As a non-American, I am always amazed at how much money, time and effort Presidential contenders of one party spend attacking one another and not the opposition party. Seems to me that each party creates more adversity for its own candidates than for those of the opposition.
It does not seem to matter which party is in power, whether it’s a campaign to prevent the re-election of a sitting president for a second term or a new president.
This year’s spectacle is a little different on three counts:
- The number of contenders for the Republicans.
- The sole candidate for the Democrats.
- The level of support for Donald Trump.
This is not a political blog, this post is not about the merits of any of the candidates or either party.
It is to ask why one of the supposedly least likely candidates is leading in the polls with almost double the support of the two nearest and three times that of most of the rest of the field.
The Washington Post poll on 17 July gave Donald Trump 24%, Scott Walker 13% and Jeb Bush 12%. The rest 8% or less.
Is Skill in Overcoming Adversity Donald Trump’s Secret?
It is easy to see what it is not, not his hair style, not his charming manner, not his tactful speeches, not his political platform nor his thoughts on foreign policy.
Somewhat more difficult to define what it is. Here are my thoughts:
- He has overcome adversity in his own life – almost losing his business empire.
- He is not politically correct, not afraid to attack sacred cows – illegal immigrants and war heroes.
- He speaks his mind – has the courage of his convictions.
- He has succeeded in several difficult businesses where many others have failed.
- He is a maverick, does not follow the herd, marches to his own beat, his own man.
Love him or hate him, he is certainly different.
Will his recent attacks on John McCain see his support drop, will he continue to lead the race, get the Republican nomination and become the next President?
Would he be a good President for the USA?
I have no idea. But I do know that he is stirring things up for the party and the electorate.
His popularity is another sign that the pendulum has swung too far, that there is a rising level of support for someone bold enough to say what he thinks, speak about topics that most politicians are too afraid of. Support for someone who has overcome adversity, succeeded by being strong, saying the things that need saying and taking action.
Some of the values that made America great but are now being swamped by political correctness and a generation of politicians trying to please a society gone soft.
Those are my thoughts, what are yours? Leave a comment.
Graphic courtesy of sailom / freedigitalphotos.net
I will not be voting for Trump in the primary. He will not win the primary.
However, I am glad he is running. I think the reason why so many voters are for him right now [I have to admit, I like him shaking things up a bit. ] is that he is the only candidate who is speaking the truth about illegal immigration. Trump is saying the truth and none of the mainstream candidates are.
A majority of voters do not want amnesty, especially for those who came here illegally. -ASIDE What part of the word ‘illegal’ do the candidates not understand? – Yet, most of the candidates are looking for a path to citizenship. The reason that has not happened yet is because that is one issue where people call their representatives and say, “no.”
Another reason Trump is doing well is he does not speak political correctness. He is a breath of fresh air in that department. Second – he is not afraid of speak his mind no matter what the PC crowd laments his insensitivity.
At this early stage of the election cycle he is just fun with a side of truth.
I can appreciate Roberta’s postion….
Bu why are so many assured Trump can’t win the primary?
Over the past 55 years involved in American politics and siddling up close at primaries, I have seen stranger outcomes.
Look at the Democratic Party manuvering in 2008.
I agree on the surface it seems specious…….
But I believe there will be surprises in the 2016 campaigns….
Unless the president has his will and declares Martial Law.
His plans are coming to fruition according to schedule.
He will have to depose a few more top military personnel and foment a some more
“tragedies”.
His handlers are well versed in the execution.
Now can you believe I said all that?
Almost Science Fiction?
Don’t be surprised, been there.
Thank you for your comments Roberta and Chuck. I do not claim to fully understand your country’s Presidential election process any more than I can understand a large section of the Canadian electorate’s fascination with Justin Trudeau.
Winston Churchill said “The best argument against democracy is a 5 minute conversation with an average voter.”
I think Donald Trump’s popularity is a sign of a wider discontent with the way society has moved. The trampling of individual rights, loss of freedom of choice in many things previously taken for granted and the increasing pervasiveness of “big government”.
Is he the best man to lead the country? Perhaps not and although as Roberta thinks, he may not win the primary, like Chuck, I would not be surprised if he did.