The lights were hot on a stage that could barely fit the ringleader’s ego. Inside the tent, a frenzied audience, crying out with ayes and nays, hollered when the silhouette of a man awkwardly moseyed on stage. With a flourish of hand gestures, albeit tiny ones made with tiny fingers, he grandly introduced his prized lioness: Melania Trump. And so went the first night of the “Republican National Circus.” On the second night, dozens of entertainers, a UFC president and a pro golfer among them, paraded to the stage to excite an audience thirsty for Democratic blood and a Republican victory. Meanwhile, spectators at home and commentators on TV marveled at their performances, a series of acts that would make the Ringling Bros. proud.
During this presidential election season, America watched dozens of sideshow contenders juggle their way through the Republican primaries, but ultimately, the ringleader emerged: Donald J. Trump. With a big ego, and insecurity about his fingers, Trump amazed his audience with the brash flick of his tongue, the golden sheen of his mane and his pronunciation of the word “huge.” It’s true — Trump is captivating to watch. His gesticulating is mesmerizing, and his notoriety in business cannot be denied — though, his success is up for debate. Every day more drama surrounding his run for office emerges, and his audience gobbles it up, analyzing every one of his words up to its curlicue.
But what we’re watching is an act. Just like The Apprentice was a facade to promote the Trump brand, the televised debates and now the national convention are more opportunities for him to obtain even greater celebrity.
His circus troupe is impressive as well: a UFC president, a pro golfer, a hotheaded governor and the Speaker of the House. All of these celebrities are coming forward to defame the Clinton name with volatile chants and speeches devoid of substance. Chris Christie riled up the audience like a game show host of Guilty or Not Guilty: Hillary Clinton edition. The audience yelled in unison “Guilty!” to each one of his charges. Distraction, all of it.
Not once while I watched the “Republican National Circus” did I hear a concrete plan for this country, just chants and heckles. Like a magic trick where you lose track of the ball, the Republicans’ misdirection from the high stakes of this presidency is deceiving.
The state of this country is fragile, quivering from terrorist attacks on domestic soil and abroad, questioning the leadership that it will fall into and reacting with outrage to police shooting citizens and the shooting of police. We need a leader, not an entertainer. Either Trump needs to get serious and lay down a concrete plan, or I’m throwing peanuts at the stage. America wants a refund. I want my Facebook feed back.
Emma Green is a UF journalism junior. Her column appears on Thursdays.
