How Have We Arrived at Donald Trump?
I am no political scientist. In fact, I have only had a couple classes that address the study of politics and how it works for and against us in society. But I recognize and appreciate the complexities of public office, political campaigns and such, and I read about them all very often.
So as we quickly approach the presidential elections this November, I can't help but be simply mesmerized and intrigued, while also ultimately disgusted and furious, over the rise of Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. There are so many reasons why it's a curious state of affairs for the Republican party, but none more apparent than the selection of the brash, typically New York "billionaire" businessman. More importantly, he is uninformed, simple-minded, dishonest, offensive, truly bigoted and more.
What is equally curious is that his supporters seem to value the above-mentioned characteristics in their presidential candidate. It's been known for a long time that racism and bigotry exist in and throughout America, but it's never been considered mainstream, and CERTAINLY never would have been considered the basic makeup of the Republican party. But yet here we are.
From my perspective, the most frustrating point in the election thus far took place last night on MSNBC during the first ever Commander in Chief Forum. There were some fumbles by Matt Lauer, the mediator, and overall the event was a bit clunky, but it definitely presented each candidate's vision and experience (or lack thereof in Donald Trump's case) on foreign policy matters. Although I suspected as much, it was never more clear that Donald Trump is so far in over his head that he's breathing through a small tube six feet under the dirt. And you would think this would be terrifying for his supporters and the rest of the Republican field.
Lo and behold, I turn on the news this morning, and follow some tweets from prominent reporters and mainstream news talking heads saying that it was a draw. I don't want to rehash each point that was discussed, but by all accounts - that is what is colloquially known as bullshit. If you did not watch the forum, the main differences between Clinton and Trump were that 1. Whether you like her or not, Clinton provided actual detailed, well formed answers and opinions, as well as highlighted her direct experience with foreign matters. 2. Donald Trump did not provide any information with any specifics whatsoever, corrected people's statistics incorrectly, did not answer questions, and even sometimes just repeated the question in his own words. He further cemented his complete and utter lack of knowledge or experience in dealing with matters of global importance, and it seemed as if he didn't even prepare for the forum. So, if that was a tie, then I hereby declare that the results of Super Bowl VX have officially been changed and Cam Newton no longer needs to lose sleep over his abysmal performance from last February. Good on you, Superman!
The point is, I don't always hide my political leanings, but any other candidate in the Republican primaries would be more capable, knowledgeable and preferable to this idiot currently on the ticket. There are some major flaws with Hillary Clinton as a candidate, but they pale in comparison to those consistently displayed by Trump. The only problem? No one seems to be paying attention, or the bar has been set so low for this imbecile that anything he does that doesn't involve drooling on himself or farting in public is considered 'better than we thought would happen'. I am sorry, but that simply doesn't cut it for the most important office in this country, and likely the entire world. Should he find a way to win this November, I have never had more fear for the health, safety and sustainability of the United States. -EB
