The phrase “Platonic ideal” refers to the philosopher’s conception that real life and meaning exist on an abstract spiritual plain beyond our physical existence and comprehension. You think you have seen a donkey, say, but no, you have only seen a shadow of a donkey — a hypothetical representation. You cannot even begin to comprehend the real thing. All of us go through life like dogs seeing in muted colors, not knowing what we’re missing, except on Sunday night when anyone with a subscription to Paramount+ was allowed to experience the Platonic ideal of what it means to be an American in 2026, the real donkey, and it was a UFC fight on the White House lawn.
The UFC fights at the White House showcased the tonal incoherence of America
Michael Chandler waits in the Grand Foyer of the White House before his lightweight bout against Brazil's Mauricio Ruffy during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
