Trump - thanks for the entertainment.




They say that politics is something that is so complex that it is better left to those best equipped for it – politicians. In Africa it is said that politics is a realm for those who dodged colonial regime bullets, and their descendants. Which is why I am particularly intrigued by the curious case of one Donald Trump. Donald is not a politician, he’s a businessman best known for a reality TV Show (The apprentice) and his hair implants – which look like they’re impersonating dog fur. Yet, the Donald is the Republican Party’s presidential candidate, even science has no explanation for that. 

I have colleagues who are fascinated by the Donald, they say that he gives off a sense of power and iron will, he says what he wants and feels. Hitler also said what he wanted and felt, look how well that turned out? Trevor Noah found it fitting to compare Trump to an African dictator and that shoe fits perfectly, he should just buy up a country in West Africa and declare himself president for life. “Trump is himself, a lot of politicians are two faced.” Said one of my colleagues. I understand where he is coming from, in Africa it is common knowledge that politicians are treacherous, during election year politicians are one with the people, selling dreams and making fake promises. However, once elected, the electorate go back to being what they were before – loud and irrelevant, like background music in a Nollywood movie. 

The hype around Trump is understandable, he’s a media goldmine. Donald creates headlines faster than Toyota can make cars. But is that enough? I personally never even thought he had a chance, he called Hilary Clinton weak because she’s a woman, he called a rival candidate a liar, he defiantly declared that he would build a wall to keep Mexicans out of America, and foolishly belittled American war veterans and their struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Is this guy worth trusting with the nuclear launch codes? Is he really capable of being the leader of the free world? I almost said that in Africa he would never have a chance, then I realised that 30% of our presidents have been in power for more than a decade, and Jacob Zuma is on his second term. I quickly calmed myself and sat down – don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.

Donald Trump is a man who divides opinion, even in his own country. There are those who feel that his lack of strategy and bouts of word vomit approach is exactly what is needed to restore America to greatness. Donald trump is a polarising figure, the man is a law onto himself. Donald Trump is to the disillusioned American, what Julius Malema is to the down trodden South African, those in both societies who feel unjustly treated both identify with these two men. Donald benefits from the same thing that Julius has benefitted from, those in power seem out of touch and have lost the trust of the common man, or in Donald’s case, the man who just wants to be allowed his right to bear arms and keep the bloody foreigners out.

On paper Donald Trump should lose, there hasn’t been a candidate as qualified for the office of American president like Hilary Clinton. Hilary is a former Secretary of State, Senator, First lady. Donald’s political CV is as thin as Prince William’s hair. It should be a walkover, but stranger things have happened. Personally, I don’t think the world needs Donald Trump as president of the United States, no offense to him. But, he’s great entertainment, and there’s no shame in that – stay in your lane. We've had fun watching the Donald, but seriously America, can you vote for the right candidate so we can all get on with the serious business?



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