Donald Trump is a narcissist and emotionally unhinged, but in my opinion, he is very much a calculating individual. I think the President is confident he will lose the election and is now auditioning for his next act – producing a pilot if you will. The debate was his demo reel.
Think about it. If he were truly seeking re-election, even he would make a bit more effort to woo the undecided. But in the last month or two, Trump has done the exact opposite. He hosts super-spreader rallies, fails to condemn the violence of far right groups, mocks the CDC, the FBI and the FDA, continues with the unsupported claims of election fraud – the list goes on. He has turned up the rhetoric exponentially pandering to the base, not even disavowing Proud Boys while on stage. Watching the debate, he is cunning. This is not political Tourette’s Syndrome; this is a man honing his act, trying to make his future audience love him.
I think Trump’s calculation is that he can land on his feet and create a more virulent “Apprentice” vehicle, married to the “Bannon-sphere,” well to the right of Fox. Sadly, there is an audience: the 30-35% of ardent MAGA worshipers. Trump’s only real commercial success was that of entertainer and promoter, bringing in almost $500 million with “The Apprentice” and it’s merchandising. He desperately needs a second act because he is deeply indebted. I’m sure the new gig will be a blockbuster for him; and continue to sow discord well after his term ends. I do not think he is ideological. His first and foremost concern is his self-interest. He does not have a “True North.” Trump is counting on a reincarnation to bail him out. That’s his game plan; country be damned. Let’s see what happens.
I wonder what the name of the new show will be. I have a suggestion: “A ME RICA”.
