# Simple Question: Is Trump's rise due to Republican tactics? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 8, 2016, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263 "2016-05-08T02:36:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/21 "2016-05-08T15:22:01Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > I don’t see it quite as xenophobia > > America needs to be simpler, it needs to go back to when it was great and the best at everything. This now is way to complicated and even uncertain. Things were fine before. If not xenophobia, would you characterize it better as jingoism? ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/22 "2016-05-08T15:41:39Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > If not xenophobia, would you characterize it better as jingoism? Trump wouldn’t, because the word has become inextricably associated with [Mexicans](https://youtu.be/0RaYF60LVP8). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_jeffrey_lebowski/32/215_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Jeffrey_Lebowski)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/23 "2016-05-08T16:32:19Z")
I believe that Trump’s rise has been made possible by Fox News and right wing talk radio. It has been churning out xenophobia while trumpeting jingoistic rhetoric for the past 25 years, creating a vaccuum that Trump stepped right into. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/24 "2016-05-08T16:51:41Z")
I don’t think it’s a Republican-only thing. Sanders (running as an outsider) got way more votes than anybody thought he’d get. Only the strong candidacy of Clinton prevented him from getting more. The GOP didn’t have a single candidate who was as strong as Clinton and so Trump rode the same anti-establishment wave as Sanders but to better effect. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/25 "2016-05-08T17:54:44Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > If not xenophobia, would you characterize it better as jingoism? More passive than that. When you’re poor and life is crap at least you know you were born in the greatest country in the world: you are somewhat content at winning life’s lottery. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/26 "2016-05-08T18:06:35Z")
> [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](#): > > To be more explicit, is Trump’s rise as the penultimate outsider due to Republicans selling the idea that everybody in government is evil and ineffective for the last 2 decades? > My opinion is yes, at least to a certain extent. Republicans have been selling the idea since at least Clinton (I) that Congress is no good, the government is corrupt, and that nothing ever gets done in Washington. They have run on this platform as long as I can remember; is it any wonder that people will look to someone like Trump to get something done? [Tongue in cheek]All those Tea Party jackasses we elected in the last 6 years haven’t been able to get anything done for us, right? [/Tongue in cheek] It absolutely, positively is the result of the republican party’s efforts to weaken public institutions. When you promote, and go to great lengths to effectuate, the notion that government does nothing right, then over time, by definition, anyone and everyone who is in government becomes the enemy. The inevitable outcome is that anyone who has held or currently does hold office is unqualified for office. In the minds of many, many republicans, and even many millions of right-leaning independents, the single-most important qualification for running for office is that you have absolutely no idea what the fuck you’d do if you were actually running the office. The less knowledgeable you sound, the more ignorant you appear, the stronger and more fit for office you become. It is nothing short of sheer insanity and, over time, it will become the suicide of this democratic republic as we know it. That is why I can no longer support a republican for anything. The entire party needs to be crushed. The nation needs to copy California and vote in a democratic super majority. A one party government that seeks opposition for occasional moral support for its legislation but otherwise couldn’t give two shits whether they agree or disagree with their proposals. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/27 "2016-05-08T18:35:38Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I blame the tacit acceptance of birtherism and similar tactics, which were itself a part of the decades-long, unspoken alliance between the Republican party and xenophobes, low-grade white supremacists, and the like (including right-wing radio) – if Romney had eviscerated Trump for being a birther in the 2012 election (along with other Republican leaders), then Trump probably couldn’t have succeeded in the party (though, perhaps, he could have had a 3rd party run). Yup. The unspoken mentality is that a black democrat has no right to serve as president of the united states, even if he was freely elected by 69 million voters, so his opponents had to fabricate a story that he was born in Kenya to de-legitimize him and it was accepted tacitly by the GOP. They also didn’t stand up to all the right wingers calling for martial law and a military coup after the 2008 elections didn’t go their way. The base of the GOP is not really democratic anymore, they do not feel anyone but them has a legitimate claim to power. Anytime they lose it is because they were victims of fraud, or the elected official doesn’t have the constitutional authority to serve. The republicans dry humped the stupid and dangerous, now the stupid and dangerous want to fuck. Have at it. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_fun_ball/32/17664_2.png) [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/28 "2016-05-08T19:01:57Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > I don’t think it’s a Republican-only thing. Sanders (running as an outsider) got way more votes than anybody thought he’d get. Only the strong candidacy of Clinton prevented him from getting more. The GOP didn’t have a single candidate who was as strong as Clinton and so Trump rode the same anti-establishment wave as Sanders but to better effect. I agree, but can Sanders rise also be laid at the feet of the Republican party? They have been preaching for so long the Government doesn’t work, what percentage of the population believes them? It seems clear that young people have bought the message, though maybe they want a different cure. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/29 "2016-05-08T21:07:19Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > More passive than that. When you’re poor and life is crap at least you know you were born in the greatest country in the world: you are somewhat content at winning life’s lottery. Where do you think Trump supporters place America on the list of countries in the world, sorted greatest to worst? What metrics would you say they use on which to base their judgement? ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/30 "2016-05-08T21:16:02Z")
