Why Donald Trump Avoids Online Polls: A Look into His Brand and Propaganda

The question of why Donald Trump does not conduct online polls to gauge the opinions of American citizens is multifaceted. It reflects not only his approach to governance but also his strategic reliance on a carefully constructed public persona. In this article, we explore the reasons behind his reluctance, examining the implications of his role as a brand and the power of misinformation in modern politics.

Understanding Donald Trump: From Brand to Persona

Donald Trump is a complex figure, embracing multiple identities including television personality, businessman, entrepreneur, public figure, and president. However, the most significant aspect of his persona is the brand he has built. A brand, as defined by the American Marketing Association, is ‘a name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good, service, or other offerings and differentiates them from those of other sellers.’

The Trump brand is more than just his personality; it is the message and the image that he cultivates and projects to the public. This brand identity has enabled him to influence his supporters and opponents alike, often more so than his actual policies or actions.

Why Asking Matters Less Than Telling

In his role as a leader, Trump has consistently demonstrated that he does not believe in the democratic principle of a leader being accountable to the will of the people. Instead, he often dictates what the public should think rather than asking for their opinions. This approach is characteristic of a salesman rather than a leader.

A salesman's primary goal is to sell a product or service to customers, and this requires a certain relationship of trust and understanding. As Merriam-Webster defines a salesman, 'one whose business is to sell goods and services.' In contrast, a leader's primary role is to align the collective will of a group or nation, which requires a different set of skills, especially in a democracy.

By conducting online polls, Trump would relinquish control of the narrative and the dialogue, transitioning from a salesman to a supplier. This shift would diminish his ability to manipulate public sentiment and maintain loyalty among his base.

The Power of Propaganda and Ignorance

Another key factor in Trump's decision to avoid online polls is his deep-rooted use of propaganda. Propaganda, as defined by the Central Intelligence Agency, is the manipulation of information in the pursuit of political ends. Trump's presidency has been characterized by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and a campaign to confuse and mislead the public.

The manipulation of truth and the creation of a manufactured reality are tools used to maintain control and deepen loyalty. The anonymous online figures and strange coded messages are not mere distractions; they serve to shift blame, create confusion, and maintain the illusion of closeness and interaction with the public.

The role of propaganda in the Trump administration has been central to his success in maintaining a base that is largely disengaged from traditional forms of verification and democracy.

The Republican System vs. Democracy

It is also important to distinguish between the American political system and the concept of a democracy. The United States is a republic, where the people's representatives make decisions and hold the government accountable. This differs from a direct democracy, where the people vote directly on laws and policies.

For the Trump administration, conducting an online poll would undermine the traditional republican system, where leaders are accountable to elected representatives. Instead, Trump has prioritized the promotion of his own brand and the maintenance of a loyal base, often at the expense of democratic principles.

Donald Trump's brand identity is a powerful and adaptable tool that allows him to operate within the constraints of the system while also challenging it. By avoiding direct engagement through online polls, he can control the narrative and maintain a veneer of connection with his supporters.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's approach to conducting online polls is rooted in his brand identity and the use of propaganda. By telling his followers what they want and not asking them, he maintains control over the message and deepens his base's loyalty. This strategy allows him to operate outside the traditional democratic process, challenging the very essence of his presidency and the role of leadership.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for grasping the complexities of modern political leadership and the role of propaganda in shaping public perception.

References:

Merriam-Webster Central Intelligence Agency USA.gov