Like a fish out of water desperately gasping for breath, president-elect Donald Trump has in the weeks following the US election been flipping and flopping more than even some of the most experienced politicians.
There have been so many abrupt about-faces in his policy positions following the election compared with his campaign rhetoric that keeping track of them all is getting harder.
So in no particular order, let's pick an issue that became a major campaign slogan that garnered tidal waves of support: “Lock Her Up”. Originally vowing to prosecute Hillary Clinton over charges the FBI has already cleared her on twice, Trump now says he does not want to “hurt” her or the Clinton family. Fairly staggering policy reversal even for the most casual political observer.
“Build the Wall!” was another simple slogan that built up a massive amount of momentum behind Trump's presidential bid. Yet he's now confessing that parts of what he once claimed would be a beautifully majestic structure will now actually be fenced-in areas. Not like it even matters, because deeper scrutiny and analysis on illegal immigrants from Mexico reveal many actually fly in and overextend their visas. I suppose they'll have front-row seats to see from the air that big, beautiful fence — err, wall.
Speaking of illegal immigrants, Trump's original pledge to immediately deport more than 10 million people has also been toned down to the tune of about three million, despite the documented fact less than one million have criminal records for violence or drugs — the rest are just “guilty” of not being properly documented.
“Drain the Swamp!” was probably the most popular slogan that seemed to rally the most voices. Yet one need take only a fleeting look at the cabinet positions he's proposing so far to realize the swamp will not only remain, but it will likely become more toxic than ever before. Just recently he announced plans to appoint as treasury secretary a former Goldman Sachs executive who became wealthy during his time with that bank. Chances are slim to nil that billionaire elites made wealthy by a broken system have any interest in fixing said system. It's against their interests.
What about Trump's promise to outright repeal Obamacare? That pledge also changed dramatically with new statements that the basic foundation of the health- care plan will actually remain in place.
Then, there's his sudden and unexpected reversal on the Trump University lawsuit. After steadfastly holding his ground that he would never relent and settle, The Donald demonstrated the extent of his integrity by turning around and doing exactly just that.
Not as serious, but nevertheless rather entertaining, was Trump — who throughout his campaign ruthlessly attacked other candidates' characters — getting all bent out of shape following a comedic impersonation of The Donald portrayed on Saturday Night Live. American presidents of all stripes have historically been skewered by comedians, yet Trump seems to be the only one raging about it on Twitter when his focus should be directed towards taking office. If he can't even take a joke from comedians, one wonders about the manner in which he'll react to critical comments from world leaders.
For Trump's critics such as myself, these massive reversals on his previous statements could be a sign the man might yet actually show a shred of empathy and compassion during his term in office.
But for his diehard supporters, such drastic double-talk will likely begin to erode their confidence and begin to spawn serious doubts about their decision. Already being compiled online are numerous “Trumpgrets” — mostly tweets posted by supporters who voted for him and are already expressing regret.
This has all led me to wonder what will happen in four years — if The Donald's not impeached by then that is — how enthusiastic his voter base will be when:
- The US remains crippled by an insurmountable and growing debt while infrastructure continues to crumble.
- Billionaires still pay practically nothing to help with said debt and infrastructure deficit while hoarding trillions of dollars in offshore bank accounts.
- And extremist groups like IS, Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram still exist in some way, shape or form, their ranks bolstered by Trump's reputation.
But is The Donald's victory the harbinger of doom, or just another inconvenient speed bump on our path forward? Possibly the former, more likely the latter. Either way, Trump's first term will be an unpredictable Pandora's box — even he does not seem to know from day to day what his plans are.
The world will undoubtedly be watching nervously as the self-adoring demagogue, who is certainly not the first to ride a disgruntled populist wave to the top and won't be the last, seems to haphazardly fumble his way along.
I'll in the meantime admittedly be looking forward with keen interest to seeing just how hard billionaires, corporate lobbyists and a former Goldman Sachs banker will work to improve life for millions of struggling Americans.
"The world will undoubtedly be watching nervously as the self-adoring demagogue seems to haphazardly fumble his way along."
