Ben Carson and Trump.
Donald John Trump’s election to be the 45th president of the United States was a stunning repudiation of the establishment by Whites of the nation while Blacks opted to support “the status quo”.
In reality, the majority of Whites supported Trump while the majority of Blacks voted for “more of the same” Democrats. As his bombastic style grated on almost all Blacks; Trump’s triumph came from both sexes of Whites and almost all ages and education levels.
The election illustrates stark political difference between the nation’s African Americans and its White, working-class and rural voters. “The Donald,” was elected in an explosive, populist and polarizing campaign that took relentless aim at institutions and long-held ideals of American democracy.
There is a racial, wealth, and ideological schism between Blacks and Trump electoral supporters. Rather than capitalize on accomplishments among African Americans, the Democrats inculcated Blacks into rants that Trump is “racist.” While Trump won the White and wealth vote, Democratic candidate Clinton won a broad majority of Black voters — 88 percent, compared with 8 percent for Trump.
Trump won key battleground states largely on voters who expressed deep dismay with Washington. Nearly nine in 10 of his voters were dissatisfied or angry with the federal government. As many disapproved of Obama’s job performance; three-quarters disapproved of his health care law and the Democrat establishment pushed the narrative that Donald Trump’s win was propelled by racists: “This was a White-lash against a changing country” said CNN’s resident African American Van Jones. “It was White-lash against a Black president.”
To effectuate the changes Blacks need where we live, more of us will want to adjust their mindsets to “more business” and “less government.” Trump follows the Republican line and is considered more business friendly and favors limited government. Trump sees Section 8 and other housing assistance programs as unnecessary and that the free market can and should be used to provide housing.
Trump can gain favor and friends running this country like a business. The businessman-politician can rebuild the Republican Party by giving more emphasis to urbanites and their Friday night fish fries. His business posture and acumen will set a realistic role-model and profile for African-American enterprise.
Trump is charged with rejection of Obama’s healthcare legislation. Too many Blacks wanted to stick with political mediocrity – contentment with Obama without demanding competent programs, policies and performance from him.
Trump would do well to put forth economic plans designed to grow the nation’s overall economy 4 percent per year, and target for 10 percent annually investments inside Black enclaves. To give Blacks clear voice inside his administration, Trump should have put Dr. Ben Carson in charge of Health and Human Services. The former neurosurgeon and presidential candidate can effectively help Trump repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. (Carson is being considered to head HUD).
What did Obama do for Blacks that they are now anxious of losing? Obama is a community organizer evolved into an accomplished politician who has gracefully avoided leaning on the side of Blacks. Whatever his level of competency, or not, blacks overwhelmingly supported Obama.
Trump and “business” is what Blacks need to support. Blacks have achieved limited political clout. Most are “fan clubs” for professional politicians. But, Blacks’ prosperity should be bigger than being local Democratic voters Many Blacks have become complacent “second-class citizens” whose issues are low political priorities.
Too many Blacks view Trump and wealth as “evil.” It’s time the Fifth Avenue magnate came uptown to help educate Blacks in business and set some spirit loose. Obama demurred regarding race-specific actions but with President Trump at the helm, the next years could produce a cache of Black businesspeople and leadership.
The President-elect’s net worth is estimated to be $2.9 to $10 billion. The Trump Organization is an international conglomerate based in Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, New York.
Dad Trump will relish his position as chairman and president to his three eldest children Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump. Trump’s companies own, operates, invests, and develops residential real estate, hotels, resorts, residential towers, and golf courses.
William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via [email protected]
