Do you think it's a forum problem or do you think Trump supporters are quiet because it's become increasingly difficult to defend his behavior?
If you think it's a forum problem, can you explain why?
My view is the liberal/conservative imbalance on the forum is counterproductive. That's not the fault of the forum or any left or right posters. It's just the way the numbers now fall.
But that leads to a situation where the conversation ends up very one sided,
and the narratives and drama build to a very high level (with all the left voices feeding one another).
I think Trump supporters, in general, feel that Trump is getting a lot done and they love his motivation, drive, and accomplishments. Starting with DOGE, I think Republican support is VERY high for what is being uncovered and reduced. Then the border and deportations. Once again, I think Republican support is VERY high for his efforts and successes here. Then the forward progress toward the one big beautiful bill. Here too, I think Republican support is VERY high. Then inflation, so far so good. The numbers are good - like the CPI number from Thursday. Gas is down, mortgage rates are down, eggs are under control, etc. People (mostly Dems) say the tariffs are going to cause high inflation, but we haven't seen that yet.
The tariffs bring more disagreement. While I think many Republicans like the long term goal of fair and balanced trade, the tariffs and that process are making some Republicans feel uncertain and nervous. I'm one who is more than willing to give the tariff plan a chance because I'd love to see trade straightened out and to see the production of some of our most important things happen here at home (like medicine, transportation, energy, and more).
So that's how I think Republicans are feeling. Dems are another story entirely.
I see Dems as furious, feeling Trump is ending the world, hoping beyond all hope that he'll fail miserably, so focused on that failure hope that they now actually want China to "beat" or "crush" Trump (and by default, our country). That's the attitude I think those on the left bring to every thread and with sky high drama. It's a continuation of the Trump hate from his first term and foward to before his second term inauguration - but now amped up by a lot. The more Trump does, the more the left hates him. And Trump is a very busy guy, doing a lot, so the more the left is getting riled up.
This makes for a massive disconnect between the left and right in conversations. So, I think it's just become worthless for the right. Conservatives might as well just leave the (high majority on this forum) left to talk amongst themselves. Leave the left to imagine that the right suddenly disapproves of or has lost support for Trump. That's not reality but the left is spinning so hard, they can't see reality despite what calmer Dem voices are trying to tell them about the situation their own party is currently in.
I'm expect this comment from me will generate a big reaction from several on the left - but you asked me and I'm simply responding with my view and my take. Even your question shows me how very different your view is from mine. If you really think or simply feel better thinking Republicans have soured on Trump (thus don't want to "defend his behavior"), that's your prerogative.