Why does Donald Trump have the potential to be refreshing for 2012 Presidential Politics?
Before I get started let me say just one thing: I am not a Trump supporter for president. In fact, there is only a VERY limit set of circumstances in which I would EVER consider voting for him. However, I have always been fascinated by the Trump, and there is one major area in which he could be refreshing for the political process.
What area is that? Simply put – frankness.
What do I mean? I mean that by in large the political process has been hijacked by public relations spin doctors who have drilled the candidates with the notion that you can ONLY discuss the talking points (I have a degree in PR, so I can bash it a bit here). The end result is that politicians rarely answer questions unless the reporter happens to throw one at them that perfectly fits the talking point. This is infuriating to me because it demonstrates, at least a large percentage of the time, that politicians are afraid to be who they really are.
Trump, however, has build a personality-centered brand that projects him as the expert. In short, he is his own handler (at least in the public’s eyes). This means he’s far more likely to give candid, politically incorrect, or shocking, off-the-cuff answers to questions. Sure, it will probably doom him in the end, but it will also further expose the phoniness of much of American politics.
Let me give you a few examples.
Last week I was watching an interview with Mitt Romney (someone I think is more qualified than Trump to be president). The reporter asked Mitt, “You are successful businessman, Trump is a successful businessman. In an economy like ours, what makes you more qualified then Mr. Trump to run the country?”
Mitt’s answer – talking points, most of which were more aimed at the weaknesess of the Obama economic policy than those of Trump’s. The reporter rephrased and asked again. Again, the SAME talking points. What is so infuriating is that Romney actually has a very good answer – “I’ve been successful in politics, government and in business. That means that I know the foundation of good economics, the ability to articulate my message, and the ability to work with people from differing political philosophies to makes sure we get the job done. Mr. Trump has only done this in business, and while extremely successful in the private sector, will quickly find out that Senators and Congressmen do not respond well to being treated like employees.” Okay, I admit, the last line was a bit over the top… but still. He has a good answer. Think for yourself and answer the stupid question.
While I’m not certain of the source, I saw an headline where Trump was asked a similar question about the difference between him and Romney. Trump’s answer, “I have more net worth than he does.” Sure… pompous, arrogant, ignoring some of the issues. But he answered the stupid question and in a way that highlights the bottom line in an economic environment where the bottom line means a lot. “I am better than the rich businessman because I am a richer businessman” makes it simple to identify the win.
Even in the stupid Obama birth certificate exchanges, how does Trump respond when Obama releases the documentation? “I’m proud of myself… I won.” Again, arrogant, pompous, something that no other politician would ever say, but in this political environment, there are portions of the Republican party that want to see a win.
The refreshing thing about Trump, especially if he gains any type of traction in the primaries, is that he has the opportunity to demonstrate the phoniness of talking points, the ability to stay on message without them, and the desire that people have for authenticity in their candidate. That is what Clinton and Reagan had – messaging plus authenticity. While I’m not rooting for him as a candidate, I am rooting for him as a change-agent to the way politicians talk with the American people.
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