You are absolutely right. MAGA are not conservatives but even your run-of-the-mill Republican from 20 years ago was hardly a conservative. Save for a very few folks like David Brooks, George Will, or the late Alan Greenspan (not sure any would consider themselves Republicans), efficiency has only been a guise.

I chose to use that term just because it encompasses the largest tent of people who would be just fine to continue all this just to a lesser tone and without Trump. They have been chomping at the bit to reinterpret the constitution by way of appointing "letter of the law" judges since well before Liz's father's time. Speaking of whom, there's no way Dick could be considered a defender of the constitution.

I do believe we, on the left, have something to offer. Community, quality of life, working together and lifting each other up. All basically euphemisms for socialism which, unfortunately, has been vigorously stigmatized. Just like being kind and caring about other people is stigmatized as "woke". Fear of this demagoguery and trying to appeal to center Republicans is what's made us this unappealing mess. We really just need to embrace the word socialism and say fuck the people who will lable us communists.

Your example of MAGA brand fascism is spot on! May have to quote that. Don't think I could write it any better.