Emergence of Individual Centered Campaigns

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Emergence of Individual Centered Campaigns

My article of choice is “Do the Rules Apply to Donald?” from the US News. The author focuses on the acts of impunity by Donald trump that attract empty criticism by the Republican Party. Conventional wisdom posits that the party administration functions as the guardians of the presidential candidature. They are tasked to protect the sanctity of the position by sifting out improper candidates.

Their strategy was outright condemnation of the said person’s mistakes and withdrawal of their endorsement. Subsequently, the candidates funding would be cut-off and the media will assist in sealing the aspirant’s fate. However, Donald trump seems to be immune to this tactic for he is wealthy in his own right and has an equally impressive command of the media. It follows that though he is often reproached for his ubiquitous scandalous remarks his support within the party increases (Dickinson, 2015). The article questions the role of party as custodians of the position; whether is it on the decline or the real-estate mogul is an exception to the rule.

In my opinion, the Donald trump is only a symptom of the illness. The political party system is diseased and facing a gradual but definite death. Any individual with sufficient influence in the mainstream media and sufficient financial backing often escapes unpunished even when he breaks party rules. The voters tend to be enchanted by the public figure without the party doing enough to limit his influence. Lacking any repercussions, the aspirant often becomes bolder of his sway in the party. Furthermore, he can buy loyalty from party leaders.

My opinion is consistent with chapter 8’s reading of the decline of party centered campaigns and emergence of individual centered campaigns (Patterson 2015). The party leaders have limited control on who will be candidate. The task has been accorded to delegates that are more impressionable.

References

Dickinson, Matt. (2015, Aug 13). Do the Rules Apply to Donald? US News. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/opinion-blog

Patterson, Thomas E. (2015). We the people: A concise introduction to American politics. (11e). New York: McGraw-Hill.