Narrative Trumps Know-How
Recently my wife and I were having lunch in Stone Street, Manhattan, just a stone’s throw from Wall Street.
Next to us were two Wall Streeters tucking into nachos, guacamole and margaritas.
So who were they favouring in the race for a nomination?
‘Clinton’ – replied the man.
‘Trump’ – stated the woman.
Being the liberal, balanced people we are, we were a little gobsmacked.
‘But how is he qualified in any way to be President?’ we blurted out.
‘I’m a Republican, for one thing, and he’s prepared to speak his mind, unlike a lot of politicians.’
‘Especially on women, muslims and mexicans?’
We didn’t get an answer and left them to their lunch.
So, okay, you can point to Trump as a son of New York. And maybe if you’re a Republican, is Cruz any more credible?
But Trump has created a narrative that America has gone to the dogs and he’s the only person who can Make America Great Again.
He may not have the ‘know-how’ of the more practiced politicians. But there’s a reason why all of his opponents are suddenly spending $70 million on TV advertising specifically to attack him.
He’s shown that ‘narrative’ and positioning himself as the challenger brand can overcome a lack of political experience and win over seemingly well-balanced people.
Now if he’s gets that nomination (and the New York primary suggests he might), we are likely to see a different tone to the narrative…
Trump for President? A year ago, you would have said it’s about as likely as Leicester winning the Premier League. Now look how that’s turning out.