In many ways, I agree with Mark Hammontree’s assessment of Trump’s policies and criticisms of his brand of bombastic, inflammatory politics which I believe serve only to lower the level of discourse.
However, I must condemn Hammontree’s assertion that a disproportionate number of Trump’s flock are at their core bad people. It is this kind of Trumpesque rhetoric and style of political attack leveled by Hammontree that serve only to cheapen the political process and distract from the real issues.
Politics are a funny business, and it is often all too easy to demonize and “other” those across the aisle. I, for one, disagree with Hillary Clinton’s politics and I think that Bernie Sanders looks like a mad scientist. Moreover, their politics are as strange and alien to me as the concept of what exactly a “War Eagle” is and as such neither of these candidates will be receiving my vote in the 2016 election. However, that does not preclude me from saying that they are both good people who are deeply passionate about public service. Hell, I would love to get a beer with Bernie Sanders (yes, that is an open invitation).
I believe that the same holds true for their supporters. I may not agree with what they are saying, but we shouldn’t attack or defame their characters for saying it. Unfortunately, due to the creation of “otherness,” many well-intentioned people who engage in politics lose track of their civility, and their messages devolve into silly, mean-spirited ad hominem attacks.
I believe that this is where well-meaning Hammontree ran amuck. In his passion against Donald Trump, and to some extent people he refers to as “moderate” Republicans, he seems to have forgotten politics is not just a game and that he is referring to real people (many of whom are students on this campus). These are people Hammontree refers to as “sad,” “bad” and “desperate,” words that serve no other purpose than being just plain old mean and offensive. I ask you this, Hammontree, even though you used more refined language and touched on different issues: how is the intent of that language any different from Trump? The language coming from both of you is not meant to advance the debate in this country; it only serves to bully and make fun of people you feel better than.
If you do support the Donald, you are not a bad person (or maybe you are), but we can’t judge your character solely on your support of a mainstream politician. Maybe you have a deep love for toupees; we may never know. Your reasons to vote and support are all products of your worldview and life experiences. That doesn’t make you good or bad; it simply makes you, you.
In the end, the effects of the Trump Card on this election cycle are irrefutable. More people tuned in to watch the first GOP debate than watched Carli Lloyd dominate Japan in the World Cup Final. People are paying attention more than ever to politics and hopefully they will stay interested. If anything, that has the best chance to “Make America Great Again,” and for that, Trump, I thank you.
Will Gonzalez is a senior majoring in political science.
