Reflecting on nearly a decade of writing about Donald Trump, I consider how his journey has mirrored the rise and fall encapsulated in my film Trump’s Rosebud. The term “Rosebud” serves as a potent symbol of vulnerability, representing the inherent flaws in exercising power. Trump's ascent to prominence is a case study of the interplay between ambition and its consequences, and his fall reveals personal vulnerabilities that set the stage for our present election.
In 2015, Trump's grand entrance onto the political stage, marked by a bombastic declaration that rattled the establishment, was met with his dismissal as a fringe candidate. He quickly grabbed the microphone and gained traction by tapping into the deep-seated frustrations of voters who felt ignored by traditional politicians. His rallies became spectacles characterized by a brash confidence that resonated with the ever-growing crowd.
Yet, beneath the surface of this bravado lay insecurities that would emerge as his presidency unfolded. Trump's "Rosebud" was his overreaction to insult and his difficulty forging authentic connections outside his base, relying as he did on a persona crafted for both political engagement and entertainment. In the game of power, the performer's façade can be both a shield and a shackle, entrapping those who wear it at their own risk.
The initial reaction to Trump was one of disbelief and derision. Media often portrayed him as an unqualified outsider, a dangerous figure to be marginalized. However, as he seized the narrative and positioned himself as a champion of the "forgotten" American, the media displayed how addicted they were to the Trump-induced ratings increase. Trump's controversial statements thus dominated headlines and overshadowed substantive policy discussions. His approach to the press was confrontational, utilizing the term “fake news” as both a shield and a sword. In the chaos of media warfare, Trump learned to leverage outrage as a weapon and a distraction.
The stakes grew higher this year when Trump faced two attempted assassinations, the attacks underscoring the extreme vulnerabilities associated with wielding power. These incidents revealed the climate of fear enveloping his administration. Several years before these attacks, the orchestrated effort to weaponize the Department of Justice through the Russian hoax narrative demonstrated how Trump's enemies sought to undermine his legitimacy and disrupt his agenda. The ongoing saga of the Russian investigation became a “Rosebud” of its own—representing the relentless forces aligned against him, culminating in phony trials in the latest act.
As his presidency progressed, battles against political opponents, cultural critics, and the media intensified. Trump often manifested in his combative stance against those who challenged him, excessive rhetoric that only alienated allies. This escalating tension culminated in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, and the nationwide response revealed the fragility of the support he had cultivated despite his efforts to keep the peace. The coverage surrounding that day underscored the lengths reporters were willing to go to destroy him.
As we approach the 2024 election, Trump's legacy is marked by both triumphs and failures. The shameless impact his fellow actors in the media have made on American politics has come at a terrible cost. The lessons learned over these years are crucial for understanding how far corporate power will go to shape public perception in this ongoing battle for narrative control. These influencers' lack of objectivity and control highlights the shrinking American character.
Trump's ability to shape public discourse remains a double-edged sword. In the short term, it will play a pivotal role in the upcoming election, but in the long term, his rhetoric will need a change of tone to move the country forward. Despite his foibles and vulnerabilities, Trump's remarkable endurance in the face of the Democratic Party's radicalization and the Republican Party's betrayal as the uniparty has transformed the political landscape.
As we reflect on the past and look to the future, we must recognize that the path forward requires confronting personal and collective vulnerabilities. Trump may have earned a second chance. Still, his legacy and that of the American people will need a rewrite.
For more subject on this subject, please see trumpsrosebud.com or www.robomantix.com.
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