A salesman who knows what his customers want to hear
Almost eight years ago Barrack Obama, the first black president of the United States, got elected and in his victory speech he very clearly stated that it was the beauty of his country that a black man, who fifty years ago wouldn’t have been allowed to go to an all white school or sit in the same seat reserved for white people, can become its president
On 8 November 2016 Americans decide who their 45th president will be. If it were any other country this would not be a matter of much concern. However the United States post Second World War has maintained a strong presence in most regions of the world and more often than not, who ends up becoming the president of the US has a stronger impact on the lives of people at the other end of the globe as opposed to the ones residing in the United States.
It’s natural for people in Pakistan to dislike Donald Trump with his rhetoric about banning Muslims but one can understand why Mr Trump appeals to the masses in the United States.
He truly represents what Americans aspire to be, he is extremely rich, he shares the same values and also the same level of intellect as the average American. A Warren Buffet, a Steve Jobs or a Bill Gates would never garner the same level of appeal because the typical American cannot relate to their intellect, their value system or even their passion for creating something far bigger than their own egos.
Almost eight years ago Barrack Obama, the first black president of the United States, got elected and in his victory speech he very clearly stated that it was the beauty of his country that a black man, who fifty years ago wouldn’t have been allowed to go to an all white school or sit in the same seat reserved for white people, can become its president, inferring that racism has ended. This all seemed very nice except for the fact that it wasn’t true.
Obama was not the new rule but an exception to the rule. Racism still existed, white communities were favoured over others and with the coming of Obama the racial divide became more apparent. Suddenly people didn’t have to pretend any more, they had chosen a black president and now they could be as bigoted and racist as they wanted. The Americans as a nation had gained moral certification after voting for their first ever black president.
Obama is not the first example of someone from a discriminated section of society reaching the highest peek of political power. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were among the first to elect women as their prime ministers but this had no impact on the woman’s status in these particular countries.
Then came along Mr Trump who actually stood for the values the public actually had. Trump can be accused of anything but he cannot be accused of political correctness. After years of the public being upright and correct in their outlook, through the Republican presidential candidate the public got an opportunity to let go and freely express the things they felt. One must not forget that Mr Trump has been a successful entertainer; his show the Apprentice was one of the pioneers in reality TV.
Donald Trump’s appeal to his nation is understandable; their frustration from what others have to offer is evident. Eight years of Obama meant eight years in competent hands. This meant a return to a certain level of stability, improved employment and a better economy
Trump has always known the things people wanted to hear but were afraid to say. He knew there was an anti Muslim sentiment and he wasn’t afraid to play on it. He knew that the working class wanted to blame someone for the loss of jobs so he did that by accusing China and Mexico and numerous others. He also spoke his mind and he didn’t shy away from professing his love for money or insulting women and handicapped people and at times even war heroes.
Simultaneously, the Americans were sick of the same corporate sponsored presidential system, which was simply promoting the values of the businesses and entities that had helped them get into power. For too long politics in the United States has been dominated by those who helped fund a particular candidate. Trump on the other hand offered an alternative to ‘more of the same’, which is what everyone else has to offer. He is rich and therefore does not require corporate sponsorship and he is clearly not afraid to follow a route never before taken, regardless of the impact it may have on anyone.
Donald Trump’s appeal to his nation is understandable; their frustration from what others have to offer is evident. Eight years of Obama meant eight years in competent hands. This meant a return to a certain level of stability, improved employment and a better economy. However, there were no miracles and the public wanted miracles and along came Trump, a salesman who knows what his customers want to hear.
Trump may have a certain appeal to his people and in a different scenario he may have made a good representative but considering the political post he is attempting to avail, stability and maturity is far more important than popular appeal.
Let’s hope America decides wisely.