After a memorial service recently, I chatted with two brothers I have known many years. George, the older, more sophisticated one, enjoyed considerable success running programs at CBC Television, then selling real estate, and currently as owner of several highly lucrative enterprises. Harry is a muscular, no nonsense home builder. They wanted to talk about Donald Trump, and I was astonished to learn both are committed, no holds barred admirers.

I can somewhat understand why marginalized people place their hope in Trump. They believe the politicians and institutions of America are not serving them well. They had been waiting for a strong disruptive leader who would kick Washington in the solar plexus. Donald Trump was the “messiah” they had been longing for. In “The Age of Voter Rage,” pollster Nik Nanos suggests that “for those on the margins, Trump was a vehicle to punish the establishment.”

For me, George and Harry’s motivation is an enigma. I find it equally mystifying that numerous American evangelicals have eagerly flocked to Trump. They virtually worship him, even though fact checking prior to the 2016 election revealed only 4 percent of his statements were true. (Hillary Clinton fared somewhat better at 25 percent).

Nanos believes at the heart of what is happening in some democracies, including Britain and France, is a hearty dose of anti-establishment sentiment. During the Brexit upheaval in Britain, for example, Boris Johnson and other “Leave” proponents claimed the country was sending 350 million pounds to the EU weekly. In the week before the referendum, polls showed 47 percent of voters accepted this contention as true. After the vote this claim was proven to be false. Many voters had disbelieved what was true and embraced what was not true.

Nanos says “when citizens become enraged they are more willing to be led by their emotions and to take risks.” He says further “Trump stoked the negative emotions of citizens and rode their anger to the presidency. Fake news is entering the mainstream and a key source of information for an increasing number of citizens.”

Several weeks ago I listened to a CBC radio interview with an American Trump supporter. Her words revealed a total naivete concerning Trump’s promises and accomplishments. When the CBC host pointed out that her information was incorrect, she blithely continued her poorly informed praise.

I’m very aware not all Canadians share my sense of dismay at the acrimony, discord and bitterness flowing so freely in America. More than a handful of Canadians apparently approve of Donald Trump’s numerous abrasive tweets, his refusal to condemn white supremacy groups like the Proud Boys, and his utter disdain for those who disagree with his policies. Like my friends, George and Harry, some of his admirers are well positioned in our society. They drive Mercedes and live in gated communities. I ask myself, do they understand what is happening in America, or are they mesmerized by this president because he is unconventional and delights in creating havoc in the political system?

Probably the majority of Canadians are troubled at seeing our valued neighbours in such a state of bitter divisiveness and rancor. We have long considered America a powerful bulwark against forces seeking to undermine democratic institutions around the globe, including in Canada. It’s disturbing that Donald Trump has at times expressed admiration for the practises of dictators and seems to have adopted their “play book.” Equally unsettling is his refusal to say he will accept a peaceful transfer of power if he is not the choice of voters in the coming election.

Is there a danger the disruption in American politics will spill over into Canada, and possibly impact even the interior of BC? We tend to feel quite assured that our political leaders will not stray too far from democratic values. In spite of this confidence, I do sometimes wonder how our system of government would hold up if a charismatic, power hungry Prime Minister was determined to stay in office after being rejected at the polls. Certainly party bosses could strip their leader of power, but would they have the will and integrity if it meant they would no longer form government? In America Republican leaders have demonstrated an unwillingness and inability to hold Trump in check.

Nik Nanos says “expecting politicians to self correct is delusional. Citizens need to learn to differentiate between fact and fake news. And they must hold the government accountable.”