When real estate tycoon and multi-billionaire Donald Trump announced that he was running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, hoots, jeers, and catcalls ensued.
For the most part, the media and the politicians just laughed and went on their merry ways. The Huffington Post declared that news about the Trump campaign would be relegated to the entertainment section. Very few people are laughing now.
Prior to the Republican debate, as the results of various polls came in, Donald Trump led all Republican contenders by a wide margin. Trump led the field with 20 percent while Scott Walker weighed in at 13 percent while Jeb Bush came in third at 10 percent. This, after Trump took significant heat for his negative comments regarding John McCain’s war record. Whatever happens in the future, Trump, for now, sits at the top of the heap.
Following the debate, Trump actually extended his lead, much to the shock of many. Trump polled in at 22.8, Jeb Bush was a distant second with 12.0, and Scott Walker was third at 9.4. This after many thought he had sunk his chances, especially among women voters.
What is it about Donald Trump that has captured the attention and support of so many people? It’s not like the Republicans have no competent candidates in the running. Indeed, this may be the most qualified group of Republican contenders in history. No fewer than 17 candidates are seeking the nomination. So, why Trump?
One appeal may be that Trump is not a politician. Many voters have grown weary of politicians. A group called Scientific Marketing and Advertising, came out with a poll listing the sleaziest ways to make a living. The Top Seven on the list were:
Drug dealer, crime boss, TV evangelist, prostitute, street peddler, local politician,congressman.
While Donald Trump’s occupation made number 13 on the list, he still fares better than professional or local politicians.
And, let’s face it, Trump is entertaining. From his brash personality to his unique hair style to his appearances on television (“You’re fired!”), the man gets attention. Trump is not a man to parse words. He says what’s on his mind regardless of who likes it or not — and this, too, is part of the appeal.
People already have a profound distrust for politicians. Remember the joke, “How do you tell if a politician is lying? If his lips are moving.” Whether one likes what he says or not, one does not have to guess what he really means. He doesn’t care who he offends — Mexico, China, or whomever — and this, too, has an appeal. Plus, the man has been a success in the real world. He is a TV personality, a best-selling author, and a businessman with few peers.
Does this mean he should be President? The only thing that means anything is, “Will the people elect him?” That is the only qualifier. Remember Ronald Reagan, the actor? Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer? Barack Obama, the community organizer who came from nowhere to take what was deemed to be Hillary Clinton’s crown? What qualified them to be President? The people who elected them.
But, there are miles to go before this is all over. The election isn’t for another 15 months yet. Stay tuned for further developments.
[David Epps is the pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Sharpsburg, GA (www.ctkcec.org). He is the bishop of the Mid-South Diocese which consists of Georgia and Tennessee (www.midsouthdiocese.org) and the Associate Endorser for the Department of the Armed Forces, U. S. Military Chaplains, ICCEC. He may contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org.]
