THE DONALD TRUMP PHENOMENON

THE DONALD TRUMP PHENOMENON

By Domenick J. Maglio Ph.D. Traditional Realist

The political experts are dumbfounded by Donald Trump’s popularity with many types of voters. He is defying all the conventional wisdom of politics.

Donald Trump is the fearless head of a billion dollar firm, television host and public relations extraordinaire. Confidence exudes from every pore of his body. The man speaks without a teleprompter, rarely uses notes but always speaks in a direct manner. The man is not phony, he is who he is and is not ashamed of it. He does not finesse his beliefs and ideas; instead he forcefully hits his audience over the head with politically incorrect reality. He is not a politician.

In his kick-off speech for president in June he shocked and alienated every established Republican by attacking illegal immigrants. He noted that too many illegals are not Mexico’s best but are wanted criminals. His statements were supposedly so over-the-top in the “ruling class” world the pundits were elated that he would lose his following. Initially the media and the Republican Party attacked him. He lost contracts with Macys, Univision and NBC dropped his The Apprentice Show and the mayor of NYC threatened to break all the city contracts it had with him. Then the Kate Steinle killing in San Francisco happened. This incident showed that Donald Trump was on target concerning illegals. After this intense negative media blitz he gained even more support, temporarily silencing his critics.

In the first debate on Fox he was aggressively asked by Megyn Kelly about some anti women references he has made over the years. He deflected the question with a joke about Rosie O’Donnell and confronted Ms. Kelly by stating: “I have been very nice to you although I could probably not be based on the way you treat me.”

The media chieftains, including the Republican strategists predicted this would reverse his fortunes. His numbers only rose. The first question in this debate asked the candidates if they could pledge not to run as a third party candidate. Trump was the only one to raise his hand. This incident was supposed to implode his candidacy. He kept his options open until he maintained and expanded his lead. He then decided to sign the Republican Party pledge once again baffling and outmaneuvering the Republican establishment.

The Des Moines Register newspaper called for Trump’s withdrawal from the campaign. He banned them from his press conferences. Jorge Ramos, the top Univision celebrity reporter was told he was out of turn asking questions in a press conference. Mr. Ramos was escorted out by security and shortly returned to ask his questions. They were answered. Again there was no pushback from the voters to any of these so-called “gaffs.” Rather his poll numbers kept rising.

The political “experts” had to admit he was rewriting the rules of the campaign game. Yet they continue to cling to the hope he would be a summer flash in the pan and fade. Mr. Trump has caused the beltway and the media’s eyes to roll around in their heads. They have no idea why the voters have not booted him out for his politically incorrect answers.

The public is tired of eloquent promising politicians who talk BS and do not deliver. They want a man with courage who tells it like it is and gets things done for the betterment of America.  Mr. Trump’s politically incorrect utterances have stirred the political pot dissolving the fear of censorship. His leadership style is refreshing compared to the pandering ones used by professional politicians. This has encouraged others to speak their minds opening up debate on issues.

He has certainly shaken up Washington by his masculine presentation. He does not unnecessarily attack his opponents but if an attack is initiated he counter attacks with little mercy.  He comes out on top. His answers to most questions are usually straight forward, not evasive.

Candidate Trump admits he has played the lobbyist game of spreading his money around to advance his businesses. He has openly said he has donated to both parties to grease the wheels. He used the fact that Hillary Clinton went to his wedding because he donated to her. He is a doer not an ideologue. Obviously he hires people who are competent and “get the job done “ not intellectuals who talk in circles to each other.

The reason that even the most ardent conservative pundit is confused about Mr. Trump is because they have no idea that Americans are tired of conservative ideas!

They want conservative action and he has the ability and bravado to deliver it.

Mr. Trump says he loves the United States and wants to make it great again. Many Americans believe him because he does not owe the ruling class anything. He is the ruling class’s biggest nightmare, which has entertained many citizens.

The major danger the public has in voting for him is the possibility that in the end he sells out for personal greed. Hopefully he is sincere and his 10 billion dollars is enough for this man to make the right decisions that will earn him a place in the history books as a great patriotic leader who made America great again.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. You can visit Dr. Maglio at www.drmaglio.blogspot.com.