By Michael Kelman Portney

Phish’s music brings together a wide range of eccentric and memorable characters, each with their own quirks, perspectives, and philosophies. These characters often navigate life in ways that transcend political affiliations, focusing instead on freedom, chaos, or personal fulfillment. Here’s an in-depth look at how these fictional figures might respond to Trump’s 2024 victory, outlining their potential political leanings, hopes, and dreams.

1. Wilson from "Wilson"

Political Affiliation: Authoritarian, likely conservative-leaning

Hopes and Dreams: To maintain his control and rule over the land of Gamehendge.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Likely supportive, seeing Trump’s power as validation of his own authority.

Wilson, the tyrant of Gamehendge, is all about control and dominance, valuing hierarchy and strict rule. Trump’s win would resonate with Wilson, who sees it as reinforcement of his own authoritarian approach.

Outlook: Wilson dreams of expanding his influence, seeing leadership as a matter of strength and order.

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2. Colonel Forbin from "Colonel Forbin's Ascent"

Political Affiliation: Independent, progressive leanings

Hopes and Dreams: To explore the unknown, challenge authority, and find purpose.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Disappointed but determined to challenge the status quo.

Colonel Forbin is an idealistic adventurer who often embarks on quests for discovery and justice. He’d likely view Trump’s win as a setback but would continue pushing for change and exploring new ideas, undeterred.

Outlook: Forbin dreams of a just world and actively seeks ways to resist oppressive forces, seeing himself as a challenger to the establishment.

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3. The Famous Mockingbird

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, focused on spreading knowledge

Hopes and Dreams: To deliver messages of truth and knowledge without bias.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Neutral but watchful, observing how it impacts the people of Gamehendge.

The Famous Mockingbird’s role is that of a messenger, responsible for delivering information without taking sides. The bird would be more interested in seeing how Trump’s victory impacts society than in taking a stance.

Outlook: Dedicated to spreading truth, the Mockingbird remains unbiased and values transparency, hoping to foster understanding.

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4. Tela from "Tela"

Political Affiliation: Progressive, valuing peace and harmony

Hopes and Dreams: To cultivate a world of beauty, balance, and compassion in Gamehendge.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Saddened, seeing it as a disruption to the natural harmony she cherishes.

Tela is a gentle spirit, embodying the ideals of peace and compassion. Trump’s win would likely disappoint her, as she sees it as a shift away from the harmonious balance she values.

Outlook: Tela dreams of a world where compassion and beauty prevail, advocating for peace and unity.

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5. The Sloth

Political Affiliation: Anti-establishment, rebellious

Hopes and Dreams: To seek revenge against oppressive figures like Wilson.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Angered, viewing it as more of the power-driven leadership he despises.

The Sloth is on a mission of revenge against tyrannical rule. Trump’s victory would likely fuel his anger and reinforce his disdain for power-hungry leaders, motivating him to continue his rebellious quest.

Outlook: The Sloth dreams of a world free from tyranny, committed to dismantling authority he sees as corrupt.

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6. Llama from "Llama"

Political Affiliation: Libertarian, anti-authoritarian

Hopes and Dreams: To live freely, navigating chaos without interference.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, focused on his own freedom and adventures.

Llama thrives on chaos and independence, embracing a fast-paced life without concern for rules. Trump’s win would likely mean little to him, as he prioritizes his own journey and freedom above all.

Outlook: Llama dreams of a life without restrictions, where he can roam freely, indifferent to political shifts.

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7. McGrupp from "McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters"

Political Affiliation: Cynical moderate, observing power structures critically

Hopes and Dreams: To understand the complexities of life through observation.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Skeptical, seeing it as just another example of the absurdity of power.

McGrupp is a thoughtful observer who contemplates life’s ironies. Trump’s victory would likely interest him as an example of the strange, unpredictable nature of authority.

Outlook: McGrupp values understanding and observation, approaching power with skepticism and curiosity.

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8. The Lizards

Political Affiliation: Traditionalists, seeking peace and stability

Hopes and Dreams: To live harmoniously and preserve their way of life in Gamehendge.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Concerned, fearing it might disrupt the peace they seek.

The Lizards are peaceful inhabitants of Gamehendge who long for a quiet, balanced life. They’d likely view Trump’s win with trepidation, fearing it could lead to instability in their world.

Outlook: The Lizards dream of stability and harmony, hoping to live without the interference of power struggles.

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9. Harpua

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, self-interested

Hopes and Dreams: To pursue his own interests without interference.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, more concerned with his rivalry with Poster Nutbag.

Harpua, a dog on a mission to chase down his rival, cares little for politics. Trump’s win doesn’t matter to him as he’s more focused on his own goals and instincts.

Outlook: Harpua dreams of victory in his personal pursuits, unaffected by political concerns.

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10. Jimmy from "Jimmy"

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, curious and open-minded

Hopes and Dreams: To understand the world around him, exploring life with wonder.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Curious but detached, observing how others react.

Jimmy, a youthful and inquisitive character, is more interested in learning about life than taking a political stance. Trump’s victory might intrigue him as he listens to others’ perspectives.

Outlook: Jimmy dreams of discovering life’s mysteries, exploring the world without strong political leanings.

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11. Suzy Greenberg

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, focused on fun and rebellion

Hopes and Dreams: To live life on her own terms, embracing a wild and carefree existence.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, more interested in having fun and being herself.

Suzy Greenberg is known for her wild and rebellious spirit, embodying carefree independence. Trump’s win would be inconsequential to her, as she’s focused on her own adventures and sense of freedom.

Outlook: Suzy values self-expression and independence, unconcerned with politics as she pursues a life of joy and spontaneity.

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12. Bathtub Gin Characters (Brett, Wendy, and The Joker)

Brett

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, favoring escapism over engagement

Hopes and Dreams: To enjoy life’s pleasures without stress or interference.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, focused on his own experiences and enjoyment.

Brett lives a carefree life, focused on simple pleasures and avoiding the stress of politics. Trump’s win wouldn’t affect him, as he’s more interested in savoring the moment.

Outlook: Brett dreams of living a life free from complexities, relishing daily pleasures.

Wendy

Political Affiliation: Apolitical, independent-minded with a rebellious streak

Hopes and Dreams: To live freely, prioritizing self-expression.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Unconcerned, seeing politics as distant from her personal life.

Wendy embodies a free-spirited attitude, more interested in self-expression than engaging with politics. Trump’s win would be background noise to her adventures.

Outlook: Wendy values personal freedom, thriving in her independence.

The Joker

Political Affiliation: Anti-establishment, chaotic neutral

Hopes and Dreams: To disrupt the status quo and revel in unpredictability.

Reaction to Trump’s Win: Amused, likely enjoying the chaos and unpredictability it brings.

The Joker thrives on unpredictability and disorder. Trump’s win would likely amuse him, as he enjoys watching disruptions to the conventional order.

Outlook: The Joker embraces a world without structure, relishing in chaos and unpredictability.