A dozen or so years ago, real estate mogul Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were sitting on their sofa in his plush high-rise condo in Trump Tower. It was Sunday evening, and they were watching the long-running series 60 Minutes.
The segment about the small town of Newton, Iowa, came on. Scott Pelley (the 60-minute host and reporter) began interviewing residents of Newton and telling tales of economic devastation. According to Pelley (and economic reality), the relocation of home appliance giant Maytag to Mexico had been nothing short of an atomic economic bomb being dropped on this small town. By any measure, pulling 2500 good-paying union jobs out of a city with only 15,000 residents will send shock waves across the land.
You may watch the segment at this YouTube link. CBS has blocked it from being shared. Elections: Anger In The Land (youtube.com)
A few years later, Mr. Trump had had enough of a struggling economy, the Barack Obama administration, America’s capitulation to foreign nations, and much more. He decided to run for the presidency of the United States and implement his business savvy and intellect to turn this nation around. It is widely known that it all starts in Iowa if you want to run and win the White House. It is also widely known that Iowa and New Hampshire are known as (politically speaking) retail politics states. You can run some television and radio advertising, but for the most part, you will shake tens of thousands of hands, hug thousands of ladies and babies, and visit countless coffee shops, Pizza Ranches, and fudge stores. That is, “if you want to have a chance at winning” the coveted prize of the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
I had received a phone call from a friend telling me (who was working for the Trump campaign in Iowa) about Mr. Trump visiting a small college in Newton, Iowa. He was holding a “Town Hall” at the theater at this college. Of course, living only an hour away, I had to attend. Mr. Trump came out, sat on a stool on the stage, and addressed the packed crowd. I would estimate there were around 400 or so in attendance; it was standing-room only. I listened to his opening salvo of “why” he was the best option to Make America Great Again, and then I wandered up to the lobby.
Keep in mind that I had never met anyone from Newton and had never seen the 60-minute segment linked above. I knew that Newton was struggling, but honestly had no idea as to the depths of depression and struggle this small town was going through.
When I entered the lobby, I walked over and visited with a friend who had set up tables with stacks of “Make America Great Again” ballcaps, t-shirts, and many other campaign paraphernalia for sale. Then, I noticed a table with piles and piles of pizza boxes stacked up. Of course, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to inquire why this fellow had brought all of this pizza to this event. His response shocked me. “It’s for you to enjoy, and it is the least I can do for Mr. Trump.”
Being the hybrid political consultant/reporter/writer/blogger and news junkie that I am, I had to probe this rather strange answer. “Huh, why are you bringing pizza for Mr. Trump was my next question.” I won’t mention any names as I did not get their permission for this story, but this very nice fellow began talking as I was the only one standing there at the time.
This rendition of what happened will be close, as I do not recall the exact verbiage he shared. This was some eight years ago, but here goes.
Remember when Mr. Trump and Melania were watching the 60-Minutes episode? He began sharing how he had walked into work the next morning around 10:00 AM to start his day. The phone was ringing, and he answered. The fellow on the other end of the line introduced himself as Donald Trump. Our phone call recipient laughed, and I quote, “bull fertilizer” was his response, and he hung up the phone. A minute later, the phone rang again, and it was a nice lady who informed him that it was indeed Donald Trump who was calling him and would he hold for Mr. Trump. Stunned and somewhat speechless, our pizza guy held and Trump did pick the phone up.
Donald Trump inquired if he knew one of the other fellows in the segment. Of course, he did, as this was a small town, and everyone knew everyone. Trump then asked him if he could travel to Chicago on Wednesday and he would meet the two at Trump Tower in Chicago for lunch. I am not sharing some of the details, only to say this: Donald Trump saved both of their businesses, homes, and lives (economically speaking).
He did this out of the goodness of his heart. No media, no stories in the papers, and nobody ever knew.
This is the real Donald Trump. Yes, he likes to bloviate on television; that is his persona. He loves being larger than life. But deep down, he loves people, and if he can, he loves helping people. The only thing he asks in return is a handshake or a hug. This man stepped up and put up his own money, likely hundreds of thousands of dollars, to help people whom he only knew from a segment on television.
This is who the press excoriates, the Democrats despise, and weak Republicans rebuke. This is who our nation today desperately needs to return sanity to the Oval Office, respect for our flag, morality to our streets, and prosperity to our economy. This is why our nation cries out today for someone to return national security to our shores and save us from cartels and drug lords from murdering our children.
In the end, are you better off today than you were four short years ago?
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About The Author
What a great article Ken. That’s just like a Cowboy to tell the real story of what is really under the saddle on the horse that you are riding. This man DJT is the real deal. Unlike most politician he didn’t even take a salary. He defies mainstream politics by the fact he can’t be bought or bribed. This goes against most politicians that are only interested in their self-serving agenda to advance their financial backers regardless how it effects our country and the people they represent. I think the most special trait I admire about DJT is that he truly Loves this country. This is the main reason, I think, some hate him, but most love and are drawn to him.