Or ... just what are we doing here folks?
The simple reality is that Donald Trump has so far dominated the early Republican nominating process, with the subsequent removal from the running of two of the favored 'moderates' - Chris Christie and Jeb Bush. (Christie may end up on the ticket as VP or get a sweet cabinet deal, but that's another story).
I write this ahead of 'Super Tuesday' in which many hope Trump will get his overdue comeuppance, so if by the time you read this he's gone down in defeat, perhaps we all can breathe a sigh of relief.
Or maybe not.
We have to ask ourselves what his success so far means, even if that success ultimately falters. How has such a Barnum-style showman and long-running topic of satire suddenly become a politician to be taken seriously? Why do voters overlook his many miscues and obvious lack of required understanding and still cheer him on?
One possible theory is The Donald is the living embodiment of the massive disconnect between the politics of both parties and the true heart of American life. That his popularity reflects our disenchantment with the political divide that has grown between the Republican and Democratic parties. This theory holds that people are tired of a divisive debate that is wrapped in convoluted language that sounds high-minded but ultimately is just the sound of two 'parties' circling the drain.
In this theory Trump supporters are voting for absolute transparency in thought and intention, in other words they want someone who calls it exactly as they see it without obscuring filters, so everyone can understand. And they hope this approach will lead to ... what? More togetherness? Or clearer battle lines?
The other possible theory is the people truly see him as the new Ronald Reagan, an entertainer turned politician who didn't know that much himself, but who some believe had the right instincts and surrounded himself with talented people who could make things happen. The Ronald/Donald connection would mean that people trust him, even given that he's a multi-divorced, multi-bankrupted, big business mogul which without any doubt means he's been devious and purposely misleading many times. (Just business, right?)
This theory has Trump supporters basically 'rolling the dice' on how he'd behave as President. Forget what he is actually saying and trust he'll get it right when the time comes.
No matter which of these theories - or both, are correct, the ultimate result is that our electorate is becoming more divided than at any time in living memory.
The simple reality is that Donald Trump has so far dominated the early Republican nominating process, with the subsequent removal from the running of two of the favored 'moderates' - Chris Christie and Jeb Bush. (Christie may end up on the ticket as VP or get a sweet cabinet deal, but that's another story).
I write this ahead of 'Super Tuesday' in which many hope Trump will get his overdue comeuppance, so if by the time you read this he's gone down in defeat, perhaps we all can breathe a sigh of relief.
Or maybe not.
We have to ask ourselves what his success so far means, even if that success ultimately falters. How has such a Barnum-style showman and long-running topic of satire suddenly become a politician to be taken seriously? Why do voters overlook his many miscues and obvious lack of required understanding and still cheer him on?
One possible theory is The Donald is the living embodiment of the massive disconnect between the politics of both parties and the true heart of American life. That his popularity reflects our disenchantment with the political divide that has grown between the Republican and Democratic parties. This theory holds that people are tired of a divisive debate that is wrapped in convoluted language that sounds high-minded but ultimately is just the sound of two 'parties' circling the drain.
In this theory Trump supporters are voting for absolute transparency in thought and intention, in other words they want someone who calls it exactly as they see it without obscuring filters, so everyone can understand. And they hope this approach will lead to ... what? More togetherness? Or clearer battle lines?
The other possible theory is the people truly see him as the new Ronald Reagan, an entertainer turned politician who didn't know that much himself, but who some believe had the right instincts and surrounded himself with talented people who could make things happen. The Ronald/Donald connection would mean that people trust him, even given that he's a multi-divorced, multi-bankrupted, big business mogul which without any doubt means he's been devious and purposely misleading many times. (Just business, right?)
This theory has Trump supporters basically 'rolling the dice' on how he'd behave as President. Forget what he is actually saying and trust he'll get it right when the time comes.
No matter which of these theories - or both, are correct, the ultimate result is that our electorate is becoming more divided than at any time in living memory.
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