I remember vividly the day that Seth McGlaughlin (McClatchy News) asked me as I was coming out of a large political event in Des Moines that cold January day back in 2015, “So Ken, who does the Tea Party like for President?” My response was short and to the point: ” I don’t know about the Tea Party, but I can tell you who will win the Presidency.” Seth chuckled, then said, “Who?” My response was, “Donald J. Trump.” After a pause came the uproarious laughter, “He’s not even going to run; this is all a stunt for publicity.” Then came the “Why?” I responded, “Because Donald Trump doesn’t know how to lose, and America wants John Wayne!“
Following that cold, blustery day in January came Trump’s Iowa team’s “ramp-up” to make this a serious race for the White House. My first “up-close and personal” inner-action with the famed New York Real Estate mogul and television star came the following August at the Iowa State Fair. In famed Trump fashion, he decided to make a massive splash at this ‘every-four-year’ presidential event (giving a speech on hay bales) by bringing his jet helicopter and giving rides to children around downtown Des Moines.
As we entered the fair’s back gates, he stopped the golf-cart caravan when he noticed an older lady sitting in a wheelchair with a little sign that said, “I (heart) Donald Trump.” The sign was obviously made by a grandchild, but Trump loved it. In over four decades of political management, volunteering, and working for candidates at all levels (up to and including Presidential), I have never witnessed anything like this before this day.
Trump walked over to the lady, bent down, kissed her forehead, and said, “Tell me, dear, if I’m elected President, what can I do to make your life a little better?” Candidly, this question brought tears to my eyes. He meant that question, and for the next ten minutes or so, he stayed on his knees in the hot sun to hear her response and have a meaningful conversation with this very senior citizen. This was when I quickly learned, “There are two Donald Trumps!” There is a quiet, compassionate Trump, then the infamous “In your face, confrontational Trump in front of the camera Trump.” But in either case, Trump is known for brazenly pushing buttons, intimidation, bluffing, over-the-top negotiating skills, and all but bullying. The results are often victories, resulting in Trump getting what he wants. He uses his reputation as a hardliner, but will use his tenderness to soften the blow so that his opponent can absorb the losses with grace and humility. I witnessed many of these tactics across Iowa at various campaign events, and the truth is, the “Two-Trumps” works and they work very effectively.
This is precisely what we are now witnessing globally with his foreign policies and trade negotiations.
Trump slaps a foreign country with a horrific threat of 145% trade tariffs, and after the shock to the system, he comes back with, “Hey, I’m only looking out for America, but tell you what, I’ll suspend these tariff’s if you come to the table and cut a deal with the U.S.A. and maybe we can all benefit.” He charms the socks off the foreign leader, and they love him because he is also interested in them. We now have a deal with many nations because of these tactics.
As we all know, many Islamic (Muslim) nations don’t have much regard for the West. In all your years, did you even believe for a minute you would see this sort of reaction to an American President? This is the President being received in Abu Dhabi (UAE) the other day.
Over the past few days, President Trump has not only become a Champion in the Middle East but has also escalated the trade war with China by going after one of their largest global retailers. Trump warned Walmart to “Eat the Tariffs” and not pass along price increases to the shopper. Walmart will undoubtedly respond, with blaming the White House for being forced into one of two scenarios. The financial fact is that Walmart operates on a very thin profit margin on most of its retail merchandise. To be forced into paying a tariff of 25-35% or higher cost (because of tariffs), now they’re effectively losing money. Their other option is to begin locating American, Mexican, or Canadian suppliers to replace those of the Chinese. Remember years ago when Walmart advertised “Made in America” products and was proud to be patriotic. Here is the news from yesterday regarding Trump’s threats to America’s largest retailer:
Here again is part of the President’s negotiating skills. What is he really doing? Yes, on the one hand, he is instilling fear into Walmart, but on the other hand, he is going after China’s largest purchaser of Chinese goods, thus cutting off China’s largest source of income. Combine this with Target (oh yes, Walmart is not going to be alone), Kohl’s, and many other retailers. Now, China has its income gutted, forcing them into negotiations to begin balancing trade.
From forcing Mexico to install troops on the border (by attacking Mexico’s auto industry—Ford, GM, Chrysler, etc.) to attacking Canada’s tariffs on American dairy to the EU getting tariffs slapped on French wine and Scotland’s Scotch industry, Trump has sent the message loud and clear. We love you, will protect you, and will be a great trading partner. But, but, but, this needs to be fair.
At this rate of production, Donald Trump has effectively already repositioned the United States as the most dominant global superpower in history. There is zero disputing that Trump has become one of the most productive Presidents in our 250-year history and will likely become the most influential President in history aside from possibly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
The two Trumps have the world on their collective heels, and this will be a great ride. Saddle up; it’s only going to get better.
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