Donald Trump and the New Kind of Politician.

Donald Trump is, without a doubt, the most polarizing presidential candidate on both sides of the political spectrum. The longtime businessman and, let us not forget, WWE Hall of Famer, has an aura about him that demands attention. Depending on one’s viewpoint, that aura radiates either that of a fearless and bold maverick who, like Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball, can’t stop and won’t stop breaking down the walls of the current deadlocked political landscape, or that of a male version of Regina George, whose dramatic and dimwitted buffoonery has created an online burn book dedicated to everyone with an opinion that differs from his own. That being said, let us put aside our personal judgements about The Donald and instead reflect upon how his ability to dominate the media headlines has become the best political strategy for a society that craves bold statements and soundbites.

Most of us have heard the phrase “It only takes seven seconds to make a first impression.” As soon as we meet someone new, we automatically start making general assumptions about that person, and politics are no exception to the rule. In this new political era where every story and opinion precludes inevitable disaster, a polarizing figure such as Trump fits onto the public eye like a pair of designer sunglasses (Versace, Versace). His opinions are blunt and to the point but often lack any substance or depth. In doing this, we as individuals form our own first impression of the man based off of our personal opinions rather than using any sort of factual evidence. For both the tea party hardliners and republicans who believe they have become subjects of persecution by a progressive culture, Trump represents a new kind of politician who is unafraid of tackling the so-called atmosphere of political correctness that keeps traditional right wing leaders such as Mitt Romney, John McCain and Jeb Bush from truly representing the conservative brand. For the more liberal minded, Trump represents the ultimate antagonist. He is Dorothy’s Wicked Witch of the West, the Batman’s Joker, Harry Potter’s Voldemort. His attention grabbing headlines and soundbites are music to the ears of the right, but words of a maniac to the left. This kind of uncompromising, winner-take-all strategy has been brewing in the hearts of American citizens for years, and it works.

After the Iraq war and the recession of 2008, blame for what had occurred was getting thrown around like a game of hot potato. The Tea Party formed, Occupy Wall Street formed, and as the domino’s fell and the parties grew ever more hostile towards one another, the middle ground candidates began to suffer and the polarizing candidates started to prevail. It is no accident. Candidates will continue to grow more polarizing as their constituents do so; after all public officials are meant to reflect the attitudes of the districts and constituents they represent. However, the irony should not be lost upon us that, as we continue to complain about politicians getting nothing done in D.C, it is not the fault of those who fall in the middle ground and are willing to compromise their own beliefs for the hope of continual, albeit slow progress in government. In reality, it is the fault of this new era of politicians who live by the soundbite, the same politicians who would rather shut down the government than work with their colleagues. Donald Trump has now become the pioneer of this new era of politician, but to actually think he, or anyone as divisive as he is, can unite the country and “Make America Great Again” is terribly mislead. There are many people in the world who are all talk and no substance. None of them are good leaders.