I never found myself interested in politics before this election. As a child, the greater profundities of politics eluded me, and likewise, the issues that were debated never seemed important enough for me to care. I can’t help but wonder now how different things would have been if Donald Trump ran for president when I was younger.
Donald Trump lights up the political stage with his shameless candor and boastfulness. He flaunts his financial prowess, suggests extremely bold policies, attacks his fellow opponents and commands the support of many people with his authoritative statements. But in the end, this is all. His Hollywood act is enough to appeal to the attention and limited reason of a child, but shift it into reality, and one will easily discover that what is seen on TV is not an accurate depiction of real life.
Trump derives his ethos to run a country from his history of financial success. But even if it is logical to assume that running a business is the same as leading a country, Trump fails to mention that his personal brand was greatly bolstered with money he inherited from his father, and also tries to diminish the significance of his multiple failed ventures and bankruptcies.
Donald Trump draws a lot of support from people who believe in his honesty. However, even if all of his statements and remarks are made in good faith, truthfulness alone is not enough to establish a candidate’s suitability for office. It is much more important to consider the efficacy and the moral implications of such statements, and a person who is unwilling to condemn Ku Klux Klan supremacists, or is able to even consider the possibility of killing families of terrorists for the sake of advancing goals, should not be praised just for these disgustingly frank opinions.
Trump also rallies support by appealing as a candidate who says he will accomplish many things. His confidence and unwavering stubbornness make his promises convincing, but it is not enough merely to accomplish goals; rather, it is much more important to evaluate the significance of what will be accomplished. It is our duty to also ask ourselves how effective building a wall across the Mexican-American border would be in reducing illegal immigration, or what banning all Muslims who seek to enter this country would say about the values this nation holds. Perhaps a greater question to ask is what kind of person would even suggest such things?
I don’t doubt that Donald Trump will accomplish many things if he is to become president; however, those who support him need to more carefully consider the deeper and more profound implications of what would happen if Trump is able to enact his policies. Mere qualities of frankness, wealth and promises to “get things done” should not be enough to convince one that a person is fit, or even somewhat fit, to be the U.S. president.
Perhaps Trump will sue me for writing this, but given his history of false promises and threats, I’m not too worried. As a public figure, it would be difficult for him to prove malice in a defamation suit against an opinion column. But then again, truth is also a complete defense in cases of defamation.
William An is a freshman finance major. He can be reached at willandbk@gmail.com.
