By failing to recognize this, Trump's critics are left bewildered by him and confused by what they see. Alpha Males have two primary operational modes: Attack and Protect. Alphas attack viciously any potential challenger to their Alpha status, both as a matter of tactics and to put fear into any other potential challenger (seeing a challenger ripped to shreds tends to lead others to reconsider their potential challenges). So the real purpose of these attacks is to save energy by avoiding unnecessary and fruitless confrontation.
Once the Alpha is accepted in his role, the Protect mode comes into play. In this mode the Alpha is a model of selflessness and self-sacrifice, doing anything to protect the interests of his group and ignoring any distractions from this purpose.
Trump's critics focus on his Attack mode while his supporters see the Protect mode. There is no doubt in their minds that Trump will always have their and the country's best interests at heart and will act vigorously to protect these interests. We're in a political contest, so of course the Attack mode is on full display since the Alpha is in the process of establishing his Alpha status. Once that happens watch for the pivot to Protect mode. Trump will vigorously defend his tribe--first the Republicans against the Democratic challenger in the general election, and then the country as a whole once elected.
Alphas are quick to attack and equally quick to defend once the attacker backs down and acknowledges their Alpha status. We saw this on display with Carson. When Carson was perceived as a threat many were shocked by the viciousness of Trump's attacks on Carson, however as soon as Carson backed down Trump's instinct was to reverse and Protect him (witness the now-famous incident of him standing with Carson before the debate entrance).
We're seeing the same thing with Cruz now. Cruz is a challenger so Trump is in Attack mode. If Cruz backs down, the head-scratching by the pundits will be epic as he moves back into Protect mode. For this reason Trump could still view Cruz as a potential running mate, however I'm not convinced that Cruz could accept that at this point.
I disagree. Trump is most assuredly one who comes in with an authoritarian nature.
He doesn’t emphasize how the greatness of the American people will overcome the challenges the country faces; rather he stresses his own strength and power, not that of the country or its people. His “my way or the highway” approach and continual emphasis on his own “greatness” belie someone who believes he can exercise outsized power for someone who aspires to become this country’s president.
If he does beat the odds and defeat the democrat in November, the strongest indication of his autocratic tendencies will be how he responds to those who oppose him.
This doesn’t imply the “alpha-male” tendencies aren’t present in an authoritarian personality, but the idea Trump isn’t going to chafe at the constitutional checks-and-balances system that restricts governmental power to any one branch is a false one.
Very enjoyable post. Fellow Austinite - Lago Vista - here.
Cruz is alpha cerebrally, tempered by Christianity.