Introduction
In 2016, Donald Trump shocked the world by winning the U.S. presidential election against all odds. His victory left many people wondering: How did he do it? In "The Case for Trump," author Victor Davis Hanson attempts to answer this question and explain the meaning behind Trump's rise to power.
Hanson argues that Trump's success stems from his ability to tap into the frustrations of America's white working-class majority, who felt abandoned by the political elite. By focusing on simple issues and employing a media-savvy campaign strategy, Trump awakened a demographic that had previously been disengaged from politics.
This book summary will explore the key ideas presented in Hanson's work, examining how Trump's campaign strategy, personality, and policy positions contributed to his unexpected victory and subsequent presidency.
Trump's Appeal to a Divided America
When Trump announced his candidacy in June 2015, he entered a deeply divided political landscape. Hanson describes an America split between coastal liberal elites benefiting from globalization and a disenfranchised heartland struggling with economic stagnation.
The Growing Divide
- Coastal cities like San Francisco and New York were experiencing skyrocketing incomes
- Middle-class wages in red states had been stagnating for decades
- Big tech, media, and financial institutions were profiting from global markets
- America's interior was losing jobs to overseas competition
Previous Republican candidates like John McCain and Mitt Romney failed to connect with the white working-class voters in these struggling areas. They were seen as part of the elite establishment and couldn't inspire enthusiasm among this crucial demographic.
Trump's Disruptive Approach
Trump set himself apart by willingly disrupting the political establishment. His unconventional approach motivated previously apathetic voters to turn out and support him. He focused relentlessly on two major issues throughout his campaign and into his presidency:
America doesn't win anymore: Trump criticized the costly, seemingly endless wars of his predecessors. He promised to be tough on national security threats like ISIS and North Korea but prioritize spending on domestic issues over nation-building abroad.
Protecting American jobs: Trump pledged to recalibrate the international economic order. He blamed both parties for supporting globalization and free trade deals that he claimed had hurt American workers. He also promised to address illegal immigration, which he said was taking jobs from Americans.
Trump's signature campaign promise to "build a wall" along the southern border became a powerful symbol of his commitment to these issues.
Trump's Unique Personality and Media Strategy
Hanson argues that it wasn't just Trump's policies that resonated with voters, but also his personality and unconventional approach to campaigning.
The Anti-Establishment Candidate
Trump's background as a businessman and reality TV star set him apart from career politicians. His vulgar, divisive, and sometimes promiscuous behavior was seen by supporters as a necessary "chemotherapy" to cure the perceived cancer of Washington's progressive establishment.
Media Savvy
Trump's experience on "The Apprentice" had honed his media skills. He applied this knowledge to his campaign strategy:
- Used fiery rhetoric and insulting language to generate constant media attention
- Spoke in a lowbrow, crass manner that contrasted with the polished speeches of other politicians
- Employed simple, repetitive language (e.g., "huge," "tremendous," "winning") that became synonymous with his brand
This approach proved incredibly effective. Trump received an estimated one billion dollars' worth of free media coverage during his campaign – more than any other candidate in history.
The Weaknesses of Trump's Opponents
Hanson contends that both the Republican and Democratic parties' outdated ideas and strategies helped amplify Trump's unorthodox message.
Democratic Party Issues
- Drift to the left under Obama had alienated the white working class
- Increased regulations and taxes had slowed job growth and wage increases
- Focus on identity politics (e.g., supporting Clinton because she would be the first woman president) rather than substantive policy issues
Republican Party Problems
- Inability to effectively oppose Obama's agenda despite controlling Congress
- Promotion of policies favoring the very rich and very poor, neglecting the middle class
- 2016 Republican field offered more of the same: free trade, military interventionism, and immigration reform
Faced with these uninspiring options, many voters saw Trump as a refreshing alternative to the status quo.
The 2016 Election: Trump vs. Clinton
As the general election approached, Trump distilled his message into two main points:
- Make America great again
- Prevent the corrupt insider Hillary Clinton from getting elected
Appealing to American Decline
Polls showed that a majority of Americans believed the nation's power and prestige had declined since 9/11. Trump's promise to reverse this decline resonated strongly with voters.
Economic Populism
Trump's complaints about a rigged economy benefiting the few over the many echoed those of Bernie Sanders. However, Trump combined this message with a more optimistic outlook focused on increased consumption and domestic resource extraction.
Countering Clinton's Attacks
Hanson argues that Clinton's strategy of portraying herself as a saint and Trump as a sinner backfired. Trump effectively deflected accusations by highlighting Clinton's own controversies:
- When attacked over his tax returns, Trump brought up Clinton's deleted emails
- Accusations of Russian collusion were countered by reminding voters of Clinton's "reset" button with Russia and perceived weakness on foreign policy
In Hanson's view, Clinton's reputation for corruption made her an ideal opponent for Trump's outsider message.
