Trump Redux
Donald Trump won the US presidential elections by defeating his Democratic opponent Vice President Kamala Harris. By all accounts, it was a stunning victory not only because it was an impressive comeback from his electoral defeat in 2020 but also because his triumph expanded the Republican electoral geography by broadening support from usually reliable demographics: Blacks, Latinos and young voters. This resulted in his party dominating the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Even after his equally impressive 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton, I have always been impressed by President Trump’s political acumen. By political acumen, I refer to his ability to understand what the majority of Americans want and design his political messaging accordingly. There is a popular saying, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” In the case of Trump, it was both.
His message, both in 2016 and 2024, appealed to the common sense dispositions of American voters. He focused on the economy, proclaiming that America will be great again by stopping businesses from leaving for foreign lands and by “stealing” other countries’ jobs. He focused on insecurities the American public felt about immigration, security, and peace and order. Critics, of course, have argued that Trump tended to bend the truth but who can argue with the electoral results of 2016 and 2024?
In contrast, the Democrats painted him as a fascist. What is a fascist? Would American voters know what a fascist is? And even if they do, this was an issue farthest from existential issues Americans are facing. I call them gut issues. This is the same reason why federalism and parliamentary government do not resonate with the Filipino public. A common response was, “Nakakain ba ang pederalismo?” I am not saying that fascism or federalism are not important issues. But these “high concepts” need to be translated into a message that can appeal to everyone.
I remember when I was preparing to run as Senator for the first time in 2001. I sat down with my team to develop our message for the campaign which was my first national electoral contest. I knew in my mind and in my heart what the central problem of the country was – poverty. I also have a strong opinion about how to win the war against poverty: entrepreneurship. I believe this deeply because my life is proof that entrepreneurship can lift a family out of poverty.
But how do we communicate entrepreneurship to our people? I cannot go to a rally at a plaza in Sultan Kudarat and deliver a speech on entrepreneurship. This was how “sipag at tiyaga” was conceptualized. These two values of persistence and hard work represent what entrepreneurs are. This was something that will resonate clearly to Filipinos. Entrepreneurship is an abstract concept but people know and believe that despite the difficulties in life, they can make their lives better “basta magsipag at magtiyaga lang.” No matter how lofty your ideas are, if you cannot express them clearly to people, then it is pretty much useless.
Several analysts have raised concerns on the future of Philippine-US bilateral relations with the return of President Trump. Some have argued that Trump’s embrace of an “America First” agenda will result in a policy pivot that will create a power void in the region thereby emboldening China.
In congratulating Trump, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “expressed optimism for a more fruitful and dynamic partnership between the Philippines and the US.” He also expressed his opinion that the historic partnership between the two nations will endure Trump’s second term.
From what I know about President Trump, I think President Marcos and his diplomatic team need to cultivate a personal relationship with Pres. Trump who relies heavily on familiarity and loyalty in his dealings with world leaders. They also need to convince President Trump and the Republican leaders of the US Congress on the strategic importance of the Philippines in the geopolitical interest of the US. But more than these, our country needs to strengthen regional alliances in order to face these global challenges.
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