MAGA - genuine question, what does the A refer to?

[Some Schmo]

So far as I can see, up to now nobody has seriously attempted tell us when American possessed the alleged greatness that MAGA people wish to see restored. Can't somebody tell us?

There is no when, Chap. There's only a where, which is in the imaginations of those who fantasize for something better and thinking MAGA will get them there.

It comes from the same place as god belief, for context. People's strongly held wishes.

[I Have Questions]

Make America Great Again was first used as a slogan by Ronald Reagan in the 80’s, Bill Clinton in the 90’s, Trump in 2010’s and again in the 2020’s.

So my question is really for those who rally behind MAGA (or “Magadonians” as Trump calls his fans). What period in the history of America does the “Again” refer to?

That was the OP - my bold.

So far as I can see, up to now nobody has seriously attempted tell us when American possessed the alleged greatness that MAGA people wish to see restored. Can't somebody tell us?

It’s becoming rather clear that the Magadonians of the board are keeping quiet on this one. One might have expected ceeboo to at least have had a go at answering. I think we can conclude, as Schmo stated, there is no when. It’s a meaningless slogan that those who rally behind it haven’t given much thought to. I suspect Native Americans might have a different “when” in answer to my question about the use of the word “AGAIN”.

I’m surprised a journalist hasn’t put the question to the President (who has non American son, according to his own classification of who can and who cannot be considered American)… “So tell me Mr President, when you say you are going to make America great again, to what period in American history does the “Again” refer to?”

I suppose that’s the sort of question that you’re no longer allowed to ask in the land of the free and home of the brave where free speech used to mean free speech.

[Kishkumen]

Wait, Abe Lincoln wasn’t a MAGA candidate? : )

Was he MAGA before MAGA was "cool"? Hound certainly thinks so!

[Physics Guy]

“So tell me Mr President, when you say you are going to make America great again, to what period in American history does the “Again” refer?”

I'm not sure Trump would understand the question so phrased. Better ask it in fewer words: "When was America great before?" Furthermore, make it clear that the answer should be some time period in the past, by offering options like, "Was it the 1980s? The 1950's?"

Then he might answer, and his answer might be interesting. With a more complicated phrasing than that, I suspect that he'd just repeat that he was going to make America great in spite of his enemies, or something—not because he was unwilling to answer, but because he honestly didn't understand the specific question being asked, and was just reacting to an impression of challenge.

[I Have Questions]

“So tell me Mr President, when you say you are going to make America great again, to what period in American history does the “Again” refer?”

I'm not sure Trump would understand the question so phrased. Better ask it in fewer words: "When was America great before?" Furthermore, make it clear that the answer should be some time period in the past, by offering options like, "Was it the 1980s? The 1950's?"

Then he might answer, and his answer might be interesting. With a more complicated phrasing than that, I suspect that he'd just repeat that he was going to make America great in spite of his enemies, or something—not because he was unwilling to answer, but because he honestly didn't understand the specific question being asked, and was just reacting to an impression of challenge.

You’re quite right.

[Kishkumen]

Trump doesn't really think about histoy in any systematic or theoretical way. In my view, he has an incoherent and unformed attitudinal-based sense of the past. For him the past is better than now, and if he can use that to get his way, he will be mollified for the moment. Trump is a man of fears and appetites. He has no real friends, loves, or ideals. Others attribute to him values he does not possess, and he is happy to go along with that if it gets him what he wants.

[ceeboo]

It’s becoming rather clear that the Magadonians of the board are keeping quiet on this one. One might have expected ceeboo to at least have had a go at answering.

Called out for keeping quiet in a thread that I hadn't read until now? In a thread that I haven't even participated in?

You're a doofus.

[I Have Questions]

It’s becoming rather clear that the Magadonians of the board are keeping quiet on this one. One might have expected ceeboo to at least have had a go at answering.

Called out for keeping quiet in a thread that I hadn't read until now? In a thread that I haven't even participated in?

You're a doofus.

So don’t you know when America was great the first time around?

[Whiskey]

Called out for keeping quiet in a thread that I hadn't read until now? In a thread that I haven't even participated in?

You're a doofus.

So don’t you know when America was great the first time around?

Is that what ceeboo said?

[I Have Questions]

So don’t you know when America was great the first time around?

Is that what ceeboo said?

Look, I know this is difficult for you with English not being your first language, but I didn’t state what ceeboo said. I asked ceeboo a follow up question on the basis that he responded without answering the original question.

Is there a grown up nearby that can talk you through this complicated grammar stuff?