Primus Characters in the Wake of Trump’s 2024 Victory: Political Leanings, Hopes, and Dreams

By Michael Kelman Portney

Primus’s music brings to life a bizarre and diverse cast of characters, each embodying unique frustrations, dreams, and perspectives. These fictional figures feel out of place in a society that seems both absurd and indifferent. In the aftermath of Trump’s 2024 election victory, imagining where these Primus characters stand politically—and how they respond to shifting social and political landscapes—adds a fresh, entertaining lens to understanding their eccentricities. Here’s a breakdown of Primus’s most iconic characters, their hypothetical political leanings, and their outlooks on life.

1. Jerry from “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver”

• Political Affiliation: Disillusioned Independent

• Hopes and Dreams: To make it big and feel a sense of accomplishment, even if only on a small stage.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Frustrated but apathetic; sees it as another hurdle in his already tough journey.

Jerry embodies the quintessential working-class American who’s chasing the dream, only to find it slipping just out of reach. In a world where politics seems distant from his reality, Jerry likely finds Trump’s victory to be yet another phase in a cycle that rarely touches his life.

Outlook: Skeptical of both parties, he’s more focused on small victories, like winning a local race or getting respect in his own community.

2. The Narrator from “My Name Is Mud”

• Political Affiliation: Apolitical, anti-establishment leanings

• Hopes and Dreams: Just wants to be left alone, living his peculiar life without interference.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Disinterested, perhaps even amused at the chaos.

The “Mud” narrator represents the disenchanted outsider, detached from society and indifferent to authority. Trump’s win might leave him indifferent, maybe even amused by the frenzy around him. Mud would rather exist on the fringes, focused on his own strange existence.

Outlook: Mud values personal autonomy, uninterested in who holds power so long as he’s left to live on his own terms.

3. Mr. Krinkle from “Mr. Krinkle”

• Political Affiliation: Jaded Moderate, leaning toward reform

• Hopes and Dreams: Seeks a system that values people over profit but feels stuck in the rat race.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Mixed frustration and resignation; not sure where to place his hopes anymore.

Mr. Krinkle is the everyman stuck in bureaucratic red tape, likely viewing Trump’s win as more of the same. Although he hopes for change, he’s realistic about how little politics affects his everyday struggles.

Outlook: Krinkle dreams of fairness and equity in society, but he’s grounded in the reality of daily survival and feels largely disempowered by the political process.

4. Wynona from “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver”

• Political Affiliation: Libertarian-leaning Independent

• Hopes and Dreams: Values personal freedom and autonomy, wary of government overreach.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent but cautiously optimistic about deregulation.

Wynona is a fiercely independent spirit who cherishes her autonomy. In the wake of Trump’s win, she may feel cautiously hopeful about deregulation but remains wary of any government meddling that could restrict her choices.

Outlook: Wynona’s main concern is her freedom to live as she pleases, remaining detached as long as she’s left alone.

5. Tommy the Cat

• Political Affiliation: Apolitical, vaguely anti-establishment

• Hopes and Dreams: To enjoy life and protect his independence.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, more focused on his own survival and pleasures.

Streetwise and self-reliant, Tommy the Cat doesn’t bother with politics, seeing the spectacle as irrelevant to his daily hustle. To him, political power is a far-off concern, as he finds joy and meaning in his streetwise adventures.

Outlook: Tommy values independence and freedom, preferring to be left alone, indifferent to whoever’s in charge.

6. Harold from “Harold of the Rocks”

• Political Affiliation: Disillusioned, anti-establishment

• Hopes and Dreams: Once a dreamer, now just focused on getting by and staying out of trouble.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Feels disconnected from political discourse, perhaps resentful.

Harold was likely once an idealist, but over time has grown cynical and skeptical of the system. He views Trump’s victory as a reinforcement of the absurd, disconnected system he’s come to distrust.

Outlook: Harold dreams of acceptance and a place in society but has lost hope in traditional politics, retreating from the cycle.

