By Thomas Lodico
Tuesday afternoon, all Republican political conversation was dominated by the announcement of Donald Trump running for president in 2016. This might come to a surprise to many people in the political world. Trump, who garnished so much media attention for saying he was going to run in 2012 against Obama, saw a departure from the race when he suddenly announced he was not going to run. Yet 2016 is a different time and with the Republican political field growing at almost a weekly rate, why not jump in? Trump could add some glamour and celebrity to the current field of contenders. As the current host of Celebrity Apprentice and media figure head, the Republican nomination could get a little more interesting.
Trump could be a candidate that certain conservatives would want to listen to. Trump has been an unequivocal voice against continuing trade with Asian countries, most noticeably China, and has consistently stated that we should diminish our economic ties with China and bring jobs back here. Trump has also been an outspoken candidate on the problem of immigrants living in the country illegally. He has made statements about building an actual fence on the Mexican border. Trump’s hardline approach on trade and immigration could find a certain faction of the Republican party that would support his stances on these important issues. There is one thing for certain, Trump is a straight to the point candidate that will answer questions without the typical political talking points.
One can see Trump causing headaches for other more seasoned and serious candidates in this election season. Recently, Fox News stated that it would only include the top ten candidates among poll in the first debate. In that current situation, Trump would be part of the debate if it were to happen today. This could bring down candidates such as Fiorina, Santorum and Graham.
One main thing is for certain, Donald Trump will bring a hardline, straight-taking and blunt political ideology into this race. This could have other candidates scrambling to focus more on actual ideas and solutions than recycled political jargon.