The “Secret Trump voter phenomenon” did indeed exist. I had dismissed such a theory earlier in the campaign but observed too many examples of it in real time. This subtle behavior was notably present among millennial Trump supporters who chose to mind their Ps and Qs in the face of overwhelming disapproval from their peers.
Speaking of which, my numerous appearances on college campuses brought home what polls have shown: The millennial generation is more progressive than previous iterations of left-leaning young people. A “tolerance mantra” prevails here — most especially reflected in persistently permissive views on social issues. Interestingly, however, my aggressive condemnation of the academic anti-speech movement (“speech codes,” “trigger warnings,” “safe zones” etc.) was not met with the expected strong opposition. Most of the vitriol on campus was reserved for Donald Trump. Most-asked question: “What would Mr. Trump have to do for you to retract your endorsement?”
The tone and tenor of campaign 2016 changed dramatically over the last two weeks — and not simply due to James Comey’s renewed look at Hillary Clinton’s email trail. It was more of an unexpected Trump discipline that took hold on the stump. Gone were the gratuitous tweets and extemporaneous asides that had frequently landed him in hot water. The new Trump stuck to substance (Obamacare, immigration, taxes) with little more than a scripted shot or two at Clinton’s continuing ethics problems.
Despite considerable analysis devoted to the unique nature of this campaign season, the philosophical divide on the major issues of the day came down to … quite traditional lines. Clinton vs. Trump was about the progressive Democrat versus the (mostly) conservative Republican. Here, under no circumstances would the aggressively progressive Clinton be confused with her “the era of big government is over” husband; credit for this left-hand turn must be given to the newly dominant Warren/Sanders wing of the party. As for Trump, the last days were devoted to tax reform, immigration reform (ending sanctuary cities), law and order, trade policy, and a promise to repeal the rapidly disintegrating Obamacare monster — all predictable positions straight out of the GOP playbook.
Trump’s win can be attributed in large part to the efforts of Kellyanne Conway. An undisputed dumpster fire of a campaign was transformed beginning with her ascension to campaign manager on Aug. 17. Notwithstanding a few episodes of unplanned, middle-of-the-night tweets and successful Clinton attempts to bait him during debates, the post-Kellyanne Trump could stick to a prepared script and even stay on message when straying from his teleprompter. That she was able to stop her candidate’s preference for late night one-on-one cable interviews is a testament to her sway over a man who not so long ago reveled in his independence from the professional consultant class.
In the end, Bernie Sanders proved to be more loyal Democrat than revolutionary troublemaker. Recall the numerous (WikiLeaks and other) revelations wherein it was revealed how Debbie Wasserman Schultz and others within the Washington Democratic establishment sought to degrade the upstart challenger from Vermont. Talk about “rigged”! Yet, Sanders proved a reliable campaign surrogate for Clinton. My college appearances only served to underline his popularity on campus as liberal college kids ate up his anti-establishment, income inequality message.
This election was all about domestic issues and scandals — not so much strategies in the war on terror or America’s place in the world going forward. All of which supports the old axiom that economic uncertainty focuses everyone’s mind … on the home front.
What better pre-election night metaphor for Donald Trump than the likes of Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Beyonce (and many other Hollywood types) shilling for Hillary while the Trump Train was drawing huge crowds barnstorming throughout the Rust Belt.
The Washington establishment never did grasp the economic angst of fly-over America’s working class. The median income for working class Americans is lower today than it was in 1999. The resulting frustration was reflected in Trump wins in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Gov. Robert Ehrlich is a Washington Examiner columnist, partner at King & Spalding and author of three books, including the recently released Turning Point. He was governor of Maryland from 2003 – 2007.
