Well, war is one of the ultimate expressions of dominance jousting, and I seriously doubt that the overwhelming majority of White women who voted for Trump did so because he was the bigger peacenik.

It’s my assertion that very few people actually like Trump. After all, he’s such an obvious lout. What appeals to them is that he’s a fat-cat (literally) rich guy who is using that status to do and say whatever the fuck he wants with impunity. He’s the poster child for the apex of the dominance hierarchy, and certain people find that aspirational and admirable. They also want the protection and status in the hierarchy that comes from being affiliated with and under the protection of the big cheese. He’s entirely pro-business and pro-self interest and was obviously never going to do anything to help the little guy, except to put in their place anyone from the lower rungs of the pyramid who was getting too many ideas about moving up to their level. And for some people, that was actually enough.

Hardly anyone in America is as thoughtful and rational as you are, particularly when it comes to something like voting. I too am registered Independent and find the lack of acceptable candidates pretty grim. I’ll be curious to hear how you end up voting re: Tulsi Gabbard.