Constant Left-Wing Comparisons of Republican Presidents to Hitler Are Getting Old
In my 70 years, only Gerald Ford was not compared to Hitler or called Nazi
This morning, I read a post by a friend comparing President Trump to Hitler. I realized that it seemed that comparison has been made since I was a teen. I decided to test my hypothesis. I went to ChatGPT. I asked for all presidents since World War 2 to make sure I didn’t miss any. Then I asked about each one. The following are my questions and the results from ChatGPT. I left out Eisenhower.
Did Democrats ever compare Richard Nixon to Hitler? If so give sources.
Yes, there were some comparisons between Richard Nixon and Adolf Hitler, particularly during the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War protests. Some critics accused Nixon of authoritarian tendencies, and comparisons to Hitler emerged in political discourse, media, and protests.
Examples & Sources:
Hunter S. Thompson (Journalist & Author)
In his writings, particularly Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72, Thompson frequently criticized Nixon in extreme terms, sometimes likening his tactics to those of fascist leaders.
Congressional Testimony (Watergate Era)
During the Watergate hearings, some critics suggested that Nixon's use of power had authoritarian overtones. While direct comparisons to Hitler in formal testimony were rare, the theme of "dictatorial rule" surfaced.
Political Cartoons & Protest Signs (1960s–1970s)
Many anti-Nixon protestors, especially during the Vietnam War, depicted him with a Hitler mustache or compared his actions to those of fascist regimes.
Ralph Nader (Consumer Advocate & Political Activist)
In speeches and writings, Nader criticized Nixon’s secrecy and consolidation of power, sometimes drawing parallels to fascist tendencies.
Did Democrats ever compare Gerald Ford to Hitler? If so give sources.
There is no significant historical record of Democrats or major political figures comparing Gerald Ford to Hitler in the way that Richard Nixon or other controversial leaders were sometimes compared. Ford was generally seen as a moderate, conciliatory figure who aimed to restore trust in the presidency after the Watergate scandal.
However, during the 1976 election against Jimmy Carter, some left-leaning critics did attack Ford for pardoning Nixon and continuing certain Nixon-era policies. But there is no widely known or documented case of Ford being seriously compared to Hitler in mainstream political discourse.
Did Democrats ever compare Ronald Reagan to Hitler? If so, give sources.
Yes, some Democrats and liberal critics did compare Ronald Reagan to Hitler at various points during his presidency, though these comparisons were not mainstream and often came from activists, protestors, or left-wing commentators rather than top Democratic leaders.
Examples & Sources
Protests & Political Rhetoric (1980s)
During Reagan’s presidency, some liberal activists and anti-nuclear protestors likened his aggressive Cold War policies and rhetoric to fascism.
Some protest signs and political cartoons depicted him with a Hitler mustache, particularly in relation to his support for authoritarian regimes in Latin America (e.g., backing right-wing dictators in El Salvador and Guatemala).
1985 Bitburg Cemetery Controversy
When Reagan visited a German military cemetery in Bitburg, which contained graves of SS officers, some critics (including Democratic lawmakers) accused him of whitewashing Nazi history or being insensitive to Holocaust survivors.
The controversy sparked outrage, and comparisons to Hitler or fascism were made by Jewish leaders, activists, and some Democrats.
Reagan’s Policies & the “Fascist” Label
Some left-wing commentators in media and academia claimed that Reagan’s economic policies (Reaganomics) and his aggressive stance against unions (e.g., firing air traffic controllers in 1981) were steps toward fascism.
In 1983, Rep. William Clay Sr. (D-MO) accused Reagan of leading the country toward “a reign of terror,” though he did not explicitly compare him to Hitler.
While mainstream Democrats largely criticized Reagan on policy rather than personal attacks, some activists and media figures did make extreme comparisons.
Did Democrats ever compare George H. W. Bush to Hitler? If so give sources.
Yes, there were instances where George H.W. Bush was compared to Hitler, but these comparisons mostly came from activists, protestors, and fringe commentators, rather than mainstream Democratic leaders.
Examples & Sources:
Gulf War Protests (1991)
During the Persian Gulf War, some anti-war activists and left-wing protestors compared Bush to Hitler, arguing that his military intervention in Iraq was an act of aggression similar to Nazi expansionism.
Some protest signs and political cartoons depicted Bush with a Hitler mustache or used slogans like "Bush = Hitler" in reference to the bombing of Iraq.
Lyndon LaRouche & Fringe Figures
Lyndon LaRouche, a political activist with conspiracy-laden views (who ran as a Democrat in multiple elections), frequently called Bush a Nazi and accused him of being part of a global fascist conspiracy.
