Why Donald Trump is No Longer Considered Just a Joke

When is Donald Trump not considered a joke anymore? In the United States, it's clear that many citizens and even international leaders viewed him with a mix of amusement and exasperation. However, the question remains: why is Donald Trump no longer seen as merely a political satire?

Public Perception vs. Media Influence

While the majority of the American populace still perceives Trump as a joke, the reality is that his impact on the political landscape has morphed from comedy to the grotesque. Why? It's the interplay between political satire and the media's influence.

A Jerk Character in Real Life

A character in a comedy show can be entertaining, even if they are disrespectful or tactless. In the realm of real life, their influence can be dangerous. The humor in Blackadder stems from the character's intelligence and the complexity of his actions, making them relatable. Donald Trump, however, is incessant and futile in his demeanor; lacking subtle wit or intelligence, his antics are often seen as a serious threat.

A _jerks_ who repeatedly behave in a disrespectful manner are not redeemable in real life. Their actions consistently result in harm, and they never make amends or learn from their mistakes.

The Power of Media and Debates

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. When Donald Trump gained significant media attention, it propelled him to the forefront of the political arena. Conversely, when the media labeled someone an "enemy," the public would follows suit. This phenomenon is not unique; it has roots in other political landscapes as well. Let's look at a couple of examples:

Media Tolerance and Support

For instance, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, and Ross Perot received substantial media attention. However, when Ross Perot ran in the 1992 presidential election, his unprecedented media coverage actually contributed to his success in a three-way race. This underscores how media attention can shift the dynamics of election outcomes.

Similarly, international leaders have used humor to criticize Donald Trump. In December 2019, they expressed amusement at his actions, but the underlying message was serious—his impact on the political climate was significant and concerning.

Debates and Contender Status

The importance of debates in determining a contender's viability cannot be overstated. Being invited to these debates by the media and being taken seriously by the public are key indicators of a candidate's potential. Conversely, being excluded from such debates or labeled by the media as an "enemy" can significantly damage a candidate's chances.

Donald Trump's rise to prominence demonstrates the power dynamics at play. The establishment media frequently stages debates, ensuring that challengers from other parties are sidelined or excluded. This often leads to a two-party system dominance, which can be detrimental to representative democracy.

A Path Forward to Value-Based Politics

To restore faith in the political system and return to value-based politics, a diverse cast of candidates is necessary. Imagine a national debating stage featuring Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Ron Paul, Ross Perot, and Ralph Nader. This diverse array of candidates would bring a range of perspectives and values to the table, enriching the political discourse.

Restoring representative democracy is not just a matter of fairness; it's about ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in the political process. When the system is fair, new voices can rise and fresh ideas can thrive, leading to a more vibrant and dynamic democratic process.

While the road to such a system may be long and challenging, the effort is worthwhile. As citizens, it is our responsibility to demand and support a political system that truly serves the people. Only then can we truly make America great again by changing the political system.