Media Bias and Double Standards
Hanson contends that Trump has faced unprecedented media bias and scrutiny compared to other modern presidents.
Negative Coverage
- 80% of evaluations from major liberal outlets were negative during Trump's first 100 days
- Three times more negative coverage than Obama received during the same period in 2009
Selective Reporting
Hanson argues that the media has focused disproportionately on sensationalized accounts of White House dysfunction while ignoring Trump's policy successes:
- Record stock market highs
- Strong GDP growth
- Low unemployment rates
- Foreign policy achievements (e.g., exiting the Iran nuclear deal, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital)
Historical Double Standards
Hanson points out that past presidents received far less scrutiny for personal indiscretions:
- FDR's extramarital affairs were kept secret by the media
- Bill Clinton's scandals have been largely forgotten by many
- Gossip books about previous presidents (e.g., Obama) received little attention compared to those about Trump
While acknowledging that Trump is far from perfect, Hanson argues that the intensity of media attacks against him is unprecedented in recent history.
Trump's Accomplishments
Despite the challenges faced during his first year in office, Hanson argues that Trump has achieved significant successes both domestically and internationally.
Economic Gains
- GDP growth reached 4.1% in Q2 2018, the fastest rate since 2009
- Unemployment fell to 3.9%, a level not seen since the Clinton administration
- Stock market hit record highs
Foreign Policy Achievements
- Exited the Iran nuclear deal, putting pressure on Iran's nuclear program and regional influence
- Withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord while still reducing U.S. carbon monoxide emissions (unlike the EU, which saw an increase)
- Recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital
Ongoing Challenges
Hanson acknowledges that Trump has yet to fully deliver on some key campaign promises:
- The border wall has not been built
- Illegal immigration has not drastically decreased
- Obamacare has only been partially dismantled
However, he argues that Trump's relative success in the 2018 midterm elections (losing fewer seats than Clinton or Obama did in their first midterms) suggests he may have time to enact more of his agenda.
The Age of Trumpism
Hanson concludes that Trump's presidency has ushered in a new era of American politics, characterized by economic nationalism and populism. He argues that despite constant media attacks, Trump has managed to steer the country towards increasing economic prosperity.
A New Political Paradigm
- Trump's unconventional approach has disrupted traditional political norms
- His focus on economic nationalism and America First policies has reshaped the Republican Party
- The success of his economic policies has challenged the assumptions of both Democrats and establishment Republicans
Ongoing Controversies
While acknowledging Trump's achievements, Hanson doesn't shy away from the controversies surrounding his presidency:
- Continued debates over immigration policy and border security
- Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election
- Concerns about Trump's rhetoric and its impact on political discourse
Looking to the Future
Hanson suggests that Trump's impact on American politics will likely extend beyond his time in office:
- The Republican Party may continue to embrace elements of Trump's populist message
- Democrats may need to recalibrate their approach to appeal to working-class voters
- The media landscape and public trust in institutions may be permanently altered
Final Thoughts
"The Case for Trump" presents a provocative and controversial analysis of Donald Trump's rise to power and his presidency. Hanson argues that Trump's success stems from his ability to tap into the frustrations of a large segment of the American population that felt ignored by the political establishment.
By focusing on economic nationalism, challenging the status quo, and employing an unconventional media strategy, Trump was able to overcome significant obstacles and secure the presidency. While his tenure has been marked by constant controversy and media scrutiny, Hanson contends that Trump has achieved notable successes, particularly in the realm of economic policy.
Whether one agrees with Hanson's assessment or not, "The Case for Trump" offers valuable insights into the factors that led to Trump's election and the ongoing impact of his presidency on American politics. As the country moves forward, the lessons and observations presented in this book may prove crucial in understanding the evolving political landscape and the enduring influence of Trumpism.
The book challenges readers to look beyond the daily controversies and media narratives surrounding Trump to consider the broader implications of his presidency. It raises important questions about the nature of political leadership, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the ongoing tensions between globalism and nationalism in American politics.
Ultimately, "The Case for Trump" serves as a thought-provoking analysis of one of the most unconventional and divisive presidencies in modern American history. Whether viewed as a defense of Trump's approach or a critical examination of the factors behind his rise to power, Hanson's work contributes to the ongoing debate about the state of American democracy and the future direction of the country.
As the United States continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the Trump presidency, books like "The Case for Trump" will likely play an important role in shaping our understanding of this pivotal moment in American political history. Whether Trump's approach represents a temporary aberration or a lasting shift in the political landscape remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that his impact will be felt for years to come.
In conclusion, Victor Davis Hanson's "The Case for Trump" offers a unique perspective on the 45th president of the United States, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions and engage with the complex realities of modern American politics. While it may not change everyone's mind about Trump, it provides valuable context and analysis that can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of this controversial figure and the movement he inspired.