Opinion
The Donald and the rise of American Populism
By Cesar Renero ’17
September 3, 2015
Those who follow the trials and tribulations of European politics are likely aware of burgeoning political movements which are not necessarily defined by ideology or a strict policy outlook. Instead, they rely on charismatic rhetoric that demonizes the established political class, business elites and international interests that either meddle in the country’s affairs, or send their problems to them via immigrants. Almost every country in Europe has an example of such a party or political movement, and the time has come for the American political mainstream to welcome this populist revolution into its midst.
Since his well-known campaign launch, Donald Trump has emerged as the favored candidate to discuss. His brash, chauvinistic and bouffant demeanor is backed up by a slapdash political platform, which has significant policy vacuums that Mr. Trump has routinely filled with his ego. Polls are demonstrating this novel campaigning strategy is working, albeit with some reservations. In head-to-head contests he has had mixed results, yet he remains at the top of the GOP race; a recent result showed he had a 14.5 point lead over the runner-up. Moreover, his name recognition beats hands-down that of any other Republican candidate.
It is also important to acknowledge that since Reagan, the Republican Party has perhaps unwittingly paved the way for Trump’s accession to the top of the polls. For years they have been pandering to voters with rhetoric involving family values, hard conservatism and a sustained belief in the American Dream. It seems the best way to get elected in hardcore Republican districts is to reject anything with even a trace of liberalism or progressivism, including same-sex marriage, expanded birth control coverage and further measures to combat climate change.
Trump’s brilliant campaign is exploiting the logical loopholes in the GOP agenda, turning their volume up to eleven and, through what seems to be unintended satire, exposing the ridiculousness of some Republican policies. However, Trump is also a very important indicator of the political health of our current system, and his anti-government and anti-business platform is gaining traction in much the same way fringe populist parties gain votes in Europe. Notable among GOP candidates, Trump is advocating to raise taxes on the wealthy.
Trump should not be ignored because he is the soapbox for angry, dissatisfied voters who are no longer willing to abide by the political mainstream’s rulebook. Whether this figurative rulebook is good or bad is inconsequential: through a total rejection of conventional politics, there is no point of reference and candidates start gaining votes through their charisma. They alienate certain segments of the population through their rhetoric, and these elements become politically anarchical.
At one of the latest Trump rallies, a vociferous attendee proudly stated he would like the government to legalize hunting illegal immigrants. Although he later said this was meant as a joke, the farcical nature of Trump’s campaign is only preposterous to those who do not take him seriously. The danger is that for many people, as the GOP polls show, Trump remains the number one choice for the presidency.