The Problem with Trump’s Closing Argument
First, Donald Trump doesn’t believe any of this. Trump is not a man of the people. He’s a man of the person — himself — and he will do or say what he needs to do or say to attain power. While he surely has certain political impulses or sympathies, he would discard any of them for the sake of personal advantage. At base, there is no true “Trumpism.” There is only Trump, and it’s a mistake to attach too much ideological meaning to one man’s quest for control.
Second, your average American simply isn’t at the mercy of larger forces. It’s not true. The most important factors in the success or failure of any American family’s economic prospects are their own choices. If an American finishes school, gets married, and stay married, the future is bright — even in an age of global competition, relatively free trade, and increased automation.
.. The problem is that global competition, free trade, and increased automation also decrease the margin for error at the very moment when American culture is degraded to the point where our errors multiply.
.. no politician can help you nearly as much as you can help yourself.
no politician can help you nearly as much as you can help yourself.