Way back, before the campaign, I crossed paths with “The Donald” in the lobby of Trump Tower while “touristing” with family from Europe. We saw Mr. Trump and I smiled and said hello. Surprisingly Mr. Trump smile back and greeted all of us. It wasn’t effusive or grandiose. It was quick, pleasant and polite.
I was speaking with a liberal uncle about the election stating I am still very undecided. My uncle commented that candidate Trump offers no specifics in his speeches. I defended the lack of specifics saying “it is pointless to offer specifics because so much will change as the candidate is exposed to more facts, and as negotiations with Congress will alter any specifics.” Why provide fodder for the Clinton campaign to pick apart specifics?
That said, I visited campaign website and read Trump’s statement on issues. They’re spot on. Why doesn’t candidate Trump emphasize his logical and perfectly reasonable positions?
The “gold” is being overshadowed by Donald’’s trademark showmanship. In my humble opinion, it is time to tone down the showmanship and focus on the pragmatics of being elected. Let me be clear, I am not suggesting that the candidate totally tone down his trademark style, it works for him, and a leopard cannot change its spots.
What I am saying is, Trump should focus on how his policies will achieve his seemingly outlandish statements.
He offers a common sense, and no-nonsense alternative to the double-talking political elite.
For example concerning the “black people will me!” statement. At first blush it is laughable, but…strengthening borders and immigration reforms will free up places in the labor market currently filled by people who don;t deserve them. (A point in your position on immigration.) This will create opportunities for the urban poor, which includes a disproportionate number of black Americans. Then, to add credibility to the statement, reinforce this point (which covers race and economics) with any helpful data from the Trump organization. Does candidate Clinton have as solid a position? What was Clinton’s role in NAFTA? Mention Ross Perot vision about the “great sucking noise” to appeal to voters who favor Independent candidates.
Why this will work.
1) It provides a concrete and easily understood talking point.
2) It is a reasonable position irrespective of race. Those who despise handouts and entitlements will embrace the idea of creating opportunity and jobs that provide livable wages
3) It removes bigotry from immigration reform. Bad immigration laws negatively effects minorities who are under educated and underemployed. (It is not about race, it IS about putting American’s first)
4) It can be positioned as a “unity” issue as opposed to a divisive issue. Too much of candidate Trump’s are spun into anger and hatred. There is a place for anger and hate. That place is against a “system” that allows people to be victimized, not the victims.
Nothing I suggest runs counter to what I perceive as Donald’s style, or his positions on the issues. What i am suggesting is placing more focus on the what, why and how, and less on the attention grabbing soundbite. Donald you have our attention. (PS: A shift to the issues may actually pay off because the press will shift their attention on a change in style, which should pull in the mention of the issues.
