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New York Times Uses Hitler Book Review To Troll Donald Trump And It's Genius

by Alexandra Svokos
REUTERS

Michiko Kakutani did not write "Donald Trump" once -- but she didn't have to.

Kakutani is a book critic for The New York Times, and her review of a new Adolf Hitler biography, "Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939" by Volker Ullrich, was published online on Wednesday.

Although this is technically a book review, Kakutani took the time to write out points from the Hitler biography, explaining exactly what the book includes.

But in doing so, Kakutani basically just threw a ton of shade at Republican presidential nominee Trump.

Because -- oh, gee! -- the story of the rise of Hitler sure does sound a whole lot like the rise of Trump.

The Washington Post asked The Times if the review was really about Trump. The Times responded,

The review speaks for itself.

Let's take a look at the facts as Kakutani laid them out (in a clear, bullet-pointed list):

1. Hitler was an egomaniac with a "characteristic fondness for superlatives."

Trump:

"I alone can fix it." -- Republican National Convention speech, 7/21/16

I know words, I had the best words.

2. Hitler used "the latest technology...to spread his message" and couldn't recognize the difference between lies and the truth.

Trump:

3. Hitler concealed his anti-Semitism to rally socially liberal middle classes.

Trump:

"These false attacks by Hillary Clinton trying to link the Star of David with a basic star, often used by sheriffs who deal with criminals and criminal behavior, showing an inscription that says 'Crooked Hillary is the most corrupt candidate ever' with anti-Semitism is ridiculous." -- Statement, 7/5/16

4. Hitler promised "to lead Germany to a new era of national greatness."

Trump:

REUTERS

5. Hitler used repeated mantras with simple, emotional language.

Trump:

"We don't win anymore." -- various

6. The German political parties were unwilling to compromise, making Germans believe having "a man of iron" to shake things up would help.

Trump:

"I have no patience for injustice, no tolerance for government incompetence, no sympathy for leaders who fail their citizens." -- Republican National Convention speech, 7/21/16

Trump vows to shake things up.

7. Hitler's appearance and demeanor caused many people to dismiss him as entertainment rather than a real threat.

Trump:

"[W]e will no longer be covering [Trump's] campaign in Entertainment." -- The Huffington Post, 12/7/15

8. "Many Germans jumped on the Nazi bandwagon not out of political conviction but in hopes of improving their career opportunities."

Trump:

9. Hitler spoke in a pessimistic voice and turned away from the makings of a civil society.

Trump:

"Our Convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation. The attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life." -- Republican National Convention speech, 7/21/16

Of course, just like Kakutani, we're not saying Trump is Hitler.

But, well, many people are saying they're similar, and someone should really look at that.

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Citations: New York Times, Washington Post, Politico, Kansas City News, Daily Jeffersonian, The Huffington Post, CNN, Washington Post