In a recent appearance on ABC News “This Week,” former Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile, left the panel in awe as she delivered an intriguing assessment of Donald Trump’s political impact, characterizing it as a remarkable “movement” unlike any she had witnessed before.
Drawing on her extensive political experience, Brazile compared Trump’s influence to two major political movements she had witnessed in her lifetime. She stated, “But I have to say something because, George, I’m old enough to say this. I’ve seen two movements outside of the social justice movements in my life on the political side.”
Brazile began by mentioning the Reagan movement, emphasizing that Reagan held a strong grip on his base and was seen by many as a champion of American values, even though she viewed it as somewhat reactionary. She also recalled the “hope and change” movement sparked by Barack Obama, which she described as having successfully galvanized the American people.
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However, it was when Brazile turned her attention to Donald Trump that her assessment took a surprising turn. She declared, “I’ve never seen anything like this with Donald Trump.” Highlighting Trump’s resilience in the face of controversies, she marveled at how adversity seemed to only make him stronger. Even his ability to raise $10 million using an unflattering mug shot to solicit donations was seen as a testament to the strength of his movement.
Brazile went on to caution against underestimating Trump’s appeal by applying traditional political rules to defeat him. She emphasized, “This is a movement, and we have to respect the fact that it’s a movement.”
Reihan Salam, another panelist, concurred with Brazile’s assessment, noting that Trump’s supporters remained remarkably unified. Salam also praised Trump’s campaign strategy, describing it as “incredibly shrewd and disciplined” when he focused on the political issues that mattered to his base.
Salam pointed to a recent example where Trump endeavored to connect with United Auto Workers (UAW) members by discussing the transition away from combustion engine vehicles, a seemingly wonky topic that resonated with his target audience. He argued that many people considered the ongoing legal issues and controversies surrounding Trump as mere background noise, and when he concentrated on key issues, he spoke in a relatable manner that could prove meaningful in a general election.
The discussion on “This Week” coincided with the release of a new Wall Street Journal poll, which indicated that in a hypothetical presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two candidates would be tied, with Trump leading the Republican field by a substantial 46 points. This poll further underscored the enduring appeal and influence of Trump’s political movement, leaving observers on both sides of the aisle contemplating its significance as the 2024 presidential race looms closer.