While LaRouche was not representative of mainstream Democrats, his organization spread pamphlets and materials accusing Bush of Nazi ties.
Allegations of Nazi Ties (Election Campaigns & Media)
During Bush’s 1988 campaign, some critics brought up Prescott Bush’s (his father) alleged financial ties to Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Some left-wing commentators suggested that Bush’s CIA background and his family history made him sympathetic to authoritarianism, though this was never a mainstream Democratic talking point.
Did Mainstream Democrats Compare Him to Hitler?
Not significantly. While Bush was heavily criticized for his Gulf War policies, economic strategies, and past CIA role, top Democratic leaders generally avoided direct Hitler comparisons. The Nazi comparisons mainly came from protestors, activists, and figures on the political fringe.
Did Democrats ever compare George W. Bush to Hitler? If so, give sources.
Yes, George W. Bush was frequently compared to Hitler by Democratic activists, protestors, and some liberal commentators, especially during the Iraq War and the War on Terror. However, mainstream Democratic leaders largely avoided making direct Hitler comparisons, though some came close in their criticisms of his policies.
Examples & Sources:
Protests & Activist Comparisons (2003–2008)
During the Iraq War protests, many demonstrators compared Bush to Hitler, often carrying signs with "Bush = Hitler" or "BusHitler".
Political cartoons and street art depicted Bush with a Hitler mustache, often criticizing the Patriot Act, Guantanamo Bay, and the Iraq invasion as authoritarian overreach.
MoveOn.org Controversy (2004)
A MoveOn.org ad contest featured two user-submitted videos comparing Bush to Hitler.
The ads juxtaposed Nazi Germany footage with Bush's speeches, suggesting parallels between propaganda and fear-mongering.
MoveOn later removed the ads and distanced itself from them, but Republicans used this as evidence of extreme rhetoric from the left.
Source: CNN Report on MoveOn Hitler Ad Controversy
Howard Dean’s Comments (2004)
Howard Dean, then DNC Chairman and former Vermont Governor, criticized Bush’s policies, and while he did not directly call him Hitler, he said:
“I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for.”Some right-wing media accused him of stoking Hitler comparisons, though he later clarified his remarks were about policy, not personal attacks.
Keith Olbermann & Liberal Media Figures
MSNBC host Keith Olbermann frequently criticized Bush and his administration’s use of executive power, sometimes likening it to fascism.
In one broadcast, Olbermann referenced “fascist tendencies” in Bush’s handling of surveillance and secrecy.
Source: MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann (2006–2008)
Congressional Democrats' Harsh Criticism
While most elected Democrats did not directly call Bush Hitler, some compared his policies to fascism.
Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) in 2006:
“Bush’s actions in Iraq are as bad as Hitler’s.”Sen. John Glenn (D-OH):
“It’s the old Hitler business.” (Referring to Bush’s argument for preemptive war).
Conclusion
While mainstream Democratic leaders mostly avoided directly calling Bush Hitler, comparisons to Nazism, fascism, and dictatorship were widespread among liberal activists, media figures, and protestors, especially regarding the Iraq War and civil liberties concerns.
Did Democrats ever compare Donald Trump to Hitler? If so, give sources.
Yes, several prominent Democrats and political figures have compared former President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, particularly during his campaigns and tenure in office. Here are some notable instances:
Vice President Kamala Harris:
In October 2024, following statements from former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly describing Trump as a fascist, Vice President Harris publicly agreed with this characterization, stating that she believes Trump "is a fascist."
Democratic National Committee (DNC):
In a 2024 event, the DNC projected messages linking Trump to Hitler on Madison Square Garden, referencing a 1939 rally that supported Hitler and the Nazi party at the same venue.
Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX):
In March 2024, Rep. Gonzalez compared Latino supporters of Trump to "Jews for Hitler," suggesting that such individuals were voting against their self-interest.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
In 2016, RFK Jr. compared Trump to Hitler and criticized his supporters on his podcast.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper:
In October 2024, Mark Esper agreed with John Kelly's assessment, stating that Trump "has those inclinations" toward fascism.
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley:
In October 2024, Mark Milley described Trump as "fascist to the core."
These comparisons have been part of broader discussions about Trump's rhetoric and policies, with some Democrats and commentators drawing parallels to fascist regimes to highlight concerns over authoritarianism and threats to democratic institutions.
Although these comments may make Democrats feel better, more unified, and part of their group, the comments are so common nobody reacts. It is time to drop them.