• Long-winded rebuttals lose people. Short, repeatable statements that contrast truth with his narrative are more effective.
• Example: Instead of a paragraph of fact-checking, say, “That’s not what happened—here’s what did,” and move on.

4. Build a coalition bigger than his base

• He’s most powerful when his opponents are divided.
• Create common ground between groups that might not agree on everything but share a goal of protecting democracy, fairness, and stability.

5. Call out the behavior, not just the person

• Attacking Trump personally can backfire, as it feeds his “they hate me, so they hate you too” line to supporters.
• Instead: focus on the harm his actions cause to ordinary people—policies, costs, rights lost.

6. Win on the ground, not just online

• Trump’s movement is sustained by real-world organizing—rallies, events, door-knocking.
• To counter him, the opposition has to meet people in person, listen to their concerns, and earn trust face-to-face.

7. Protect democratic guardrails

• Work on securing voting rights, preventing election interference, and supporting independent journalism.
• A bully in politics is hardest to beat if the rules of the game are rigged.