Stew Bolno: Donald Trump – radical traditionalist

Trump haters of today brand the President as a man who is a destructive reactionary; an authoritarian whose every tendency and action upsets the ethos of America. The progressive mantra is that he favors “the privileged” by eliminating the major civil rights gains achieved over the previous six decades. If you could persuade a few Democrats to sit and chat around a table, they’d probably agree with an assessment that MAGA members wish to yank America back to pre-Lincoln times socially, while encouraging the economic realities of the “robber barons” before the turn of the 20th Century. 

Another presidential attack squad is a group of classical and nostalgic conservatives; Never Trumpers, who attempt to paint a picture that Republicanism as well as the Party was on solid ground prior to 2017. To read or listen to their current comments one might believe that pre-Trump; patriotism was at a high level, the economy was solid, the major political parties were in a kumbaya environment, our military was strong, American values were spreading around the world, foes were respectful of our system, and world-peace was near at hand. Yet, this group of polished pundits was generally viewed as reactive to the political jolts by The Left. Indeed, if liberals didn’t exist, neither would this band of brothers and sisters. To my mind, they seemed more comfortable being the media-whisperers of Congressional Republicans who, mostly resistant warriors, often knelt to the constant combat staged by leftists and liberals.

Conservative critics and scribes, those who make a living offering their observations, resisted Donald Trump from the beginning. Firstly, chooses to avoid applying the “King’s English” regarding sentence structure, grammar, and pithiness. Additionally, before 2016 as well as today, politically defining Trump on the liberal-conservative continuum would be a challenge. As a rule, the default positions of conservatives are a high respect for tradition coupled with a primary consideration for protecting the status quo. Love him or hate him, although Trump possesses appreciation for the American Story, his highly visible actions towards politics, government, and imagery demonstrate he’s without patience in maintaining ineffective circumstances. He’s the ultimate change agent even if his detractors are certain he’s changing everything for the worse. 

The nostalgic phrase “Make America Great Again” revealed Trump’s foundational belief that the United States had fallen far from that standard. Most Republicans agreed with his evaluation while an extremely high percentage of Democrats would argue America, never was great. This focused statement clarified and activated the somewhat latent schism within our Country in a manner that was previously poorly defined. Since Trump quickly and relatively easily captured the Republican nomination, his gut feeling about awakening a sleeping giant was a primary example of his marketing smarts. It also upset the risk-averse moderates within the Republican party while enraging the Obama led Democrats, who were confident and convinced Hillary would continue the march for “fundamentally transforming the United States of America”. 

As President ‘45 or ‘47, Donald Trump isn’t really bringing many radical ideas to the American scene. He states his mission as well as priorities, is all about “America First”. This citizen (customer) focus is the norm in business, but pre-Trump administrations, as well as current Congresses, drifted away from that as the daily political battles featured in the network news cycles generally concentrated on inter-party scuffles. The press prioritizes the concern of who is winning the war between the Democrats and Republicans; as opposed to how both parties are working to deliver optimal quality results for the American public. 

A few of the traditional questions President Trump tries to answer include those below. They’re not novel, but appear close to forgotten by recent pre-Trump administrations:

• What can be done to make Americans safer? The Trump response; enforce immigration laws and reinvigorate a more prepared and assertive military that’s focused upon excellence, quality standards, esprit d corps, and winning necessary wars.
• What can be done to present America as “The leader of the free world”? The Trump response; strengthen the USA, build relationships, make deals, and earn respect by any means necessary. 
• What can be done to limit government control over the lives of citizens? The Trump response; lower taxes, deregulate, and actively engage the private sector.
• What can be done to ensure a strong economic foundation for America? The Trump response; get spending under control, identify additional revenue sources, create DOGE and let them do what’s usual in the world of business.

The demonstrated actions of the President illustrate the dreams and aspirations of those who love him and voted for him. Those who are certain Trumpism is at the core of all things wrong with America, likely felt that way prior to his election as ’45. Because he hasn’t faltered, failed, or fallen, the flames of hatred even blaze higher. The long-time loyalists, early adopters, and recent converts appreciate and value the history of our Country, it’s place in the world, and gratitude for their citizenship. 

To them, President Trump is not a reactionary; he’s simply a candid and courageous man who values the traditions of America. They seem willing to follow him into battle against those who prefer to posture like peacocks or act like ostriches with their heads in the sand; as opposed to focused and clear-eyed eagles who soar over it all, prior to a commitment for action. 

Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase.