Fears

Should we be afraid of the big, bad Trump? It is clear that the prospect of the billionaire’s triumph is not making anybody laugh anymore since he has been racking up the victories in his party’s primaries. Those who had predicted the end of his political adventure (and there were plenty of them, including journalists, liberals and Republicans) are beginning to take his victory a lot more seriously. Even those who cannot imagine him taking over for Barack Obama would not bet all their savings on this apparently impossible prospect.

Trump as a candidate has two faces. The first is disposed to all manner of insults and remarks in order to attract votes from the Republican base. The positioning of the most fascinating part of his policy – similar to the threat the traditional identity of the Native Americans found itself under from Irish Catholic immigration in the 19th century – worries moderate and liberal Americans, as well as neighbors and allies of the United States. But his supporters are reassured by his protectionist, statist discourse. Is he any worse than his Republican rivals? It is far from clear. Trump’s other face is not that of an ideological crusader; he is something of a lone wolf and serious Republicans would do well to guide him if he got into the White House. Many consider him a charlatan who is playing at being conservative for the primaries. Ted Cruz, who matches Trump on anti-Islamic and anti-immigration rhetoric, is even more extremist. With his pro-life, ultra-conservative, ultra-liberal, ultra-ideological views, he can’t match up to the pragmatic, folkloric television star that is Trump. Should we be scared of a rabble-rousing opportunist who is riding the wave of the fears of an ultra-reactionary religious minority? Put yourself in Hillary Clinton’s shoes…