Trump the Donald and other musings

While the squealing over the Iran nuclear agreement has dropped a few decibels in volume, foreign observers must be confused and occasionally amused over the discourse and tone of America's politics. Not even in Putin's Russia or Communist China, let alone "Clericocratic" Iran, has the rancor over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action approached within light years the acrimony of reactions in America. But another factor will eclipse this brouhaha -- the so-called Donald factor!

For those Americans who have been vacationing on Pluto and for those who have been following this soap opera saga from beyond these shores, the emergence of Donald Trump as a presidential contender must be as much a mystery as that distant planet was until a few days ago. By his many admissions, Trump has been a fabulously successful real estate mogul and entertainment entrepreneur. Based on those triumphs, Trump has thrown himself into the presidential sweepstakes with the finesse of a wrecking ball blasting one of the huge structures he has built.

Claiming to be worth $10 billion, Trump has used his experience as host of his celebrity television series, "The Apprentice" et. al., to obliterate most anything and everything in his path from Mexican rapists in America to demeaning Senator John McCain's exceptional courage as a prisoner of war because he was shot down over Hanoi and captured in 1967. Trump has insulted virtually all the other Republican challengers for the nomination, labeling one of them, Senator Lindsey Graham, "a lightweight."

A large 69-year-old man easily recognized by his extraordinary hairstyle -- rivaling North Korea's Dear Leader Kim Jong Un's -- Trump believes that attack is the best form of politics and any notoriety is to his benefit. Seen by many as a buffoon who will soon self-destruct of his own weight and lip, Trump is discounted as one of the anomalies that infect American politics from Tail Gunner Joe McCarthy of the 1950's; environmental activist Ralph Nader a generation later; to Ross Perot in the early 1990's. Unfortunately, to discount Trump is a serious mistake.

For all the pomp, circumstance and hot air, Trump could be, and the emphasis is could be, a formidable contender. By one poll last week, Trump was favored by 24 percent of potential Republican primary voters, double the favorite Jeb Bush's second place of 12 percent. The reason for Trump's popularity is understandable.

A number of Americans are furious with Washington and a government that is viewed as hopelessly in gridlock or worse. Trump promises that as an outsider he, and only he, will fix Washington. He points to his (massive) accomplishments in business to establish his bonafides. And his trademark slogan from his TV show "you're fired" will no doubt be liberally applied to Washington if elected and will come into play in the forthcoming debates to intimidate and humiliate his opposition.

This appeal to populism and disgust with Washington could prove infectious. Even if only a fraction of Americans are seduced by this siren song, many more would like to believe something can be done to clean up the mess in the nation's capital. Ross Perot, whose small stature and squeaky voice were far from charismatic or photogenic, captured 19% of the popular vote in the 1992 presidential elections. What could the oversized and blustery Donald do? No one knows yet.

If Mr. Trump were really committed to winning the Oval Office and was prepared to put his money where his ever-present mouth is, he would be a serious candidate. Mitt Romney tithed ten percent of his income to his church. Should Trump commit ten percent of his wealth to his campaign, a billion dollars can draw a great deal of attention and more importantly, votes.

That Trump has put the Republican Party in a tailspin may only be temporary good news for the Democrats. Clearly, how the GOP responds to the Donald's challenge could have profound consequences for the election, good or ill. And so far, the party and the candidates seemed reluctant or afraid to take Trump head on.

That Trump lacks the experience and judgment, let alone character, to be president is not relevant given that Americans do not always nominate or elect the most qualified candidates as the nation's chief executive. And Trump's bent for destructive and acrimonious commentary may ironically appeal to many voters who are disenfranchised from and angry and highly disgusted with government.

The looming question is whether and when Mr. Trump will trump himself. The sooner the better may be too late. ________________________________________________________________ Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist as well as Chairman of the Killowen Group that advises leaders of government and business and Senior Advisor at both Washington D.C.'s Atlantic Council and Business Executives for National Security. His latest book is A Handful of Bullets: How the Murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Still Menaces the Peace.