Uncovering a racist campaign
By Cazzy Lewchuk, Opinions Editor
I believe that it is very easy to divide 50 per cent of the population against each other, and that people deserve the benefit of the doubt. I believe we should not judge each other by our political views, and should seek to find common ground whenever possible. Broad, blanket statements about large groups of people are almost always inaccurate, and usually come from a place of ignorance and generalization.
I believe Donald Trump is the worst candidate for president, ever. At best, he is incompetent and laughable, but he’s often much worse, encouraging and inciting racism, violence, xenophobia, and war-mongering. His policies are vague, often flip-flop, and demonstrate that he really doesn’t have a clue on what being president involves. His lack of experience and general bonehead views disqualify him from being anywhere near nuclear weapon launch codes.
Nevertheless, millions of Americans support him, and will vote for him in the November election, unless he ends up going to jail for shooting a child, which would not be surprising. After all, he did actually say: “I could shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose any supporters.” In addition, Trump’s lawsuit for raping a 13-year-old girl begins preliminary hearings next month.
How such a moron has so many supporters is mind-boggling to so many in the US and around the world. His surface popularity can be understood—he’s a big celebrity, and a political outsider. When his campaign began, many viewed him as a novelty candidate. As his true colours shined and he became the official party nominee, many were divided over his outrageous racist views and incompetency, but just as many flocked to someone who “says what’s on his mind.”
Ironically and hilariously, much of Trump’s popularity comes from his more progressive views. Unlike most Republicans, he’s expressed acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, abortion, and raising the minimum wage. He also opposes big money in politics and the TPP—just like his polar opposite, Bernie Sanders. Trump has also repeatedly lied, contradicted himself, and flip-flopped on virtually every position he’s had. He’ll say anything to gain votes and support.
Hillary Clinton recently came under controversy for referring to half of Trump’s supporters as “deplorable.” She rightfully called out his campaign for operating on and normalizing racism and bigotry. White supremacists are vocal supporters of Trump, and he’s been incredibly reluctant to disavow these people. She later regretted the comments after heavy criticism, and rightfully admitted many of his supporters are normal Americans fed up with the system, but continued to argue that many of his supporters are unsavoury.
There’s a difference between being a vocal, die-hard Trump fan and someone who begrudgingly votes for him in November. One can support a candidate or political party for general viewpoints, while not caring or agreeing with some of their personal views or characteristics. Democrats do it, Republicans do it—it’s what the majority of voters do in most elections. This is exactly what’s going on for so many in the Republican party. Many have disavowed Trump, but ultimately many will vote for him simply because he’s the Republican candidate. Maybe you don’t like Hillary, you don’t like the Democratic platform, or you really support Republican values. It’s a two-party system—if you can’t beat them, join them. Not all of the 40 million or more Americans who will vote Trump are deplorable. But an alarming amount of his die-hard supporters really are awful people who support racism, bigotry, and values that just aren’t okay in a free society. Anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments ’ are racist traits, and are far more common than we realize.
Still, it’s a safe bet that a good portion of those 40 million really are deplorable—or at least, not people you’d invite over for tea.
