Donald Trump is the peacock of the presidential race; he fluffs up his feathers and hits his opponents where it hurts to attract voters. He’s a star so bright that the only person the media loves more is our favorite guy, Papa Francisco. Trump believes his victory will be the only thing to save America. So, why is he discussing his defeat?
Last week, the self-proclaimed “Superman” president spoke with CNBC on how he and others are doing in the polls. As the field begins to narrow with Rick Perry and Scott Walker out of the race, Trump continues to rise: “You do admit I’m leading in all the polls? I’m a problem solver,” he said. “I will not disappoint those people. I will not find that. I know how to solve problems. I will make even you proud to be an American again.”
These words reflect classic Trump: a bombastic, flamboyant and conceited juggernaut. However, in a strange turn of events, Trump makes an oddly humble statement about where he stands in the eyes of the American people. He realizes that all good things must come to an end:
Well, I’m not a masochist. Right now I’m leading every poll, and in most cases big. That’s good. If that changed, if I was like some of these people at 1 percent and 2 percent, there’s no reason to continue forward. If I fell behind badly, I would certainly get out.
I’m in this for the long haul. That doesn’t mean someday I don’t wake up and I say, ‘Wow, I’m really tanking.’ Well, if I tank, sure, I go back to the business. Why wouldn’t I?
There you have it. If Trump plummets in the polls, this race will become nothing but a blip on his radar. He’ll get right back to business.
Let’s not be fooled by his coolness. Trump’s strength and kryptonite are the polls. No matter how great of a hero he thinks he is, if the American people do not want him in the presidency, he will not be there.
Carolina Baker works for American Principles in Action.
