Making a convincing case for any political figure is a nightmare. American politics are partisan because we take a side and stick with it — often ignoring evidence or arguments contrary to our beliefs. This is called confirmation bias and we all have it. Donald Trump is perhaps the most controversial political figure in history. His hardline positions and tendency to defy political norms don’t sit well with many voters. Like many Americans, I am sick of seeing this country going in the direction of globalism, not nationalism. I am sick of the culture that stifles free speech, promoting so called ‘safe-spaces’ and ‘trigger-warnings.’ I am sick of American politicians who put foreign interests first. My support of Trump can be summed up in one phrase: “America First.”
Trump is the first individual I have seen who has captured major support and is putting the American people first. Our republic was designed to have elected officials who look out for the interests of those who they represent. But too often, politicians sell out to big money and big powerful friends. When the representatives of a country do not represent the people who elected them, the system fails. Trump marks a glimmer of hope for the revival of true leadership and governance. His policy to secure the southern border, for example, is something the Republican Party has promised for a long time. But as Trump would put it, politicians are “all talk, no action.”
I believe Trump is the answer to failed politicians. His successful life as the owner of a multi-billion dollar, globally recognized brand is a testament to his abilities. Some argue his success can be attributed to the loan he received from his father. But, if he received a “small loan” of a million dollars and now has a company worth nearly 10 billion dollars, he has increased that original loan by 10 thousand percent.
Trump is also slandered for being racist, homophobic and sexist.But most of these accusations are blatantly false and incredibly unfair. Many cite this infamous quote from his campaign announcement speech in June 2015. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” The first and largest misconception here is that Trump is talking about all Mexicans. However, in context, Trump isn’t referring to all Mexicans. He is referring to illegal immigrants. According to Fox News, “Statistics show the estimated 11.7 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. account for 13.6 percent of all offenders sentenced for crimes committed in America.” Clearly, not all illegal immigrants are violent criminals. But fundamentally, the first action committed by an illegal immigrant on U.S. soil is a crime. What Trump has consistently advocated for is stronger border security and an easing on the process of becoming a citizen. It’s not fair to the millions of legal immigrants who spend money and years, even decades, to become legal citizens. Trump’s rhetoric is harsh, but he highlights a problem that Americans have been concerned about for decades. It’s a problem that needs to be fixed, for the safety of American citizens, and the equity of those who respect U.S. law.
Finally, the Washington Post uncovered a clip from 2005 unveiling remarks he made. In private with Billy Bush, Trump made such remarks as “I moved on her like a b—- … When you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the p—-. You can do anything.”
I won’t condone such remarks. They’re rude and inappropriate. Trump has since apologized for these 11-year-old comments saying, “I’ve never pretended to be a perfect person … Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am.” I find this situation to be a non-issue. “Locker room banter” as it is referred to is not uncommon amongst people and I find it unfair that this private conversation where the participants are clearly laughing and joking is taken out of proportion by mainstream media and prominent individuals. Most of the people who report on these comments think this type of talk is out of sorts, but in Hollywood, it is more than common. Voters can make up their own mind about Trump’s 11-year-old comments. In my opinion, the only point this revelation proves is that Trump is a human who has a big ego and likes attractive women. It’s a shame that the media rarely gives much publicity to the women who have commended Trump for being a fair and equal employer as well as a respectful and compassionate boss.
I could go on rebutting common arguments and the insurmountable accusations against Trump. But the spirit of argument is to open minds to opposing ideas. While there are well thought out arguments against both political candidates, there are also unsubstantiated arguments that do not account for the whole picture. I encourage people to question their opinions and to take news coverage with a grain of salt.
