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| Photo: AP |
My debut as a blogger started in the aftermath of one historic election--the 2008 election of Barack Obama--so it seems it only makes sense I'd fire off a post the day after another election that, in my humble opinion, will be historic for all the wrong reasons.
So Donald Trump is president. I can live with that. He won his party's nomination, he campaigned, we went to the polls, and these are the results. I'm obviously disappointed, but like it or not, this is democracy at work.
However, what is still leaving a taste in my mouth more bitter than a black jelly bean and olive shake is the way he won the presidency. It all started with the Donald dipping his toe into the brown lake that was/is the birther movement.
As I said at the time, Trump knew this would be red meat to much of the ravenous, racist far right base and threw it to them. But little did we know this was the first of many offenses, which at this point, are so numerous it's hard to keep track. There was, of course, his delightful comments about Mexicans, his insidious insinuations about the capability of the judge handling his Trump University lawsuit due to his Mexican heritage, as well as his fondness for building walls. Not one to bogart his douchebaggery, Trump soon set his xenophobic sights on Muslims, proposing a ban as fantastical as that fucking wall, and insulting the parents of a slain Muslim American soldier.
And course, Trump's always had a thing for the ladies, whether it's blaming Megan Kelly's knack for asking relevant questions on supposedly having her period, suggesting women accusing him of sexual assault were too unattractive to assault or calling Hillary Clinton a "nasty woman (HRC if ya nasty!"), And we all know what he likes to do to women after he pops a mint or two. Oh, and I did I mention he wants to bring back Stop and Frisk? Because Trump is all about speaking directly to the black community, addressing our concerns and making a strong case for why the GOP is the party for us. In rooms almost entirely packed with white people.
Look, I don't need or expect politicians to be perfect. Contrary to whatever Illuminati theory is popping this week, they are people, and as such, are subject to carrying short-sighted views and prejudices like the rest of us. Gaffes and "what did he/she say?" moments are expected.
Also, Hillary Clinton was a not a flawless candidate. There's of course her old-school "super predator" remark, her at-times fluid concept of the truth and she and Bill's knack for doing shit that just makes you go hmmmmmmmm. And folks clearly took these things under consideration when casting their vote.
The difference between her and Trump--between him and any other recent politician really--is his complete and utter lack of fucks to give. I'm hard pressed to think of another modern-day presidential candidate so comfortable in his arrogance, his ignorance, his willingness to offend and alienate, in his lack of self-awareness, and be so willing to make these and other qualities the hallmark of his campaign. Yes, Trump tapped into some genuine anger and mistrust of the establishment and concerns about the direction of America. But he did so by actively alienating millions of other Americans, many of whom look nothing like the core constituency he and his team were hell bent on courting. And that, all sarcasm aside, just fucking sucks. Nearly all politicians play a little dirty, but Donald Trump metaphorically rolled around in shit for the last 18 months to earn a seat in the Oval Office.
I'll end this far from succinct rant by saying Trump's acceptance speech last night was gracious toward Hillary Clinton and her supporters, as much of an olive branch he's extended to the other side.
That said, we've seen candidate Trump. Who President Trump is remains to be seen. So pop that popcorn kids...it's showtime!
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