People wonder how Donald Trump could lose to Joe Biden in 2020 unless there was cheating. Yes, like millions of Americans, we believe that there was cheating, but Trump also did all he could to earn his disappointing loss. Without a change in his campaign performance, he could lose again.
Instead of campaigning on his record and his promises for his second term, President Trump spent most of his time demeaning Biden and stressing how inadequate he was as an opponent. It became a contest of personalities with only Trump's personality on display. President Trump's combative, attacking style was front and center almost every day while Biden spent most of his time in his basement or otherwise avoiding campaigning.
Trump and his supporters thought Biden would be easy to beat. After all, how could anyone but a dumb Democrat vote for such an incompetent leader for America's President? Trump loves to point out that he received more votes than any past Presidential candidate. He did, but, unfortunately, Biden got more than he did and had enough to win. Did all vote for Biden because they wanted him to win? Some did, but far more came out to vote to defeat that "hated" Donald Trump. Trump had a lot of loyal supporters and possibly even more motivated haters!
Along with a couple of thousand other attendees at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville this week, I saw Donald Trump captivate a crowd who had been forced to wait nearly five hours to hear him speak because of travel problems. And speak he did! Yes, he had a teleprompter to give him the basics of his message, but his easy style and ready humor were often unleashed as he went off script to energize and entertain the crowd.
In addition to some of his more outrageous comments, he demonstrated a full command of the issues and policy priorities that he believes will return him to the White House. He asserted that the majority of Americans want what he can deliver independence, a secure border, law and order in our cities, school choice, religious freedom, true free speech, lowered inflation, and an end to deep state meddling and abusive regulations. The vast majority cheered as he listed his promises. After four years of President Joe Biden, I guess that even many Democrats want a change in these key priorities. Yes, former President Trump has the best policy cards to play, but will he play them well?
If you remember the adage, "loose lips sink ships," you know that no candidate in recent history has looser lips than Donald Trump. That is why, during the campaign, clips of some of his more provocative statements had a way of playing the lead on most news and talk shows. If you want attention, Trump is the master. But will the kind of attention he receives win back the White House?
His verbal attacks on Biden and Haley were funny to supporters, but some in the crowd who remained seated were not smiling. Trump dared to ask, "Who would be dumb enough to vote for Biden again?" In short, Democrats are stupid, possibly even evil, and certainly easy to beat in 2024. That is what the over-confident Republicans said before the 2022 midterms. Well, as you remember, it wasn't easy, and the GOP fell way short of expectations. We barely got control of the House and failed to regain control of the Senate.
In many conversations the next day, there were many compliments for Trump-"The guys got unbelievable energy, and I love his policy priorities. It's what Americans desperately want and need!" But there was a common note of caution-"I'm worried about his abrasive name-calling and attacks. It's hard for many independents and moderates to accept. Even if they don't vote for Biden, they may just stay home. Trump needs their votes! We have to win this election! I'm worried."
We know he's no saint, but what politician is? When speaking to the National Religious Broadcasters audience, he stated that he was a believer but admitted that he certainly didn't get carried away with his faith. He confessed that one Christian leader reminded others that they weren't electing a preacher. They were electing a President who would deliver on the issues that mattered most.
One participant nearby laughed as he focused on his abrasive style, "At least he's learned to cut down the swearing." But he could do so much more and ensure his victory if he had the consistent discipline to focus on the issues that mattered most whenever he delivered a speech or responded to a question. In every comment, Trump should identify the problem Democratic
policies have been created but always ends the statement with what he promises to do when elected to right the ship.
President Trump has a full and insightful grasp of the pressing problems real Americans face. Can he unite the voters he needs to win? He knows what needs to be done, and he has the bold confidence and skill to deliver on what he has promised. It's time for him to drop the personal attacks, compliment the GOP candidates he has beaten, and let responsible Americans return him to the White House to begin restoring America to what it once again can and must be to remain free and prosperous. May it be so!
Terry Paulson is a Ph.D. psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com terry@terrypaulson.com.
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