Perhaps there is a new trend in world leaders: Russia/Putin, Philippines/Duterte, and U.S./Trump?
Trump’s comment: “Michelle started it”, Seems to fit in well with the other kids on the world stage lately…
For example Philippines’ President Duterte said President Obama “can go to hell”.
And Russia offered to send “election monitors” to the U.S. - Basically the sort of comment you would expect from an immature person, not a government!
Maybe Trump is in tune with these other world leaders?
Can’t speak for Putin, but Duterte is more a response to crime and corruption. Trump is a response to white voters who feel left behind economically and politically.
So I don’t think you can lump them together.
Trump may be a signaling of a move to the right among western nations in North America and Europe though. Anti-immigrant, against multiculturalism, against free trade and austerity, pro law and order, etc.
I think Trump is just special because he is such a dysfunctional clown. If someone who had social skills said what Trump said, the race may be 50/50.