Why I was wrong about Donald Trump — he’s a ‘strange attractor’ with a mission

New York Post - May 1st, 2025
Open on New York Post

The article explores the complex and often contradictory nature of Donald Trump, highlighting his rise as a dominant political figure in the 21st century. The author, Martin Gurri, reflects on his initial misjudgments about Trump's character and influence, acknowledging that Trump's unique style and rhetoric have captivated a significant portion of the American public. The piece delves into Trump's ability to connect with his audience, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his embodiment of the digital age's disruptive forces. Gurri recounts a near-assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, as a pivotal moment that revealed Trump's courage and composure, further solidifying his status as a 'strange attractor' in politics.

The article places Trump's journey within the broader context of societal transformation driven by digital information systems. It highlights the conflict between entrenched elites and a rising tide of networked individuals challenging the status quo. Gurri argues that Trump's political resilience and appeal are partly due to the failures of the current administration, exemplified by the chaotic response to natural disasters. The piece concludes with the assertion that there is no return to the analog past, as Trump and his allies continue to reshape the political landscape. Gurri recognizes Trump's role as a pivotal figure in the ongoing digital revolution, despite the improbability of his success in fundamentally altering the existing system.

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RATING

5.6
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides a reflective and personal narrative on Donald Trump's political impact, characterized by vivid imagery and an engaging tone. It effectively captures the reader's attention by exploring the author's reassessment of Trump, presenting him as a complex and pivotal figure in modern politics. However, the article's reliance on personal insights and the lack of diverse sources or empirical evidence limit its factual accuracy and balance. The narrative's focus on Trump's rhetorical style and societal influence is timely and of significant public interest, but the absence of contrasting viewpoints and detailed analysis reduces its overall impact. Despite these limitations, the article's clarity and readability make it accessible to a broad audience, and its potential to provoke debate and challenge norms is high, given the controversial nature of the subject.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several claims about Donald Trump's impact and character, some of which are difficult to verify. For instance, the depiction of Trump as a 'strange attractor' and a dominant figure in the 21st century is largely interpretive and lacks empirical support. The claim about Trump's rhetorical style being effective despite lacking traditional eloquence is subjective and would benefit from comparative analysis with other political figures. The description of Trump's rallies and his connection with the crowd is anecdotal and lacks statistical backing. Additionally, the narrative about the near-assassination attempt in Butler, PA, and its significance is dramatic but requires more concrete evidence to substantiate its impact on Trump's political resilience.

5
Balance

The article appears to lack balance, as it predominantly focuses on the author's reassessment of Trump without providing contrasting viewpoints. The narrative is heavily centered on the author's personal reflections and experiences, which may introduce bias. While it acknowledges Trump's controversial nature, it does not sufficiently explore opposing perspectives or criticisms from other analysts. The portrayal of Trump as a unique political figure is compelling but would benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the criticisms and challenges he faces from various political and social groups.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, providing a coherent narrative of the author's evolving perspective on Trump. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors, such as describing Trump as a 'strange attractor,' adds color to the narrative but may also obscure the factual basis of some claims. The article maintains a conversational tone, which aids readability, but the lack of clear transitions between different points sometimes disrupts the logical flow. Overall, the clarity is adequate, but the narrative could benefit from more structured argumentation.

4
Source quality

The article relies primarily on the author's personal insights and interpretations, with limited reference to external sources or expert opinions. The lack of diverse sources raises questions about the reliability and credibility of the claims made. The absence of citations or references to studies, statistics, or expert analyses weakens the article's authority. The narrative would be strengthened by incorporating a broader range of sources, including political analysts, historians, and sociologists, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Trump's impact.

6
Transparency

The article is somewhat transparent about the author's intentions and past misjudgments regarding Trump, which adds a layer of honesty to the narrative. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and the basis for certain claims. The article does not clearly explain how the author arrived at specific conclusions or what evidence supports the more interpretive aspects of the analysis. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the reasoning process behind the claims would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.salon.com/2020/04/24/strange-attractors-on-being-addicted-to-trump-and-his-press-conferences_partner/
  2. https://elisopow.org/2016/09/24/chaos-theory-begets-donald-trump/
  3. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.14318/hau6.2.009
  4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09557571.2019.1575796
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trumpism