I first heard the word "sycophant" in a religious circle I follow. The context made its meaning clear enough.
In 2024, the adult children of Arizona pastor Stephen Anderson accused their father of child and spousal abuse. Anderson took great pains to avoid answering direct questions.
He didn't deny the allegations — he downplayed them, justified himself, and attacked his children for turning on him.
In any other instance, such a man would be removed from his post. Anderson, however, refused correction.
His pride grew greater, and his most ardent followers loved it.
This appalling man became even more revered by his devotees. They clamored for his affection and wanted the privileges associated with defending "God's man."
Even other pastors within that movement defended Anderson. They mimicked his speech patterns, parroted his words, and launched ruthless attacks against anyone who appealed to logic and reason.
Anderson was an infallible pope, and his followers embraced a cult-like mentality, excusing deplorable behavior at every turn.
Those who remained who secretly harbored concerns stayed silent, fearing the mob — or worse, being called out by name in one of Anderson's "sermons" and alienated from family and friends.
The word I heard used for this cult-like following was Andersons “sycophants.”
Webster's defines it as "a servile self-seeking flatterer: one who praises those in power to gain their approval." It is someone with no self-dignity; an idolator who sells out for the promise of power. Turns out, sycophant describes what we’re seeing in modern political circles too.
Far too often, political candidates are shills of whoever the culture portrays as popular or powerful. Today, that is Trump.
Unsurprisingly then, many talk and act like Trump, riding on his coattails with hope to achieve their own ambitions.
They think the more bombastic or insulting they are, the more successful they'll be. “That's what Trump does, and look where that has gotten him,” so the logic goes.
Pay attention to Wyoming candidates who attack and insult others, thinking it's acceptable because Trump does it.
Some claim it's being "real," but when they're obviously imitating Trump, they're being fake for their own ambitious pursuits. Others have described this as Washington D.C. style politics.
It's dehumanizing. Trumpian sycophants are selling themselves out for whatever they hope to gain.
But who wants a servant leader who’s just a copy-cat? What's attractive about a pompous attitude? Does hubris make someone a better leader, or just make them look small and annoying? Does pride result in more thoughtful policy decisions? Does arrogance yield better results for the people?
One particular example that comes to mind is Wyoming’s new perennial candidate, Reid Rasner. I can't tell if he's actually trying to get elected or just vying for attention by acting belligerent for some other pursuit.
Recently, Rasner posted on social media holding a rifle — because that apparently says "I share your Wyoming values."
Then he channeled his inner Trump: "EXPORT ALL VENEZUELAN OIL. DEPORT ALL ILLEGAL TO VENEZUELA" (sic), followed by “#Trump #MAGA #MAHA.”
If it sounds stupid, it's because it is. It could pass as satire, but Rasner is apparently serious.
As his rival Chuck Gray would say, "This is very, very troubling," while waving his hands in a window-washing motion like Trump.
Speaking of mimicking Trump's mannerisms, Rasner has this down. He clearly worships Trump and is willing to parrot him to gain notoriety and power of some sort.
He's a sycophant, and hardly the only one in Wyoming politics.
Being original, thoughtful, kind, conservative, independent, genuine, or just decent to others is apparently not a winning strategy.
You must be a jerk — for Jesus and ‘Merica!, of course, and Trump is showing candidates the way. Perhaps even more disturbing is that so many fall for it.
There's something to be said for men like Thomas Massie and Rand Paul. They are principled and, well, themselves.
They're not fake. They're not jerks. They're not glory hounds or media whores. They say what they mean and are true to themselves.
They work with anyone, even through jeers from "their side."
They think for themselves, refuse intimidation, and will debate anyone because they care about truth and human decency more than votes.
They don't placate voters or seek approval by telling people what they think people want to hear.
They love this country, work for justice, and try to restrain government’s endless pursuit of power over others.
Wyoming could use more people like that, but I'm afraid we're going to be stuck with sycophants for a while.
Hopefully, Wyoming voters will reward those who dare to be decent, and who will image the God after whom they are created, rather than imaging another man for power.
Scott Clem can be reached at: ScottClem@live.com
