I’m suffering from Trump Fatigue. The disease hasn’t progressed to the point that I need to see my doctor, but as a precaution, I’m limiting the amount of time I watch or listen to the news. Say what you will, Mr. Trump has brilliantly manipulated the news cycle.
The Donald is larger than life: big, bold, brash. At the beginning, when he burst upon the scene, I was like, “Alright, finally a candidate who speaks plainly.” I’m of the opinion he moved the presidential discourse in a very healthy direction: build a wall, our leaders are stupid people, I’ll make America great again. But I’m tired of the platitudes. It’s like I’ve been drinking Coke Zero for a month and have a need for the real thing.
What are Mr. Trump’s core values? He says he can work with anyone, he’s the master of the deal, but where does he draw the line? Actually, who is he? Strip away veneer and what does he really believe? Listening to his answers I’m not sure, and becoming more confused each time I hear him speak.
First, he’s pro choice, very pro choice. Now he’s pro life, but is he very pro life. I understand people change their position, but why? Did he do so to become more palatable to Evangelicals? I wish I knew.
As an example, consider this dialogue with Scott Pelly on the topic of healthcare for the underprivileged.
“Donald Trump: Obamacare’s going to be repealed and replaced. Obamacare is a disaster if you look at what’s going on with premiums where they’re up 40, 50, 55 percent.
Scott Pelley: How do you fix it?
Donald Trump: There’s many different ways, by the way. Everybody’s got to be covered. This is an un-Republican thing for me to say because a lot of times they say, “No, no, the lower 25 percent that can’t afford private. But–
Scott Pelley: Universal health care.
Donald Trump: I am going to take care of everybody. I don’t care if it costs me votes or not. Everybody’s going to be taken care of much better than they’re taken care of now.
Scott Pelley: The uninsured person is going to be taken care of. How? How?
Donald Trump: They’re going to be taken care of. I would make a deal with existing hospitals to take care of people.”
There we go again, he “would make a deal”! In all fairness to Mr. Trump, later he goes on to say that the government would pay for the care. As a taxpayer, is that really what I want to hear? What is his presidential candidacy, the game show Let’s Make a Deal?
Instead of Let’s Make a Deal, maybe we should play game show To Tell the Truth and ask, “will the real Donald Trump to please stand up.”
I am curious as to the outcome of the Iowa Caucus. Are empty phrases and brashness enough to sway the outcome in his favor, or are a majority of Iowan’s, like me, looking for some substance?
