Tens of millions of people from all walks of life across the United States support President Trump. Men and women. Wealthy and poor. Black, white and every skin tone in between. Backers of his administration’s policies are diverse.
So, too, are the reasons for supporting and re-electing him to serve America for another four years. His unapologetic and full-bore efforts to improve America’s trade policy and willingness to withdraw from international deals that don’t put America first. His ironclad commitment to our great ally Israel and tremendous accomplishment of helping the Jewish state secure two new peace deals with its Arab neighbors. His support of the American worker and demonstrated ability to trade business as usual for smart business moves.
But essentially, when you boil it down, Trump really only has two types of supporters.
The first are the Americans who are all-in for Trump with a devotion the likes of which we have never before seen in American political life. These are the people who view Trump as the sole source of straight talk and adamantly believe that he can do no wrong.
These supporters are fully devoted to him, both in personality and in ideology, elevating him to near cult status. They reject all criticism out of hand, unwilling or unable to recognize that he is like all of us—imperfect. Instead, they believe his speeches, statements and social media posts are the only source of information worthy of their trust. They believe with fervor that the only person with the ability to lead our country forward is Donald J. Trump.
In the worldview of this Trump supporter, the media itself is eminently untrustworthy. Any and all criticisms of the president or his actions or rhetoric are overlooked and ignored, shoved aside with the label “fake news.” Any critique of Trump’s policies or personality are considered ad hominem attacks by the media. For these men and women—who comprise much of what is referred to as his base—Trump’s every utterance immediately takes on the sheen of immutable truth.
These Trump devotees are loud and proud, donning MAGA hats and adorning their vehicles with Trump 2020 flags. They are outspoken, quick to rush to Trump’s aid to defend him as he punches back against every perceived slight.
The other camp of Trump supporters is the silent portion of Americans. These are people who have tremendous support for the policies enacted by the president and believe that he is fulfilling his pledge to make America greater. That being said, they do harbor some concerns about his controversial style.
If we are being honest then we would have to include a majority of Republican senators and Congressman. Privately, from time to time, they are willing to express concerns about the president’s behavior or his erratic style. But at the same time, they will work tirelessly to back him and endeavor to secure his reelection because they believe that the ends justify the means.
And what are the ends? Qualified conservative nominees to the Supreme Court. Reduced government spending and waste and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape. More business-friendly economic policies.
Since day one, Trump has been a revolutionary president totally unlike any of his predecessors, demonstrating the courage to shake things up and refusing to accept the business as usual approach in Washington that has failed the people for generations.
While these more measured supporters may find the president morally questionable at times, and disapprove of divisive rhetoric and bombastic tweets, they also see immense value in the changes that he is bringing to this country. Despite their frustrations, they are willing to look the other way when it comes to his shortfalls because the policies he is enacting are the right ones.
The religious community in our country may find themselves uneasy with many of his actions, but they are still willing to stand with him in order to move America in the right direction and closer to our cherished Judeo-Christian values, even if our leader sometimes fails to demonstrate them with his pugilistic approach.
In the end, Americans will have to choose between a Democratic ticket that will jerk America toward a left slant or a president with the proven ability to create jobs and restart our economy.
Is Trump perfect? Of course not, but that is a standard to which none of us should be held. On many occasions I have expressed disapproval about certain choices he has made and encouraged him to pursue a more unifying approach.
But make no mistake about the fact that his unwavering base of support feels that Trump is the right man for the job at a time when America needs strength, confidence and optimism.
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