SUNSET FOR TRUMP'S DOMINANCE
The Prsidential campaign makes a complete reversal
Do you remember the “debate” between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016 – when Trump left his podium and circled around Hillary, as she was talking, ostensibly threatening her? It was unnerving to watch – and suggested he was going to attack her – physically. I’m sure she didn’t expect that. A candidate doesn’t EVER leave his/her podium and seem about to pounce on his opponent. But, then there is Donald Trump. He doesn’t feel he is constrained by rules and he doesn’t abide by rules, certainly not when he feels he can get away with ignoring them. Trump acts as though no one else matters. He doesn’t care if others are offended by his actions.
In mid-June, M. Steven Fish wrote in the New York Times: “Trump is an avid and ruthless practitioner of dominance displays over opponents… according to recent research. Neuroscientists wired up audiences’ brains as they watched Trump debate and found that most viewers – not just his rabid followers – delighted in the belittling nicknames he gave his opponents. High-dominance leaders shape their own reality, embrace conflict and exhibit self-assurance. This creates the perception they will provide strong leadership and solve problems.” In contrast, notes Fish, ‘Democrats often are obsessively risk-averse, poll driven, allergic to engaging on hot-button issues – and more than a little boring.” That was written in mid-June when Biden was the presumed Democratic candidate for President. Well, no more. With Kamala Harris’ ascension as the Democratic Presidential candidate, Trump’s dominance in the 2024 campaign has come to an abrupt end .
Harris is making daily appearances before enthusiastic crowds – and talking about hot-button issues like immigration, voting rights, gun control and, of course, women’s health and the right to choose abortion. Harris is securing volumes of endorsements, raising huge amounts of campaign money and enlisting hordes of campaign volunteers. She has stepped in to fill Biden’s place on the debate platform while Trump appears reluctant to face her in debate. He is no longer dominating the Presidential race and appears to be cowering before her onslaught.
If this election doesn’t see the overwhelming defeat of Trump and his MAGA Republicans, it will be a big surprise to many of us hopeful, patriotic observers.