Trump: What is his appeal? Why is it still a thing?
The rise of Donald Trump to the presidency in 2016 can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, one of which is the appeal he held for a segment of the American population characterized by feelings of marginalization and economic insecurity. This segment, often lacking in formal education, professional success, and social capital, found solace in Trump’s outsider persona and his promise to “make America great again.” The inherent contradiction in feeling a connection to a billionaire “businessman” with a long and documented history of shysterism and self-dealing was mostly lost on these converts, many, if not most of whom were not strongly identified politically if they had any political compass at all. Trump’s brand of plain-talking and often derogatory populism was a strong drug to people who believed they were being sidelined in contemporary society.
Trump’s pre-presidential image was that of a flamboyant, self-made businessman, a caricature of wealth and success. However, this image was often contradicted by his numerous business failures, including the bankruptcy of several casinos, a stark contrast to his self-proclaimed billionaire status. His reality television persona further solidified this image, casting him as a larger-than-life figure with an outsized personality.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric tapped into deep-seated anxieties about economic decline, cultural change, and perceived threats to American identity. He employed a rhetoric of white nationalism, appealing to those who felt threatened by demographic shifts and perceived losses of power and status. His campaign was also notable for its association with figures like Steve Bannon and Roger Stone, individuals known for their extreme views and controversial political strategies.
Trump’s communication style was characterized by its informality, often lacking coherence and factual accuracy, and often veering into insults and innuendos against his detractors. He made grandiose promises, frequently deviated from prepared speeches, and relied heavily on emotional appeals, drawing upon anxieties and prejudices. This style, while often criticized for its lack of substance and basic civility, proved effective in mobilizing a base of supporters who sought a leader who spoke their language and reflected their frustrations.
Those who gravitated towards Trump often shared a set of common characteristics: a lack of formal education, limited economic opportunities, and a sense of being overlooked and undervalued. Their support for Trump can be seen as an attempt to find meaning and purpose in a world that increasingly seemed to leave them behind. By elevating Trump, they sought to elevate themselves, identifying with his perceived strength and success, even if this image was ultimately a facade.
In conclusion, Trump’s appeal stemmed from his ability to tap into a segment of the population that felt marginalized and disempowered. This segment, characterized by a lack of traditional markers of success, found in Trump a reflection of their own frustrations and a promise of change. While his policies and rhetoric were often criticized for their lack of substance and their appeal to divisive sentiments, they resonated with a particular subset of the electorate, ultimately contributing to his electoral victory.
Sadly, his sinister appeal is still attractive to a significant segment of the American electorate. Trump’s failings, both personal and as a politician, his malfeasance, criminal convictions, and what some would describe as a general aura of impending doom have not driven away many of his grassroots admirers. They have, instead, coalesced into what is essentially a cult, mindlessly and unabashedly supporting their leader, regardless of what he does or doesn’t do. As with many cults that have become before, they exist inside their own Orwellian manufactured reality, unfazed by anything Trump says or does, seemingly unable to see, hear, or think for themselves.
