Trump, Moral Clarity, and the Virtue of Indignation
Alessandro Carrera and Anita Romanello, writing for doppiozero, argue that indignation has lost its virtue in contemporary political discourse. They cite a piece of American prose that condemns dishonesty in power, comparing it to Cicero's orations against Catiline. The text references a hypothetical scenario where Donald Trump, if serving as prime minister in a parliamentary system, would have been removed from office for lying to parliament. The authors highlight the British political convention that a minister must resign if found to have lied, as such deceit undermines all future credibility. The article critiques the erosion of moral clarity and the normalization of political dishonesty.
Key facts
- Alessandro Carrera and Anita Romanello are the authors.
- The article was published on doppiozero.
- The publication date is June 12, 2026.
- The article compares a modern American prose piece to Cicero's speeches.
- It discusses the hypothetical removal of Donald Trump in a parliamentary system.
- The British political rule requires ministers to resign if they lie to parliament.
- The article argues that indignation is no longer a virtue.
- The concept of moral clarity is referenced as an American quality.
Entities
Institutions
- doppiozero