The Trump Phenomenon

The rise of Donald Trump presents a fascinating case of an unlikely leader gaining power through a system that seems to require his presence for its own survival.

In late January 2020, while Trump was still president and the upcoming election loomed uncertain, he held a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, a location near my home. The event was hosted by our Congressional Representative, who had switched parties and pledged allegiance to Trump after determining that he could no longer secure reelection as a Democrat. It was hardly a moment to be proud of.

Drawing from the 1979 Hal Ashby film "Being There," where the simple-minded gardener Chance leaves his sheltered life after his benefactor's death, we see how a lack of understanding can be mistaken for wisdom. Chance, misidentified as "Chauncey Gardiner," becomes an accidental political figure, admired for insights he doesn't truly possess. This narrative resonates with Trump's rise to power, where his simplistic observations are often misconstrued as profound insights.

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, drew a crowd of 10,000 ardent supporters in Wildwood, NJ, some of whom braved freezing temperatures to witness him speak. It’s astonishing to consider how so many could be captivated by a figure lacking notable eloquence, business acumen, or leadership skills. Critics often view him as a willfully ignorant individual, oblivious to the complexities of his position and preferring television over literature, fast food over fine dining, and superficiality over substance.

The reality is that Trump appears to be walking across a metaphorical lake, unaware of the limitations surrounding him, and convinced that his achievements are due to his own intelligence. He seems blissfully ignorant of the political machinery that sustains his position.

Despite his numerous business failures, including bankrupting casinos, Trump receives little credit for his success. How did so many manage to convince themselves of the Trump phenomenon? The answer lies in their desire for a hero, one who reflects their fears and frustrations. Trump embodies the image they created, a leader who is unafraid and thus appears confident.

His supporters, in their blind faith, overlook his failures, believing in an illusion of greatness and competence. They see him as a figure who defies societal norms and challenges the establishment, even as he continues to mismanage his responsibilities.

The unexpected election of Trump highlights the electorate’s lack of understanding regarding the intricacies of governance and international relations. His most fervent supporters envision a powerful leader, while the truth is that he struggles with basic tasks. They see a celebrity who lives extravagantly and rebels against societal expectations, projecting their own aspirations onto him.

Observing the fervor among his supporters in Wildwood, it’s evident that there is no desperation in their expressions. Instead, there is a palpable sense of pride and community. They gather not just for Trump, but for the camaraderie and validation he represents.

For them, he symbolizes hope, suggesting they are not forgotten and that someone stands for their interests in a world that often seems dismissive. They view Trump as a flawed hero, and any attack on him feels personal, as they perceive a broader attack on their identities.

Despite his many flaws, Trump resonates with a segment of the population that feels marginalized. They see him as their champion against elitist adversaries, relishing in his defiance against the political establishment, even when it leads to their own detriment.

Thus, there he stood in Wildwood, with his trademark tie and distinctive appearance, rallying support not through wisdom or greatness, but by embodying the very essence of those who cheer for him. They celebrate him not for his qualities, but for the fact that he is one of them.

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