What If Trump Had Been a Democrat?
What If Trump Had Been a Democrat?
Would the political landscape of the United States be fundamentally different if Donald Trump had initially run for office as a member of the Democratic Party? This hypothetical scenario challenges the received wisdom about Trump's rise to power and what it might have meant for American politics.
The Early Implications
Let's start by acknowledging that the idea of Trump as a Democrat is not only theoretical but also controversial. Early on, Trump's political career as a member of his father's party, the Republicans, had some members on the fence. While he played both sides of the aisle, he ultimately chose to align more closely with the Republican Party. As one political dumpster reportedly wrote in 1998, 'If I were to run I'd run as a republiCON. They are the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe anything on Fox News. I could lie and they'd still eat it up.'
According to this statement, it appears Trump recognized that the Republican base was more trusting and gullible, making it easier to manipulate.
The Political Landscape
If Trump had initially cast his political hopes with the Democratic Party, the political landscape would have looked vastly different. For starters, he would have had to contend with his own party's response to his nomination attempt. Given that Democrats are not known for blindly following leaders, especially those with such a tumultuous history, the party would have been quick to scrutinize him.
The irony of the matter is that the party's response would have been universally negative if Trump had run as a Democrat. While he succeeded in securing his Republican nomination, it would have been much more difficult for him to achieve any semblance of support within the Democratic fold. As one political analyst noted, 'Democrats are not silly enough to nominate a "reality TV star/WWE figure" who was fired from every job he ever had that he reported to someone for the highest office in the land.' This statement underscores the stark differences in political sensibilities between the two parties.
Fundamentally Different Outcomes
The primary elections would have played a crucial role in this scenario. If Trump had entered the Democratic race, he would have faced a far different set of challenges. He would never have won a single primary, making his path to the nomination nearly impossible. The cynical reality is that he would have seen himself in a playoff with other party candidates, who would have likely given him a much more resounding defeat than what actually occurred in the Republican primaries.
The scenario would have evolved such that Ted Cruz, a more orthodox and respected member of the Democratic Party, would have become the frontrunner. The comparison of Trump to Cruz is apt; Cruz, being seen as more traditional and sincere, would have managed to draw the support that Trump could not, given the trust issues and the critical eyes of the Democratic base.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if Donald Trump had initially run as a Democrat, the political narrative of the nation would have taken a markedly different turn. His strategic decision to switch parties ultimately contributed to the chaos and unpredictability that plagued the Republican nomination process, and in turn, the 2016 presidential race. The forthcoming primary and nomination process of the Democratic Party would have been a much more orderly and disciplined affair, possibly resulting in a healthier and more trustworthy nominee.