What Events Would Have Prevented Donald Trump from Running for President?
The inception of Donald Trump's presidential campaign has roots in several hypothetical scenarios that, had they occurred, would have likely prevented his bid for the presidency. This article delves into key events and critical moments that, if differently shaped, might have altered the course of American political history.
Coitus Interruptus and Predestined Absence
One notable theory postulates that Donald Trump's father's withdrawal on September 14, 1945, would have intercepted his child's conception, leading to a non-existent Donald Trump. As such, this timeline alteration would have unequivocally prevented the possibility of his nomination and running for President.
Potential Barriers to the Campaign
However, several plausible events could have obstructed Trump's campaign, even if his birth was not altered. It is crucial to understand that, according to many, Donald Trump should have faced greater adverse consequences.
James Comey's Decision
The most significant turning point in the 2016 election was arguably James Comey's decision to reopen the Hillary Clinton email scandal investigation in the final days of the campaign. If he had refrained from this action, it is plausible that the situation could have evolved differently. Hints at exoneration for Clinton or substantial damage to her campaign's momentum could have shifted the electoral dynamics. In the absence of Comey's action, Hillary Clinton might have secured victory in the National Popular Vote, possibly within states bordering the electoral map.
The Instant Classic: Apprentice's Influence
Another pivotal moment occurs with the inception of The Apprentice. Any responsible media production entity would have provided a thorough evaluation of the candidate's qualifications before agreeing to such an offensive hit show. The wildly inexperienced candidate regularly mentioned as a show's central element was a deliberate marketing strategy that likely attracted a significant audience but also set the stage for the scrutiny that followed. The producers bear significant responsibility for ensuring that the candidate’s portrayal aligns with responsible and ethical content expectancies.
The Republican Party's Role
The infamous disapproval noted by the Republican Party is another crucial event. If the GOP had exercised common sense, the landscape of Republican primary candidates would have been very different. The party's endorsement of Trump would have been a major setback for his campaign. The GOP might have chosen a more experienced and conservative candidate, which could have altered the course of the primary and the subsequent general election.
Moreover, had the Republican Party not endorsed Trump, it would have prompted a reevaluation of public perception toward him. Right-leaning media and voters might have distrusted his campaign, leading to a fractured primary race, and possibly a more substantial challenge to his nomination.
Conclusion and Reflection
It is essential to reflect on the lessons learned from Trump's 2016 campaign. While some believe that efforts to prevent his nomination or election are wasteful, others argue that the political landscape must address changes and reforms to prevent similar scenarios in the future. Questions remain: what could have been done differently to prevent Trump from running for President, and what measures should be taken to ensure a more effective and ethical political process?
In the end, it serves both historical and future perspectives well to consider alternative paths, reflecting on the factors that contributed to and profoundly altered the political landscape of the United States.