Tag Archives: Donald Trump

Populism and Donald Trump

Posted on August 30, 2016 by politicaloptic

Historically, the term populism described a movement of farmers and workers formed in the 1890s to counter America’s corporate monopolies. Its purpose was to put a leash on unbridled economic power. Spurred on by the anger of common people, the movement spelled out a clear … Continue reading →

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The Email Controversy

Posted on July 21, 2016 by politicaloptic

Whoever could have predicted that an issue as technical and nerdy as  Clinton’s email system would become so controversial? The scandal has dominated her candidacy and sucked much of the oxygen out of issues that cry out to be discussed in the … Continue reading →

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The Man Who Stood Up to Donald Trump: The Lesson of Michael Forbes

Posted on June 29, 2016 by politicaloptic

Most Americans have probably never heard of Michael Forbes. And perhaps that’s understandable since the man resides in far-off Scotland and is not a typical celebrity. Forbes is an elderly Scotsman who owns a family farm in Aberdeen province and works hard to … Continue reading →

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The Republican Party Will Never Be the Same after Trump

Posted on May 30, 2016 by politicaloptic

It will be a while before Republicans truly come to grips with a Trump-dominated party. So far leaders are trying to view his upcoming nomination in the old manner, still convinced he can fit a recognizably Republican mold. RNC Chairman Priebus is bravely … Continue reading →

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Trump’s Bullying of the Press is a Threat to Democracy

Posted on March 29, 2016 by politicaloptic

Donald Trump crosses the line of acceptable political behavior so often that it is easy to become numbed to the danger he presents. A key example is his treatment of the press. An independent, robust free press is one of the things … Continue reading →

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What Trump Hath Wrought: Mobs versus Elites in the GOP

Posted on December 26, 2015 by politicaloptic

The Republican higher-ups can hardly contain their horror and dismay. Enfant terrible Donald Trump, by embracing chauvinistic populism and garnering popular support in the race for the GOP nomination, has thrown “their” party into chaos. He has sucked up the available oxygen and left his … Continue reading →

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