Chapter 2 TRUMP CARDS: The Elements of the Deal

This article explores the social ontological basis of Trumpism as a form of populism, historically defined as government by personal rule. For many commentators, the key feature of Trump's presidency is its fundamental irrationality. The President has variously described as 'dumb', 'greedy', 'psychotic', a 'narcissist' in the grandiose mode, and an 'egotist' unfit for public office. This article does not aim to dissent from these kinds of conclusions but suggests that they partake more of the statement of effects or consequences rather than causes. Indeed, if they are considered as causes they lead to confusion, a kind of 'attention-deficit disorder' (which, ironically, some accuse the tweeting President of being a sufferer). Rather this paper suggests that a more systematic examination of the President's persona reveals it as emerging from a conflation of the discourse of the American family and a merchant imaginary.

Introduction This decade has been characterised by dramatic changes, from Arab spring, the spectacular Brexit effects, and unprecedented American presidential elections that shook the entire world, and increased stress disorder among Americans themselves (APA,2016). In USA particularly, as American voters exercised their rights to vote, in a one of the most democratic fashion in the world, the entire world was taken off guard to learn that Mr. Trump is the next President of the most powerful country on earth-USA! Hard to believe it, too good to be true, shocking, the most important day of a brighter future of Americans, or in a simplified term: A mixed emotions and feelings. However, due to his perceived strong ultranationalist position, unpredictability, enthusiasm among his core supporters and his tough political fights against all who opposed him, including his own party members ( GOP), together with his controversies and dirty campaign he ran against his 16 opponents in GOP primaries, and later even dirtier and muddy political fight when he was running against his democratic opponent, he become more concern of fantasy to many, in USA and in the world. Most of all, he emerged out of nowhere, without any political experience, nor military service, knocked out all of his GOP opponents who were more politically qualified, with higher education than him, such as Dr.Ben Carson ( a well respected paediatric surgeon), Dr. Rand Paul, and big names like Jeb Bush ( George W. Bush brother, and son of George H.Bush), and ultimately a big surprising knockout against one of the most politically experienced-Hilary Clinton. However, weeks before election, Trump had been accused by more than 10 women for sexual assault, and even worse, a Hollywood video released, where Trump was on hot mic bragging about how he assaulted women by starting by “touching the pussy”( Trump said), because he was a celebrity. However, regardless all odds, without any political experience, with flip and flops on may issues or without clarity at all, had lost all 3 presidential debates to Hilary Clinton, his wife Melania accused of illegal earning when she was a model ( she did not have a work permit. Allegations claim),and for the first time in history of USA presidential elections Trump refused to release his tax return ( “None of your business”-Once he told a journalist), he surprised American people and the world with a clean winning to become the 45th US President. Donald Trump has tapped into anger of many unhappy American people, who erratically celebrated his victory, praised by KKK group that marched in celebratory event to Trump’s election, and even more so, young children in middle and high school who chanted “ BUILD THE WALL” against Mexican origin classmate, while other students were chanting “WHITE POWER” holding Trump’s sign. However, his [Trump] election to president angered more on the other hand, who subsequently took on the street of many cities in USA right after his election. He has said more than hundreds of things (By Jenna Johnson, Washington Post, January 22-2016; Java Lange August 4th 2015/ The Week) that put many at an ease, swore more than angry bad or The Simpsons (cartoons show), confronted his own party and threatened to breakaway should they bother him, proposed unacceptable ideas such as waterboarding, stop and frisk, banning Muslims from entering USA “until we figure out what the HELL is going on”, ending gun free zones such as schools, threatened to punish women for their own productive choices and much more. Many of annalists possibly including myself said: This is it! Given the fact that minority such as Black Americans, latinos and Native americans and women don’t like these ideas, and no single president has even won election in this country without a sizeable percentage of the minority groups, Hilary Clinton is the next president of the United States of America. But “SURPRISE”!!!We were all “ WRONG”. How did he get away with it? How did he win and leave many people scratching their heads, despite all polls suggesting his opponent -Hilary- a winner with possibility of a “landslide victory”? This paper will highlight some plausible psychological observations and factors that catapulted Trump to the most powerful and relevant position in the world, oval office!

Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric, 2018

Scholars, journalists, pundits and others have criticized the racist, anti-queer, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, and xenophobic rhetoric that pervades the Trump campaign and presidency. At the same time, commentators have expended a vast number of words analyzing Trump’s character: why does he do the things he does? We ask, how do the latter (analyses of Trump’s character) help explain the former (Trump’s racist statements)? Through a close rhetorical analysis of 50 diverse examples of Trump criticism, we reveal four prevailing characterizations or “archetypes” of Trump: Trump the Acclaim-Seeker, Trump the Sick Man, Trump the Authoritarian, and Trump the Idiot. Each archetype explains Trump’s racism in a different way, with significant consequences for social critique. For example, the Trump the Idiot archetype dismisses his racist statements as a series of terrible gaffes, whereas Trump the Authoritarian explains them as an actualization of white supremacy. We trace the benefits and tradeoffs of each archetype for resisting white supremacy.

Featuring 83 contributions from leading academics and emerging scholars across the world, this publication captures the immediate thoughts and early research insights on the 2016 US Presidential Election from the cutting edge of media and politics research. Published 10 days after the election, these contributions are short and accessible. Authors provide authoritative analysis of the campaign, including research findings or new theoretical insights; to bring readers original ways of understanding the election and its consequences. Contributions also bring a rich range of disciplinary influences, from political science to popular culture, journalism studies to advertising. We hope this makes for a vibrant and engaging read.

2016

US Election Analysis 2016: Media, Voters and the Campaign Early reflections from leading academics

Urlaub, P. (2016). The curious case of Jill Stein. In D. Lilliker (Ed.), US Election Analysis 2016: Media, Voters, and the Campaign. Bournemouth: Centre of the Study of Journalism, Culture and Community.

Urlaub, P., & Hünlich, D. (2016). Why are the German-Americans Trump’s most loyal supporters? In D. Lilliker (Ed.), US Election Analysis 2016: Media, Voters, and the Campaign. Bournemouth: Centre of the Study of Journalism, Culture and Community.