Trump as Folk HeroAmerican Thinker, May 18, 2019, Gordon Wysong
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The commoners, 63 million strong, got revenge and vindication on election night. Then with crossed fingers, the masses prayed that Trump would take a common-sense approach, rather than betray supporters. Even if he had reneged on many things, his election was still light years better than seeing the Republic end under the stewardship of the Clintonistas. He had a window, and boy, did he use it.
Lo and behold, Trump proved to be what almost no one had dared hope for, the savior of this great nation. In two years, he has not taken on a single major step to undermine the rule of law or subvert principle for corrupt vote-buying practices. He erased the shrinking violet forfeiture of American leadership, and the antsy impulse to jump into a foreign ground wars. Each time a challenge has been presented, Trump has risen to meet it head on. What a refreshing change. Not just because our recent presidents have all tried to skirt controversy, but especially because the left has tried to prohibit debate. Trump has excited his base by his rejection of this established norm. He has reached legendary status as a champion of the individual.
It is rarely noted that Trump’s popularity hardly moves with the issues of the day. Why is that? Simply stated, there is now a personal bond. The base shared Trump’s foxhole, and he led them to victory. The gratitude that Trump has earned cannot be erased by slurs against his person. And further, the insults that he endures are seen as the same ones that have been used to control the public for decades. What the critics -– the unaccomplished, self-righteous assailants -- lack is a reason to align with the American masses. Their malignant words are a badge of honor, elevating Trump even further.
[...] Trump had already forged the bond with working-class Americans, and his taunts put his enemies too far forward on their skis. It revealed the character of his critics, who suddenly became self-proclaimed moral betters, and demanded acceptance of their pathetic, immoral behavioral code. They couldn’t take time off from their raging hatred to appreciate a remark issued in levity, particularly from the victor, poking fun at them and reminiscent of his remark about getting the Russians to hack Hillary. Once again, the left proved they have no sense of humor.
Now, the establishment cannot understand the comradeship that Trump has with his fellow warriors. He has a special appeal. Trump has found the sweet spot. His appeal is a mystery to his adversaries, but not to his base. The leftists face an oxymoronic situation now. Their criticism further cements the bond to Trump, and the lack of criticism gives him an unobstructed field. They cannot win.
More:
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/05/trump_as_folk_hero.html
