Has Trump ‘Out – Trumped’ The American Public?

Has Trump ‘Out – Trumped’ The American Public?

The ‘Don’s” star is seemingly on an unstoppable rise as he barnstorms his way through the last of the American primaries. It would now seem that he has all but cemented his spot in this year’s presidential election.

Could he in fact win the presidency? If he does we should all be afraid. Very afraid.

It’s not a subject anyone wants to think about, but the reality is; now we have to, and it’s a terribly scary thought. From bursting onto the scene as a novelty he has somehow worked his way into a runaway lead in the Republican primaries; the reality show buffoon has shocked both his supporters as well as his detractors. His campaign has rolled along, spewing fear and loathing to his now adoring followers, firing out no-holds-barred insults to all who cross his path.

The man has a enormous estimation of his own abilities, and, if he gets a massive endorsement in the next round of primaries there’s every possibility he will go ahead and do those things he’s been talking about, like engaging in trade wars and tightening borders with Mexico and Canada, (if his statements in New Hampshire are to be believed)”

On the road, campaigning in front of adoring Republican voters and those he’s trying to turn, the veteran businessman has been more than outspoken about his presidential plans.

From building a “great wall” to block unauthorised migration to the US via Mexico, to his plans to swiftly taking down China in the global manufacturing wars, Trump has been talking a big game. But what he is able to enforce is another issue.

Trump’s platform is wafer thin at best; his position is based on only five issues: reforming immigration, trade, tax, care for veterans, and protecting gun rights. Foreign policy, humanitarian and ecological issues are never spoken about. Trump is apparently not one to be deterred by the prospect of failure. His business record shows he’s had about as many massive failures as major successes, showing a, “try anything and see what sticks” attitude to business; the worrying thing is, will he try that method in politics?

He talks of entering a trade war with China.

Really?

Nobody is going to win that war and, if he did embark on one, the battle would be an unmitigated disaster. He has openly said that he’s not going to get involved in as many military wars as his predecessors did, but his hostile demeanor suggests otherwise.

There’s no guarantee, of course that Trump will romp the presidential election and take up residence in the White House but, given the results in the primaries the prospect is becoming ever more real. Last month, the man himself claimed he could “stand in the middle of Fifth Ave and shoot somebody,” and he wouldn’t lose votes!

His ego knows no bounds (as does his errant hair which seems to rise like a cobra every time the wind blows!) as he boasts of his business acumen and successes both in the U.S and internationally, but really the man is blatantly lying to his followers. In Panama, his business partners are trying to fire him. In Canada and Turkey, his partners want no more to do with him. His golf courses in Scotland and Ireland, he claims to be making millions, but so far both are in fact, losing millions. The Philippines, is another country where his projects have descended into bitter legal conflicts after a slew of broken promises. And yet the man will publically state, "I’ve done very well internationally, I don’t think there is a hotter brand in the world than the Trump brand."

Brand?

Mr Trump, the president of the United State Of America is not a brand, Coca Cola and McDonalds are brands.

God help us!!

After calling for the barring of Muslims from entering the U.S. he is still apparently comfortable doing business with those very people he is openly vilifying. Just across the border in Canada, Trump projects have also run into problems. After extensive delays, Canada’s tallest tower in Toronto opened in 2012. Those who had bought the hotel units to be managed as investments by Trump, say they found out just before closing that they had to pay a 3 percent annual management fee to his company. They are currently suing him. Said a number of investors; “We felt deceived." Yet Trump when questioned about the project said, " It is a tremendous success."

Elsewhere, Trump’s comments on Muslims have angered his partners. In Dubai, Lifestyle suspended sales of his home décor projects; Damac Properties are currently distancing themselves from the Trump name. While in Vancouver, more than 50,000 residents signed a petition calling for Trump’s name to be removed from a condo and hotel skyscraper being built by Holborn Group. Trump on the other hand thinks it’s all been worth it. "Generally, what I’m doing has been helpful for the brand," he said. "The heads of the countries we operate in, they all dig Trump." The scary thought in all of this is that, from time to time somebody emerges from mediocrity to run a nation. Let us not forget that a woeful Austrian painter; a lowly corporal in the military, rose to prominence and led the world into a catastrophic war.

In Nevada Trump stood proud on the podium and shouted out, " We love our lowly- educated voters!" Nice one Don. Keep the voters ignorant and maybe, “give them cake.”

I hope and pray that soon, the American voters will see the man for what he is, a blustering bag of hot air and play their own trump card and expel him forever from the game.

Paul v Walters is the author of five international best selling novels. He lives on the island of Bali and when not cocooned in sloth and procrastination he manages to scribble for several airline magazines and vox pop journals,

·