7. Bob from “Bob”

• Political Affiliation: Apathetic yet curious, with a hint of fatalism

• Hopes and Dreams: To find meaning or direction, even amid his doubts.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Unfazed, likely seeing the election as just another twist in his surreal life.

Bob, weighed down by existential confusion, is unlikely to engage with the political spectacle. To him, Trump’s win only deepens his sense of life’s absurdity and reinforces his fatalistic worldview.

Outlook: Bob searches for meaning but sees little value in politics, turning inward to face his own uncertainties.

8. Sgt. Baker from “Sgt. Baker”

• Political Affiliation: Likely conservative-leaning, authoritarian

• Hopes and Dreams: To enforce discipline, control, and order.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Supportive, as he values order and authority; may see it as an affirmation of his worldview.

Sgt. Baker embodies authoritarianism and the love of discipline, probably welcoming Trump’s rhetoric on law and order. He’s less concerned with policy nuances and more with maintaining control and enforcing his ideals.

Outlook: Sgt. Baker values hierarchy and structure, likely supportive of any leader who promises strength and order.

9. Sothington Willoughby

• Political Affiliation: Elite, disconnected moderate with libertarian leanings

• Hopes and Dreams: To maintain his status and live a life of luxury without disruption.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Unconcerned, primarily focused on preserving his privileges.

Sothington Willoughby embodies wealth and detachment, unaffected by who’s in office as long as his comfortable life remains untouched. He watches the political game as a distant, entertaining spectacle.

Outlook: Willoughby’s dream is uninterrupted luxury, seeing politics as mere background noise.

10. Lee Van Cleef

• Political Affiliation: Conservative or libertarian, admiring self-reliance and authority

• Hopes and Dreams: Embodies toughness and independence, valuing a sense of justice.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Probably supportive, seeing Trump’s victory as a symbol of strength.

Lee Van Cleef represents old-school values and independence, likely supportive of a candidate who echoes a similar self-reliant ethos. However, he remains independent, skeptical of all politics.

Outlook: Van Cleef admires strength and dreams of a society built on self-reliance, preferring leaders who advocate for independence.

11. Puddin’ Taine

• Political Affiliation: Anti-establishment moderate, leaning toward freedom of expression

• Hopes and Dreams: Values creativity and individuality.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Amused by the circus of it all, preferring to watch from the sidelines.

Quirky and unconventional, Puddin’ Taine cares little for conventional politics. He’s more interested in personal freedom and humor, likely finding the political climate to be an amusing sideshow.

Outlook: Taine wants to live freely, detached from the constraints of politics, while relishing his unique take on life.

12. John the Fisherman

• Political Affiliation: Libertarian, seeking personal freedom on the open seas

• Hopes and Dreams: Yearns for a life of adventure and self-reliance.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, too focused on his own adventures.

John the Fisherman embodies the escape artist, seeing his life’s purpose as one of adventure away from the mundane. Trump’s win hardly matters to him, as he finds meaning in self-discovery at sea.

Outlook: John wants freedom from societal constraints, indifferent to the government as long as it doesn’t restrict his adventures.

13. The Pressman

• Political Affiliation: Cynical moderate

• Hopes and Dreams: Dreams of freedom from the relentless cycle of his job.

• Reaction to Trump’s Win: Indifferent, feeling his daily grind will continue regardless.

The Pressman represents the grind of everyday life, indifferent to who’s in office as his reality feels unchanging. He views politics as an endless cycle, much like his daily work.

Outlook: The Pressman’s dreams revolve around escape from the daily grind, more concerned with finding freedom than political change.

Conclusion: Primus Characters as Reflections of Disillusionment and Social Disconnection

Each Primus character showcases a distinct reaction to Trump’s 2024 victory, mirroring real-life frustrations, dreams, and disconnects felt by many. Whether through Jerry’s weary disillusionment, Sgt. Baker’s authoritarian leanings, or Tommy the Cat’s carefree independence, Primus offers a satirical, poignant view of society that resonates deeply. These characters reveal the myriad ways people cope with a system that often feels bizarre, indifferent, and sometimes outright absurd—capturing both the humor and tragedy of the human experience.