The real similarity between Hitler and Trump

Shalom Auslander argues that Trump, unlike Hitler, flip-flops on policy. But the Nazi leader also changed his mind constantly – and lost World War II as a consequence. For example, he allowed the British to escape from Dunkirk and failed to capture Moscow and Leningrad because of dithering. As he wrote, “I go the way that Providence dictates with the assurance of a sleepwalker.”

Although Hitler was a psychopath, not even his policy on the Jews was consistent. He turned to mass extermination only when other plans failed, such as deportation to Madagascar and encouraging emigration to the UK and US. He also reserved the sole right to define who was or was not a Jew. At least one of his vegetarian cooks, Frau Manziarly, was partly Jewish.

The real similarity between Trump and Hitler is heavily gambling opportunism. Hitler brought the world to its knees. Trump, if elected, might well finish the job.

Barry Kenyon