It was the speech that all the media watched, but few dared cover in full. This was a meeting in the White House with black American youth who dream of being the next generation’s leadership. Smart, talented, hungry, and, perhaps most surprisingly, fully on board with President Trump and the MAGA platform.
Surely this must be the DNC’s worst nightmare: youthful, savvy, educated black kids chanting “U.S.A, U.S.A!” and “Build the Wall!” as an ocean of MAGA caps are waved defiantly. Echoing back to his presidential campaign, Trump reminded the assembled of one of his more contentious comments where he asked black American voters: “What have you got to lose?”
Whatever American
The question that will be on the minds – if not the lips – of political pundits, is whether Donald Trump has finally secured the all-important black vote. Surrounded by Candace Owens, the future leaders of America, Ben Carson, and other notables, the room hung on every word.
With a relaxed manner, fun back and forth, and – of course – hitting the high points on his successes to date, the president sent out a message that his platform was for all Americans:
“Whether you’re a black American, Mexican American, whatever American … You have the right to live in a country that puts you first.”
A Tale of Two Trumps
What we see in face to face interviews is a man defending himself. Briefed on likely questions, expecting attacks, the president rarely seems relaxed when airing his views to 60 Minutes or Fox News. But when performing for a live audience, we get a glimpse of a man in his element.
When speaking in front of crowds, large or small, Trump has an easy-going attitude that belies the pressure of his job. He seems almost thrilled to be in the company of whoever happens to be in the room … and this is why the people love him.
From giving free advice to Democrats to change their name – “Democratic Party? It sounds bad, change it to ‘Democrat’ Party. It sound’s better. We’ll still beat ‘em.” – to asking who can overcome him in the 2020 race when he quotes “lowest black unemployment figures ever” at them. The Donald was in fine form and doing what he does best: rally the crowd.
A Glimpse of the Future
But what of all those millions of Americans who see the president as “Literally Hitler”? If he can’t reach them via a direct platform, or if their only experience of the president is through CNN shaded goggles, how is he going to siphon off the votes he needs for his next run?
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”24″]”You have the right to live in a country that puts you first.”[/perfectpullquote]
Well, the answer was standing in front of him, waving their MAGA caps and chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump,” as he glad-handed his way through the swath. These young black Americans will take their experience of the White House and of the president himself, and talk about it with their friends and family. He has made them all willing ambassadors for his particular brand of leadership and his vision of an all-inclusive America.
And he did it with one word: respect. He respected them as innovators and go-getters who will brook no demands on their free will, and who will not bow to the deadly power of jealousy. He respected them as individuals who have a very real and important stake in the future.
