Donald Trump resembles Archie Bunker
Is Donald Trump channeling Archie Bunker? Insert “Muslims” for every time Archie said “coloreds” and you'll have a fair idea of what I'm talking about. And do you remember how Archie trashed Edith and Gloria episode after episode? That’s reminiscent of Trump's Carly Fiorina rant, not to mention his nasty jabs at Megyn Kelly, who deigned to ask a question about his previous misogynist remarks.
Possibly you recall Archie's dismissive tone with “Meathead” and his rejection of the “Polack's” liberal “commie” ideas. There was no debating with Archie. He was right, and even when he knew he wasn't, he'd just wave his hand and the discussion was over. Yep, The Donald does a lot of hand waving, dismissing, and name-calling too. And like Archie, Trump is long on pointing the finger and short on creating viable solutions.
Funny, Norman Lear expected people to dislike the bigoted character he created for “All in the Family”; shamefully, the opposite happened. Archie became beloved for speaking out, no matter how offensive he was, and he was offensive. Incredibly, the more offensive he became the bigger the laugh or in Trump's case, the louder the cheers. We all cringed, and then smiled sheepishly, as Archie denigrated Lionel Jefferson and his family. Archie and Donald couldn't be any more condescending to those they really don’t know or understand.
Personally, I cringe when I watch Donald engage with just about anyone. Why? Because like Archie, Trump speaks without a filter. Trump’s lack of filter has nothing to do with his claims of abhorring Political Correctness. He just doesn’t care what he says. He’s rich. He’s famous. He’s right.
The fact is, Donald Trump isn't a real person, he's a caricature. I’m convinced that Norman Lear is writing his lines, and when Lear finally comes out from behind the curtain I know we'll all have a huge laugh, get a drink together and go out and vote for a serious candidate, one who appreciates our country's diversity, fosters the truth and thinks before they speak; someone who looks to solve the country's problems rather than to pick at scabs.
In the meantime try not to be fooled by braggadocio and narcissism, and please don't mistake wealth for knowledge and understanding. Gauge leadership qualities by recalling who you looked up to over the years? Ask yourself, “Does Donald Trump fit that mold?” If not, be patient, someone will come along who does. Cross your fingers.
The writer lives in Surfside Beach.
This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Donald Trump resembles Archie Bunker."