Rumor has it that Donald Trump wants to run for President. For president of the United States. If you're like me, your first reaction was probably a variation of a raised eyebrow, slide-splitting laugh and a little bit of fear. I mean seriously, this is a man who owns the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants. This also the same man who is famous, or infamous depending on who you ask, for telling people they're fired on The Apprentice. Furthermore, with a few marriages under is his belt, I'm not sure those conservatives that would serve as his base would consider him a wholesome family man who can serve as a moral compass for our corrupt country. ** Sarcasm implied.
Put all that aside and use a different breed of thinking and the idea of Trump for president may just work. No, I have not lost my mind. And no, this is in no way an endorsement for his unannounced candidacy. I'm simply thinking about how this could MAYBE work.
Campaigns need money and lots of it. During the 2008 Presidential campaigns, the candidates, both Republican and Democrat, raised approximately $582.5 million dollars. It is estimated that they spent $481 million of the funds raised. Take into account the supercharged political arena during that campaign year and it's easy to comprehend how through television ads, direct mail pieces and other forms of advertising how the costs quickly escalated. Although campaigns heavily depend on donors to help supplement their costs, it is an unspoken expectation that the candidates invest some of their own funds into their campaign.
During her 2008 Presidential campaign, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, loaned $5 million to her campaign to help sustain it as she sought to secure the nomination for the Democrat Presidential nominee. As we all know she did not secure the nomination, but it has been speculated that this investment helped save her fledgling campaign in the last few weeks. According to Forbes Trump is worth $2.9 billion. I'd say that is plenty of cash for him to invest.
Moreover, who said that you had to first practice law, be a war hero or a governor to become president of the United States? Two words for you, Ronald Regan. Let's not forget that he was a former actor turned Presidential candidate, turned President. Whether or not you agree with all of his policies and his decisions as President, you must admit that he did a pretty good job running the country during the conclusion of the Cold War and a recession. Even President Obama has referenced some of Regan's policies in his own speeches and decision making. I'm not saying that because Regan was able to do it, that Trump would succeed as well. I don't think I could say that with a straight face and actually believe it myself.
What I am saying is that sometimes when we as a country go against the grain and elect individuals who do not fit the prefabricated mold of what a person of a certain position should look like, it hasn't been completely disastrous. Those of you from California may disagree with me, but I'm not touching that one.
The formal announcement will be made in June in regards to whether or not Trump will run for President. I'm going to assume that he is just because he can. Who knows he may shock us all. I just hope he has a good staff in place to help transform him from bad comb-over reality star to serious Presidential candidate. Mr. Trump if you need assistance, I am currently seeking employment.
