Donald Trump has been a controversial presidential candidate since day one. A business mogul/reality television star turned politician with fierce and unchanging views on controversial issues, Trump hasn’t been a type of candidate anyone has ever seen before. That reason alone is a major factor as to why he has done so well during this election cycle. Donald Trump has played the political game extremely well. Something everyone must admit, no matter what political views are held.
Despite constant remarks directed toward others, that would have nixed the possibility of triumph for any other presidential candidate, Trump seems to thrive in the wake of the backlash of, what many would call, insults. So, why is Trump on a short path to victory, and how did he manage to clench the Republican nomination?
There are three components to Trump’s strategy that I believe have guided “The Donald” to victory: Honesty, anti-establishment nature, and Nationalism. For any future presidential hopeful, examining Donald Trump’s political campaign is necessary to understand the new age of election strategy.
The American people want a president that is honest. Trump supporters believe they have found that candidate. It’s hard to argue with that when Donald Trump says exactly what he thinks and/or feels, without thinking or caring about the possible repercussions of his statements; however, as the saying goes, “If you do not have something nice to say, then do not say anything at all.” Trump supporters would probably argue, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Many voters view Donald Trump as the epitome of “anti-establishment.” An outsider, who has no prior political experience, is the perfect candidate to shake up the structure of the American government. A government that Americans feel has failed them. People in the United States are angry with the government. Many feel like the government has not been doing an adequate job, and after government shutdowns, failed medical policy, and a divided House and Congress that cannot compromise on anything, it is easy to see why. Donald Trump has berated the government on more than one occasion. In fact, he has alienated a substantial chunk of the Republican Party. His supporters like this, and they would not be opposed to seeing him give everyone in office a big "You're fired." He is seen as being for the people and not the party. Trump expresses anger toward the U.S. government, the same anger that many citizens feel.
The last tactic that Trump uses to win is employing his strong sense of nationalism. People love people who love their country. Trump constantly speaks about his love for the United States and about wanting to keep people, who could possibly pose a threat to the country he loves, out. While some enjoy his nationalistic rhetoric and are supporting him because of this reason alone, there is still a large part of the population who find what he says to be anti-immigration and bigoted. Either way, whenever he talks about the United States, people talk about him.
Donald Trump is a performer and the presidential election is his stage. Regardless of whether in support or opposed to Trump, one must admit he certainly knows how to play the political game.
