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To the Editor:

Re “Why We Got It So Wrong,” by David Brooks (column, Nov. 15):

Mr. Brooks helps us understand why Kamala Harris lost by showing that voters did not vote their personal identities. So why did so many decent, caring people vote for a man riddled with so many personal flaws? Why were they inspired by his “fight, fight, fight” war cry?

MAGA voters are angry. They are angry with America and their place in it. They see themselves as disadvantaged and disrespected. Disadvantaged because their material situation has lost ground compared with those they believe claim to be their betters. Disrespected because they believe that their traditional values are considered inferior by those same people.

MAGA voters were turned off by Ms. Harris’s joyful message, telling her in effect: “You sing of joy when we are hurting and angry,” and “We want revenge.”

In short, MAGA voters wanted an arsonist. Someone who will burn the establishment house down. Dislodge its inhabitants. Make it impossible for them to move back in. And that’s what they got. Nearly all Donald Trump’s cabinet picks come loaded with gasoline and matches, to follow the will of the arsonist in chief.

The only hope is that the Senate will hold confirmation hearings at which the lunacy of Mr. Trump’s designees will be exposed.

Stephen M. BlockRockville, Md.The writer is a retired senior Foreign Service officer.

To the Editor:

David Brooks sees the electorate as a series of groups and strives to understand their motives in voting. Donald Trump created a dialogue with the American people as individuals — not groups.

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