Donald Trump to “Make America Great Again”

As expected, billionaire Donald Trump was formally nominated as the Republican Party presidential candidate at the Republican Party Convention held from July 18-21, 2016 at Cleveland, Ohio. This finally brings the nasty and vicious campaigning among the 17 Republican Party candidates, which began way back in 2015, to an end 

A total of 2,472 party delegates gathered at the convention and 1,725 (69.78 percent) delegates voted for Trump, far more than the majority required. Paul Ryan, Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives of US Congress, who earlier refused to endorse Trump, actually chaired the convention. Attempts by a section of the GOP to stop Trump were unsuccessful as it failed to gather steam. 

When the election campaign took off in early 2015, many believed that an outsider like Donald Trump, who had no experience in politics, was just fooling around and would soon quit the race. To the surprise of many, Trump not only stuck around but also secured the nomination. He dominated each of his closest challengers, who one by one quit the race, leaving him the only candidate for the Party Convention. 

Donald Trump rode to popularity on the negatives that beset the US. He has repeatedly painted a grim picture of the US. He pandered to the prejudices of angry white men and women. These people, who feel left out, have been blindly supporting Trump. He has, however, alienated Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, and other minority communities during his campaign.   

As is evident, the US of 2016 is not like the US of 1968. The economy is growing at a steady rate, unemployment is currently less than 5 percent, illegal border crossings are at a low level, there are signs of racial progress, and violent crimes have fallen by almost half since 1990.

Yet, in his 75-minute acceptance speech Trump painted himself as the saviour of the republic from decadence. The speech highlighted illegal immigration, crime, trade, etc. Referring to corruption in high places he said, "Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it". He claimed to have insider knowledge and the required toughness to cleanse the system. He has vowed to "stop the mighty from oppressing those who cannot defend themselves".

White Americans in general believe that immigrants are responsible for their woes and the crime scene is getting worse in the country. Citing the rise in murder rates in Washington and Chicago, Trump promised to restore law and order once he took charge as president. He has outrageously commented that most of the 'criminal activities' are committed by illegal immigrants, while asserting that illegal immigrants are being "released by the tens of thousands into our communities". He further declared to build "a great wall to stop illegal immigration, to stop gangs and the violence. . . " Referring to the ban on Muslims entering US, Trump said he would "immediately suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism. . ."

Castigating "globalism" as a rotten policy, he declared, "Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo". As a businessman who made billions, he vowed to make America 'rich' again. He argued that he would "punish" China for unfair competition and renegotiate NAFTA, which, according to him was one of the "worst economic deals ever made by US". 

"I have a different vision for our workers. It begins with a new, fair trade policy that protects our jobs and stands up to countries that cheat", announced Trump. 

Taking a dig at his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton, Trump 

called her corrupt and blamed her for the rise of ISIS, Iran's nuclear ambition, the civil war in Syria and the instability in Libya. "This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness", declared Trump.  Trump, however, did not specify how he would conduct foreign policy once in power. 

Trump promised to "repeal and replace the disastrous Obamacare". He will also reduce taxes that will help set up "new companies and new jobs to come roaring back into our country". With his new economic policies, "trillions of dollars will start flowing into our country", declared Trump.

Donald Trump has picked up Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate. Calling him, "a great guy", he said, "He is the right man for the job". Towards the end of the speech, Trump cleverly said, "My pledge reads – I'm with you the American people". "I am your voice", he intoned. He concluded the speech with the slogan: "We will make America great again". 

Earlier Trump's wife Melania also spoke to introduce her husband. Interestingly, parts of her speech were plagiarised from a speech which President Obama's wife Michelle delivered in 2008. Ted Cruz, who dropped out last from the race, was also invited to speak at the convention but strangely did not endorse Trump for the presidency, while man GOP veterans stayed away from the convention altogether.

Trump's cleverly drafted speech was repeatedly applauded by the convention crowd. Simple people love to hear promises that would quickly solve the problems that bother them. Trump has bluntly and openly given avenue to the thoughts of many US citizens. He is a master speaker who can convince disgruntled people with chicanery and bluffs. 

Trump has seized the Republican Party and divided the American public. He has come with a new political discourse with which the Grand Old Party (GOP) veterans are unfamiliar. His ultra right ideas, though un-implementable, resonate with the voters. He has not only transformed the GOP but also threatens to change the US.

There is no doubt that Trump will be a formidable challenger to Hillary Clinton. But can he win the White House on November 8, 2016? 

If people were not shocked when the mendacious George W. Bush won two terms as president, or by the duplicity of Tony Blair and the lies of Boris Johnson duping Britons, why can't the chest-puffing Donald Trump win the White House?

The writer is a former Ambassador and Secretary.