Judging politicians (2) – inclusive or divisive?

A couple of posts ago I wrote about how some politicians can polarise the constituency. So how does this tweet from Donald Trump fall on the continuum of inclusiveness versus divisiveness?

Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Only “stupid” people, or fools, would think that it is bad!

While I don’t know for sure how Americans feel about the Russian relationship, I can guess there would be a spectrum of opinions on the subject, such as:

1. Yes, I want a good relationship with Russia
2. Yes, I want a good relationship with Russia, but not at any cost
3. I’m not sure how I feel about the need for a good relationship with Russia
4. I don’t want a good relationship with Russia. Let’s nuke them.

Are all those not in group 1 stupid? Of course not, although some may be.

So what value is there for Trump in alienating them by calling them stupid? Beats me.