Recently, I came across a video titled “When Trump Voters Show Signs of Buyer’s Remorse” by Jeremy Sherman that felt deeply relevant to our current political landscape. The video dissects the psychology of Trump supporters and explores concepts like “Trumpsplaining,” absolutism, and the potential for shifting perspectives among almost-absolutists. These ideas resonate and challenge us to consider how we engage with political discourse in such divided times—because wellness isn’t just about what we eat or how we exercise. It’s about the policies and cultural forces that shape our collective experience.

The Illusion of a Mandate

Sherman begins by addressing a critical question: What if Trump’s policies start hurting his voters directly? Many Trump supporters likely didn’t anticipate the chaos that’s unfolding. Few intended to invite the havoc Trump plans to unleash. Despite warnings, the wheels of fate seemed already in motion.

Many voters were driven by the promise of removing criminals or lowering grocery prices. Trump sold them an illusion—campaigning with a table full of groceries and claiming he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. These promises were less about public service and more about his personal agenda. His win is far from a mandate, with one of the lowest margins in U.S. history. The reality of governing will soon clash with his base’s expectations.

Trumpsplaining: The Art of Rationalizing the Irrational

One of the video’s standout points is “Trumpsplaining,” a term Sherman uses to describe the mental gymnastics Trump supporters perform to rationalize his words and actions. From triumphant gloating to defensive justifications, Trumpsplaining reflects an unwavering commitment to a deeply flawed figure.

Excuses like “He doesn’t mean what he says” or “He’s terrible, but the Democrats are worse” are commonplace. Yet, as the adage goes: When someone shows you who they are, believe them. The effort required to defend someone devoid of true value or character is astounding.

The Danger of Absolutism

Sherman’s exploration of absolutists—those with unshakable beliefs and zero curiosity—was eye-opening. Absolutists dismiss challenges to their worldview, doubling down on convictions despite evidence. Trump’s persona, characterized by absolute confidence and a disregard for reality, fosters this mindset.

On the other hand, almost-absolutists possess a speck of doubt. These individuals might start questioning their support as Trump’s rhetoric meets reality. Reaching them requires empathy-driven methods like deep canvassing and street epistemology—tools for open dialogue and connection.

Finding Human Humility

Sherman aptly asks, “How do we humbly humble humans who will say and do anything to avoid even a speck of humility?” This question aligns with CherryCoBiz’s mission to foster self-awareness, critical thinking, and shared humanity. For me, holistic wellness has always been about more than one way of helping people. We don’t live in a vacuum. Politics, entertainment, and deeply personal stories all shape our lives.

For example, I recently had a conversation with a family member who is a Trump supporter. While discussing the fires in California, she remarked, “I don’t advocate for climate change.” I replied, “You don’t have to advocate for the science—it’s already there.”

Her statement reflects how deeply rhetoric can shape beliefs, even when reality paints a different picture. These exchanges remind me of the importance of humility and the need to gently challenge perspectives with empathy.

We have to consider what being well means in the broadest sense—including the policies that shape our experiences and the cultural forces that influence our choices. Together, we can figure out this journey.

Solving world problems begins with acknowledging our biases and limitations. Let’s serve up an extra helping of humility—Trump and his cronies certainly need it—and recognize that none of us have all the answers. Not even those at the top of the hill.

Teasing as Resistance

Sherman suggests a provocative strategy: attacking Trump supporters at their proudest strength—their macho patriotism. By highlighting the absurdity of their loyalty, he exposes the contradictions in their adoration of Trump. However, he cautions against this approach with almost-absolutists, advocating instead for respect and dialogue to plant seeds of doubt.

A Call to Action

This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking insights into Trump supporters and how we might shift the narrative. Sherman’s work reminds us that while not all minds can change, those with a glimmer of doubt can be reached through compassion and understanding. For further exploration, Sherman recommends the book How Minds Change by David McRaney. Additionally, he offers a free study group on engaging with absolutists. You can email him at js@jeremysherman.com for more information.

Final Thoughts

If this post resonated with you, I encourage you to watch Jeremy Sherman’s video, “When Trump Voters Show Signs of Buyer’s Remorse,” embedded below. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics discussed here, offering insights into how we can engage thoughtfully with these challenging topics.

CherryCoBiz has never been about following a strict content strategy—it’s about helping people, plain and simple. Whether through Reverb reflections, Avon love, recipes, and even YouTube favorites, my goal has always been to nourish the human soul in diverse ways.

I’ve realized over time that holistic wellness isn’t confined to one approach. It’s about entertainment, good vibes, sharing deeply personal stories, discussing the issues shaping our lives, and building a sense of community. For me, this means leaning into conversations that matter—whether it’s tackling big questions like climate change or reflecting on how we can foster humility in ourselves and others.

As the world turns, politics and cultural forces inevitably intersect with wellness. We don’t live in a vacuum, and neither should our conversations. The policies, stories, and relationships we experience every day play a huge role in how we live and connect with others. Together, we can reflect, learn, and grow—because solving the world’s problems starts with each of us.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you see these dynamics playing out in your life or community? Let’s keep the conversation going.