You think they use metrics in their judgements? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/31 "2016-05-08T21:25:47Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > You think they use metrics in their judgements? Say you’re right, what then? What is the appeal of the content free slogan “Make America Great Again!”? ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/32 "2016-05-08T23:12:59Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Where do you think Trump supporters place America on the list of countries in the world, sorted greatest to worst? > > What metrics would you say they use on which to base their judgement? Strangely, I think Russia is number one for these people. It’s a psychiatrists field day. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/33 "2016-05-09T01:10:49Z")
It’s absolutely the result of the Libertarian (not mainstream Republican) effort since the 70s to equate government with evil and to somehow convince people that government controls in the business arena are somehow un-American. It has, in my opinion, backfired on them in the person of Trump, who is a caricature of the ideal Libertarian candidate. I’m sure that the Kochs are appalled that Cruz or some other John Birch sympathizer is not the candidate. Reagan was about as close as they’ve gotten to the ideal President, and he did a lot of damage for their benefit. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/34 "2016-05-09T01:27:01Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > WTF? 😕 Do you know what “penultimate” means? That there’s somebody worse coming next time? > [@adaher](#): > > The Republican party is going hard white instead of hard right. It’s true - they’re depending on racial appeals to a single ethnicity, one that is shrinking in proportionate size, and only a percentage of which puts racial solidarity at the top of their list of issues - even if the list is unstated. Yet that’s the party you continue to support, for reasons that still mystify. In 2024, there will be people \*voting \*who will have no memory of the President being a white man. Or a Republican. Or of the Supreme Court having a regressive majority. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/35 "2016-05-09T03:21:23Z")
> [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](#): > > . . . the penultimate outsider . . . > [@panache45](#): > > WTF? 😕 Do you know what “penultimate” means? It means “one syllable better than _ultimate_,” right? ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/36 "2016-05-09T03:54:10Z")
> [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](#): > > I agree, but can Sanders rise also be laid at the feet of the Republican party? They have been preaching for so long the Government doesn’t work, what percentage of the population believes them? It seems clear that young people have bought the message, though maybe they want a different cure. I’m not buying this though I will agree Sanders rise can be laid at the feet of the GOP. Many of those who support him are frustrated by the extent to which Obama has been roadblocked by the GOP. Sander’s followers haven’t bought the message Government doesn’t work at all. In fact, they want a much larger social safety net than we currently have. What they seem to want is Government that is allowed the chance to work rather than sabotaged at every turn. And it would be a mistake to think only young people have bought the message Sanders is spreading. ---
**Author:** ![davida03801](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5e925/32.png) [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/37 "2016-05-09T10:03:09Z")
You only need two numbers to explain Trump’s and Bernie’s rise on both sides. Median household income in 2007… 57,357 Median household income in 2014.......... 53,657 The average person knows that the current political class does not represent their interests. Not just financially, but in many other ways also. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/38 "2016-05-09T10:57:00Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Say you’re right, what then? What is the appeal of the content free slogan “Make America Great Again!”? That someone admits that America isn’t doing so good, which is the truth from those voters’ perspective. And he’s not a socialist or liberal. It’s also rather direct and to the point, a simple statement that doesn’t make excuses. It makes their problems seem simple to fix, if only someone had the right priorities. It appeals heavily to the nearly jingoistic patriotism these people feel, while also admitting that life isn’t so hot. They can support their country again, by saying they’re just trying to fix it. There’s also an appeal to the “good old days” thinking by having the “again” at the end. Appeal to when these people thought things were going well. And it’s a very machismo way saying the message. Make it great–force it into shape. Not, for example, hoping. It fits Trump and his main message that you need a “manly man” to come in and fix everything. And it does all this without having any actual substance that anyone can disagree with. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/39 "2016-05-09T11:02:03Z")
“Republicans spent years whipping their voters into a sexist, xenophobic, self-righteous frenzy, and now they’re stuck with Donald Trump. It’s like finally convincing your wife to have a threesome and then she brings home a guy.” –[Bill Maher](http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/07/breaking-bad-actor-calls-for-a-third-party-offers-hillary-advice-on-how-to-beat-trump/#ixzz489h8WZ1I) ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263/40 "2016-05-09T15:51:32Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > That someone admits that America isn’t doing so good, which is the truth from those voters’ perspective. And he’s not a socialist or liberal. > > It’s also rather direct and to the point, a simple statement that doesn’t make excuses. It makes their problems seem simple to fix, if only someone had the right priorities. > > It appeals heavily to the nearly jingoistic patriotism these people feel, while also admitting that life isn’t so hot. They can support their country again, by saying they’re just trying to fix it. > > There’s also an appeal to the “good old days” thinking by having the “again” at the end. Appeal to when these people thought things were going well. > > And it’s a very machismo way saying the message. Make it great–force it into shape. Not, for example, hoping. It fits Trump and his main message that you need a “manly man” to come in and fix everything. > > And it does all this without having any actual substance that anyone can disagree with. That’s just it. There is plenty to disagree with and the media, while giving him the most exposure, is pretty openly challenging his economic, foreign and domestic policies. To say nothing of repeatedly and gleefully pointing out his contradictory statements, gaffs and maniacal ravings. And I’d understand if say, FOX News was praising him. But they are not. They are almost as critical of him as the more liberal media. So, as a Trump supporter, you have to actually work really hard at ignoring all the criticism about Trump. How are they doing that while not allowing the slightest bit of critical thought to enter their minds? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-is-trumps-rise-due-to-republican-tactics/754263.md?page=3)