The Rise of Donald Trump: A Political Phenomenon
Donald Trump’s campaign has left many feeling uneasy, as he has relied on insults and disparaging remarks as if he were a rebellious child facing meek and timid teachers, telling them to stop preaching and moralizing. With a string of absurdities and a prepotent and aggressive attitude, he has not only solidified the fervor of his loyal followers but, as seen in previous elections, managed to attract sectors that could be more inclined – due to their foreseeable interests – to vote for the Democrats: women, Hispanics, African Americans.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
- Trump has referred to Kamala Harris as a “radical left lunatic,” with a “very low IQ,” directly calling her an “idiot” or “lazy,” even going as far as calling her a “piece of shit” vice president.
- It is astonishing that one of the presidential candidates in a democracy that prides itself on having solid institutions would use such crude and simplistic language. It is as if everyone listening should get up and leave, but instead, they cheer, applaud, and will likely vote for him on November 5th.
The Connection Trump Has Made
Trump has connected with the aggrieved, and they respond to the grievances they suffer with insults. They have no other weapons and feel comforted when someone powerful uses the insults they use as an escape valve for their immense frustrations. They feel outside the system, cornered and marginalized, with the mark of the greatest shame – that of not having succeeded, of being losers – etched on their foreheads, condemned to wander on the edges of the American dream without ever achieving it. For these impoverished white men, the worst thing that can happen is to see families of black, Asian, or Hispanic descent confidently crossing in front of their miserable homes.
Trump’s Mastery of Division
This logic – if it can be called logic – of disdain for elites who view the world from the vantage point of an unquestionable moral superiority is what Trump handles with ease and in which he is a true master. That is why he only needs to say that Kamala Harris is “stupid” and that immigrants are the worst to have already won a good part of the race to the White House.
The Democratic Response: Kamala Harris
This time, it was up to the Democrats to dismantle this dynamic that divides the world between winners and losers and has polarized the United States to the point of splitting the country in two. Kamala Harris entered the campaign with the intention of centering a message of hope and conveying the idea that she is committed to addressing the real issues that concern people in their daily lives. Perhaps a sign that things were not going well was when she began calling Trump a “fascist.” It was a way of responding to him using his own language and thus entering the frame that favors him, that of knives. This Tuesday at her major rally in Washington, the Democratic candidate reiterated her message of unity and wanting to govern for everyone, stating that if Trump wins, he will enter the Oval Office on the first day with a “list of enemies,” while she will bring a list of tasks to be done. Hopefully, those voters who will tip the scales in the decisive states will appreciate this final promise and vote for Kamala Harris.
Conclusion
The rise of Donald Trump and the response from the Democratic camp, particularly through the candidacy of Kamala Harris, reflect the deep divisions and tensions present in American society. The upcoming election will be a critical moment in determining the direction of the country and addressing the issues that affect all Americans. It remains to be seen how this political drama will unfold and what impact it will have on the future of the United States.
FAQ
What impact has Donald Trump had on American society?
Donald Trump’s presidency has deeply divided American society, with his controversial rhetoric and policies sparking intense debates on issues such as immigration, race relations, and the role of government.
How has Kamala Harris positioned herself in response to Trump?
Kamala Harris has positioned herself as a unifying figure, emphasizing the importance of addressing the real concerns of everyday Americans and promoting a message of hope and unity.