I am a registered democrat, but I think Donald Trump is vitally important for the 2016 Presidential Campaign. Here are five reasons why:
1. Donald Trump highlights the extreme opinions that exist in the U.S..
Although a large percentage of the population sees Donald Trump as extreme, rude, and racist, there is also a portion of America that agrees with him. As indicated by the polls, as many as 20 percent of republicans stated they would vote for him. Although this can be terrifying for democrats and more moderate republicans, his actions and his supporters prove that this type of extreme thinking is prevalent and strong within our country. Trump's bizarre statements take such beliefs from the middle of America, where they often go unnoticed, to national television, where they can't be ignored. Trump's presence in the election will force the other candidates to address the racial and social gaps that exist throughout the country. In result, the next president will hopefully be able to focus on and assist these issues.
2. Donald Trump eases communication between politicians and voters.
Donald Trump's proposed solutions to political issues are often undeveloped and overly simple. For example, his proposal of building a wall across the entirety of the U.S.-Mexico border and forcefully deporting all illegal immigrants is too simple; these actions, in reality, would cost billions of dollars and collapse the U.S. economy. Many of his suggestions are unrealistic. However, his ideas gain support across America because they are basic solutions that would cross an average citizen's mind. Trump connects to the American people because he states simple, easy ideas. This communication is good for the election because in the past, presidential candidates have been misunderstood and disconnected from the voter population. Trump will force the candidates to explain their ideas in simple, easy terms as well, increasing communication and understanding between politicians and citizens.
3. Donald Trump turns the presidential election into a reality TV show.
The American people hate politics, but they love reality TV. Why watch Barack Obama and Mitt Romney debate over healthcare when you could watch Kim and Kourtney Kardashian debate over what shoes to wear? Donald Trump, however, ties the two worlds together. Much of America identifies Trump with the hit reality TV show "The Apprentice". For many, when listening politicians and journalists argue over Trump's policies, it seems less like heavy debates and more like entertaining reality TV. In this way, Donald Trump is good for the election because he attracts more viewers.
4. Donald Trump excites or infuriates people, which inspires them to vote.
Voter turnout in our country is dramatically low. For a nation that prides itself in freedom and the ability to make our own political decisions, the amount of the population that actually acts on this ability is meek. Only about 57.2 percent of the eligible population went to the polls in the 2012 election. That means almost half of the country did not. Donald Trump's presence in the election either excites citizens with similar opinions or infuriates those with more moderate ones. No matter the response, it's a passionate one. In result, a higher percentage of voters will hopefully turn out to vote.
5. The GOP is changing, and Trump provides contrast.
A wave of being "socially liberal" is crossing the nation. From birth control to gay marriage, people are no longer identifying with the strict ideologies of the Republican Party. In result, the GOP is rapidly attempting to change their image and platform. This may have gone unnoticed by many, but Donald Trump provides deep contrast to politicians who are changing the GOP platform, such as Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio. He is good for the election because he gives voters a point of reference.
With all that being said, I think it is important to state that I do not believe Donald Trump would make a successful president. Still, his presence in the 2016 election is invaluable.
