On Monday, Donald Trump’s campaign released his tax plan and it looks like former Florida governor Jeb Bush’s plan on steroids.
According to The New York Times, Trump would give massive tax breaks to the richest people in the U.S. including eliminating the estate tax. This contrasts heavily with the populist message he consistently advances, which makes sense when you realize he’s not an average guy.
Donald Trump is not a politician. He uses his commonality and relation to the common man to increase his popularity. Regardless of what Trump tweets, he is the furthest thing from common. His separation from the average politician does not necessitate a relation with his constituents.
Trump expresses his relation to the common man in an extravagant manner. He’ll bring anything from personal Bibles to “Duck Dynasty” stars to improve his reputation.
Trump’s relation to the Christian, Roberstson family-loving demographic may not embellish his presidential qualifications, but it will help him sway the polls. Trump knows he can’t possibly win the election with his nonexistent government experience. The novelty of his situation combined with his informal gusto serves as his ace in the hole.
According to a poll conducted by Gallup, 65 percent of people are dissatisfied with our government. With a government infested with corruption and shutdowns becoming more common, who can blame them?
The general dissatisfaction with government brings about a general dissatisfaction with politicians. Trump is a horse of a different color. He expresses radical views while completely ignoring political correctness — a bold strategy for a potential presidential candidate.
His snarky attitude and bite implies distaste toward politics voters can relate to. He seems just as unhappy with our government as the average American. This shared belief is the basis for his campaign; Trump is identifying with the common man.
When Trump proposes ludicrous ideas like building walls across Mexico’s border or resorts to name calling in arguments, it sends a very anti-political statement. Contrary to the passive style of trying to not offend anyone, Trump’s blatant honesty is a beacon to anyone desiring “the truth.”
And people respond positively to his aggression.
“No pussy-footing around. He gets right to the point. We need somebody who’s going to take the damn reins and ride it,” Frank Candelieri told CNN.
“He’s more into ass-kicking than ass-kissing,” Helen DePrima said to CNN.
Trump’s aggression symbolizes a change in traditional politics, which is just what the majority demand. Is Trump’s new style of politics any more effective, though?
This defiance to campaign norms does not guarantee social normality. Just because Trump isn’t like other politicians doesn’t make him more similar to us regular people.
Trump was born to a real estate tycoon. He was blessed with economic security and helpful connections while attending prestigious private schools. When his father passed, he was left with an inheritance somewhere between $40 million to 200 million.
Trump is anything but common. He has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, given his role as a producer for The Apprentice.
He even has his own board game, but “Trump: The Game” was discontinued because it made no money, like many of his businesses.
Of all the potential candidates to identify with on the basis of similarity, Trump is the worst.
He is misogynistic, arrogant and sets a terrible example for today’s youth. He has no regard for differing opinions and does not know how to handle situations maturely. Trump would sooner blame tough questioning on a woman’s biological clock rather than handling the situation like a normal adult.
Trump’s fame and unique mannerisms appeal to many voters, but are they appealing for the right reasons? We should not choose a leader based on personality and symbolism, but rather competence and education. Trump is void of both, and this should be noted in the upcoming election.
Kain Hingle is a 19-year-old psychology sophomore from Mandeville, Louisiana. You can follow him on Twitter @kain_hingle.