MSNBC host Chris Matthews likened Republican support for President Trump to North Koreans who are essentially forced to worship dictator Kim Jong Un.
Political commentator George Will was discussing Republican support for the president, which he said is higher than President Ronald Reagan's support among the GOP at the same point in his presidency.
"Today about 85 percent of Republicans have very strong approval of Donald Trump. That's above the 75 percent that had the same feeling for Ronald Reagan at this point in his presidency," Will said. “This is a Trump party now."
“Therefore say no evil about the president,” Matthews said. “They're beginning to act like North Koreans dare I say. Because they’re marching in step. They’re smiling when told to, they're applauding when told to. They’re not wearing those big hats, but short of that they’re acting like North Koreans, Republicans."
As a reminder, North Koreans not only worship current dictator Kim Jong Un but have worshipped the entire Kim family for decades. Failure to show adequate respect for the dictatorship can result in punishment. The State Department has explained to visitors in the past that it's "a criminal act in North Korea to show disrespect to the country's current and former leaders, Kim Jong-Il and Kim Il-Sung." Portraits of the country's leaders are also ubiquitous, with homes required to display them prominently. And the list goes on.
So, sure, Chris, GOP support of Trump is just like that.