October 26, 2016, after receiving many requests for my opinion, I posted my analysis of DJT and HRC campaigns. It consisted of nine reasons why I believed DJT to be a superior candidate during the 2016 election. Today I’m reviewing my nine claims to determine how accurate they have proven to be.
#1 DJT is the anti-war candidate.
CORRECT.
Peace in the Middle East is becoming a reality. DJT administration has resulted in fewer US military deaths compared to the previous administration. North Korea’s threats are diminishing. ISIS has lost most of its territory.
DJT routinely criticizes the decision to invade Iraq, the military industrial complex, and other hawkish tendencies. These are not the only examples, but I believe any one of them would singlehandedly merit DJT as an anti-war candidate.
#2 DJT is near ideal to handle our current economy.
MOSTLY CORRECT.
I have previously reviewed DJT’s immensely positive effect on the US economy in detail. In short, DJT’s opposition claimed his administration would result in a loss of 3.5 million jobs. Instead the evidence indicates an inflection point at the election of DJT which resulted in new job highs, a new high for household income, an improved racial gap in unemployment rates, accelerated improvements in the GDP and S&P, and more.
The reason I limit this to “mostly correct”, is because DJT has not reduced the national debt. Rather, the national debt has increased under DJT; particularly since the onset of COVID-19. These numbers are rather unsettling. However, had HRC been elected and continued her hawkish path with Russia and the Middle East, DJT’s economy would be preferable.
#3 “DJT has by far the most compassionate position for immigrants and refugees (yes including the wall).”
CORRECT.
People who enter the country illegally are often the victims of human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and other horrific crimes. DJT’s opponents have implemented sanctuary policies that routinely release or protect violent criminals to inflict further violence into the world (ex from ICE: NYC, Chicago, San Diego).
San Diego’s wall, through “Operation Gatekeeper” in 1994, demonstrated a 75% reduction in illegal border crossings. Most recent reports show 321 miles of additional wall have been constructed: helping to eliminate further victimization caused by past non-enforcement of immigration law.
#4 “DJT has released a very well vetted list of potential SCOTUS candidates.”
CORRECT.
DJT developed and adhered to a list of SCOTUS candidates. This list was influenced by respected institutions, such as the Heritage Foundation. This increased transparency and enabled public scrutiny before nomination. Gorsuch was added to DJT’s list on 9/23/2016 and nominated on 1/31/2017. Kavanaugh was added to DJT’s list on 11/17/2017 and nominated on 7/9/2018.
HRC never released a list during her 2016 presidential campaign.
On 6/30/2020, Joe Biden announced he would also release a list of SCOTUS candidates: “early August, several weeks before the convention, I believe.” On 9/20/2020, Joe Biden recanted his statement, saying “It’s no wonder the Trump campaign asked that I release the list only after [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] passed away. […] There’s a reason why no presidential candidate, other than Donald Trump, has ever done such a thing.” Fact check: Biden’s claim on Trump’s timing was false; DJT did ask Biden to release a list on 8/24/2020 and on several prior occasions.
#5 DJT has not taken hundreds of millions of dollars from Wall Street bankers (he put up $100M? of his own money).
CORRECT.
Furthermore, DJT has instead donated his presidential salary to charity, such as his donation to the Department of Education, donation to the National Parks Service, donation HHS to fight COVID-19, donation to the Department of Homeland Security, donation to the Veterans Administration, among many other donations.
#6 DJT’s VP Mike Pence is impressive.
OPINION.
I cannot think of a neutral way to measure this claim.
#7 DJT is called nasty names for his off color jokes, but in his actions, he demonstrates impressive cultural instincts.
#7.a He put women in charge of massive construction projects in NYC at a time when such roles for women were unheard of.
CORRECT.
For example, DJT hired Barbara Res to oversee the construction of Trump Tower, “a female engineer who rose to the top of the male dominated Construction business in New York City in the 1970s and 80s.”
#7.b He has strongly supported LGBT community and their rights, even during many of his massive rallies of Republicans.
CORRECT.
7/22/2016, DJT said he would protect LGBTQ citizens from “violence and oppression.” Additionally, DJT appointed Richard Grenell as acting director of national intelligence. The first openly LGBT person to lead the intelligence community and first to be a member of a President’s cabinet.
#7.c He has done business with people of all creeds, colors, nationalities, religions, etc and many of them now endorse him.
CORRECT.
DJT’s endorsement list continually grows and continues to contain people of all creeds, colors, nationalities, religions, etc.
A few example endorsements:
Vernon Jones, longtime Georgia Democratic legislator. Native American Navajo Nation. Malik Obama, Barack Obama’s half brother. NYPD union, possibly a first presidential endorsement. Dana White, businessman and UFC president. Herman Cain, businessman, former Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Kanye West, businessman, rapper, and designer. Mike Tyson, boxing champion and Muslim. Melissa Young, terminally ill former Miss Wisconsin
#7.d He has no history of drug use (unlike our last few presidents), and yet he supports drug policy reform so that people can get help rather than get thrown in prison.
CORRECT.
DJT administration has not enforced the federal laws against marijuana. DJT declared the opioid epidemic a “health crises” rather than a policing crisis.
#7.e He has strongly supported school choice — something that would improve the lives of every person in America.
CORRECT.
DJT nominated Betsy DeVos, who served on the board for the Alliance for School Choice and she now serves as Secretary of Education.
#7.f Another thing which can’t be faked: DJT has excellent children and even his ex wives support his candidacy.
OPINION.
I cannot think of a neutral way to measure this claim.
#8 DJT beat career politicians, governors, senators, against him in the primary.
CORRECT.
Despite an unprecedented opposition from institutional politicians, he also beat HRC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Zt_oGTm4I
#9 DJT policies are near the opposite of HRC in many other positive ways.
OPINION.
I cannot think of a neutral way to measure this claim.
Summary
My 2016 assessment proved extremely accurate.
