When Donald Trump becomes the 49th President of the United States, the whole world will be watching, with people holding their breath in expectation of almost Biblical levels of chaos and confusion. Ironically, it seems that his return to power may be seen as less dramatic by many Americans: after all, he made his way back to the White House by somewhat unexpectedly (at least at the time) winning the Republican primaries, gaining complete control of the Republican Party, and then winning a majority of the national presidential vote.
For many Americans, Trump never went away.
The fact is that Donald Trump has dominated American and global politics like no one since Franklin Roosevelt. That’s rare company and undoubtedly will be considered outrageous by many who think Trump is no more than a lucky, narcissistic sociopath. While he may be all that, he is also incredibly powerful. In any event, the corollary is that, like FDR, Trump’s power is a function, not just of his own personality, but of his unique bond with a majority of the American people.
In other words, if you want to understand what’s likely to happen during Trump II, you need to understand the voters.
This episode of New Thinking for a New World aims to shed light on what drives the soon-to-be re-inaugurated president, at least partly by answering a simple question: why did a majority of American voters choose Trump?
Scott Miller has answers. He is a seasoned political and corporate consultant who has had a successful career electing (or sometimes defeating) political candidates and helping to build some of the most successful global American corporate brands. Miller knows Trump; so what does he think?
And, what do you think: how will Trump change America or the world? (But please tell us after you listen to the podcast!)
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ABOUT OUR GUEST
After graduating from Washington & Lee University, and a five-minute shot at the AFL, Scott Miller worked in advertising as Creative Director of McCann-Erickson, then founded Sawyer/Miller Group with David Sawyer. This strategic consulting group developed communications strategy for many political campaigns, corporations and institutions. Among Sawyer/Miller Group’s clients: Corazon Aquino, Vaclav Havel, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Miller Brewing, Boris Yeltsin, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Kim Dae Jung, Goldman-Sachs, Apple Computer, Virgilio Barco, USA for Africa/Hands Across America, Lech Walesa and The Better World Foundation. Sawyer/ Miller also advised over 40 U.S. candidates for Governor or Senator and several Presidential campaigns.
In 2012 Scott founded RealLeader.com with Pat Caddell and Bob Perkins, and in 2013 with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Partnership for a Healthier America” initiative. During the 2014 elections, he founded “WeNeedSmith.com” and “A Promise to America” with Pat Caddell and Bob Perkins. In the 2016 campaign, they provided message strategy support to President Donald Trump.
Scott wrote “Building Brandwidth” with Sergio Zyman, former CMO of The Coca- Cola Company, “The Underdog Advantage” and “The Leadership Campaign” with David Morey and “One More Customer” with Fran Tarkenton. Former Editor of the Times of London James Harding’s book “Alpha Dogs” is based on Miller’s work in politics. Scott is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is a Fellow of the Tallberg Foundation.
Thanks for sharing a very cogent conversation.
Alan asked a question that I share, and that I didn’t feel got answered. How has Donald Trump convinced a bit over 50% of the American voting public that he is not part of the elite at the same time that he boasts about his wealth? Scott Miller answered that Trump says whatever is on his mind with no regard for propriety (he didn’t say exactly that, but something close), but I really hope that this is not the entire explanation.
I’ll re-ask the question. How in the world is Donald Trump perceived by the working class as being the best defender of the working class? Against all actual factual data from his first administration about the economic stagnation of the working class at the benefit of the economic elites – including Trump himself? Not that his supporters bother with actual factual data, but still…
We are Watching, and waiting for the impact on the world positively or negatively…
Donald Trump becoming the 49th President would feel like a big moment for the world, but for many Americans, it might not seem so surprising. To some, Trump never really left the stage. His style and the way he connects with people remind us that he isn’t just one man; he represents the feelings of many.
A lot of people see Trump as strong and bold, someone who shakes things up. Others see him as selfish and dangerous. But either way, he has a way of making people feel like he’s on their side, especially those who feel ignored or left out. That’s why so many voted for him before and might do it again.
If Trump leads again, things might get messy, and there could be a lot of arguments. But maybe this is a chance for us all to learn something. His return shows how divided people are, not just in America but everywhere. It also reminds us of something important: instead of fighting or blaming, we need to come together and listen to each other.
What if we focused on love and care instead of anger and fear? What if we worked on understanding each other instead of tearing each other down? Trump’s leadership is a test. It challenges us to decide how we want to treat each other—not just in politics but in life.
The truth is, Trump is not the problem or the solution by himself. He’s a mirror, showing us the things we need to fix in ourselves and in our world. If we choose to act with kindness, fairness, and love, we can handle anything—no matter who is president.
So, instead of worrying too much about what Trump might do, let’s think about what we can do. Let’s work together, include everyone, and make life better for all of us. That’s the real way forward.