Lecture 6: Political Discontent and the Election of Trump

Question 1

what 3 points resulted in election of trump

Answer 1

presentation, anger and discontent, politics of stridency

Question 2

explain points of trumps ‘presentation’ in how he got elected

Answer 2

1. abrasivenss
2. business image
3. overcame hillary attempt to undercut

Question 3

how was trumps abrasives not a problem

Answer 3

‘Teflon president’
 proof that he would upend the political process and challenge political correctness by “DRAINING THE SWAMP”, re-orienting the American political process and economy to an “America- First” model that he promised would “Make America Great Again.”

Question 4

what was hillary’s debate strategy

Answer 4

 Debates: point out Trumps arrogance and recklessness

 Lack of temperament

Question 5

3 key political attitudes that tapped same nerve as sanders in anger and discontent

Answer 5

 A distrust of government/the political status quo
 The feeling that the country is on the “wrong track” (73% WSJ/NYT Poll July 2016)
 Washington is uncaring and out of touch with the common person

Question 6

how did trumps politics of stridency allow him to win

Answer 6

o Trump support base largely due to extreme views on illegal immigration, ‘the wall’
 Fueled enthusiastic support and expected high turnout
o Hillary= ‘soft support’
 Vulnerable to voter apathy
 Strong majorities were non voters // stayed home

Question 7

explain breakdown of firewall

Answer 7

• Breakdown of Firewall- classic blue colour industrial states of midwest rustbelt
  o Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania