Some say that Trump is a flash in the pan who will soon burn out at which time the “real” candidates will emerge. Others feel that he should be reined in with promises to support whomever the nominee turns out to be. Then there are those who believe Trump is giving Republicans a black eye. They ridicule him and hold him up as an example of everything a Presidential candidate ought not be.
Here’s my advice to Republican Party leaders everywhere, “If you truly want to build our party, pay attention to Donald Trump!”
Donald Trump knows how to connect to his audience. Plain talk and harsh criticism of government policies often appear on the pages of Facebooking or Tweeting American citizens. So do the personal insults (albeit not hurled at the same people). Social media has given people the platform to be honest, outspoken and judgmental for or against anything and everything. Instead of mumbling under their breath and throwing up their arms in defeat, people have taken to social media to release their frustrations. Donald Trump has tapped into this world and used it to create a campaign strategy to which people are responding.
Another winning strategy for Trump is his decision to embrace his success. Unlike Mitt Romney who tried to play down his wealth, Trump celebrates it. And while he is celebrating, he is telling voters that they too can be rich if they work hard and utilize the rules and regulations set up by a broken government to their advantage. Most of my political pundit friends would have advised against such a strategy. More likely than not, they would have steered Trump away from discussing his wealth, advising that it would not play well among Americans because they hate rich people – especially those who run large corporations. But when you think about it, true Republicans applaud hard work and ingenuity. They believe that success should be rewarded and they aspire to have the same for themselves and their family.
In my opinion, Donald Trump’s candidacy is not an enigma. It is a reflection of what is in the hearts and minds of many American citizens (whether they vote or not is a discussion for another time). People are growing resentful of having to work long hours just to pay their tax bill. They also resent being penalized for minor infractions while illegal immigrants are granted food, shelter and municipal ID’s paid for with the hard earned tax dollars of American citizens.
Polished Republican politicians who have lost themselves in the PC world of government should pay particular attention to Trump because more likely than not, their own candidacies had a similar start. Many of them railed against a sitting liberal candidate and his or her policies. Most spoke frankly and captured the attention of their base. Unfortunately, many have spent too much time in government and it is showing. Even the sharp tongued, straight talking Chris Christie has been out maneuvered by “The Donald” and for good reason – while Christie spent the last several years preparing, polishing and primping himself for this run, Republicans were growing desperate for a leader. They wanted someone with the courage to say what they were thinking in simple, no nonsense English. While they were at it, they wouldn’t mind someone who knew how to be rich and stay rich.
While Chris Christie primped, Donald Trump answered the call. And right behind him is Dr. Ben Carson, a witty, Neuro-Surgeon who appeals to the more intellectual Republican voter. Some might call him “The Anti-Donald”. Unlike Trump, Dr. Carson is thoughtful, well-mannered and unassuming. What they have in common is their lack of government experience – a void that voters seem to appreciate.
While entrenched political leaders and elected officials may feel like they have taken a trip down the rabbit hole with Alice, where everything is opposite of what it should be, they would do well to pay attention to what is happening around them. The world they have created is one where success is punished and knowing how to bilk the system is rewarded. Large corporations, which are responsible for providing jobs for US citizens, are demonized while financial aid is given to countries whose governments trample the human rights of their citizens and openly criticize US policies.
As US government policies become curiouser and curiouser, we shouldn’t be surprised when the electorate becomes enamored with the Mad Hatter.
No comments:
Post a Comment