Personality, not policy, is Trump’s appeal

The historical notion that the elderly consistently prefer conservative candidates and younger generations consistently favor liberal candidates is becoming less and less reliable. In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 election, Democratic pundits displayed a frenzy of contrasting thoughts, whether to double down on centrism or embrace populist rhetoric akin to Bernie-style socialist policies. The real reason for the Democratic Party’s abysmal failure, particularly with young men, lies not with policy but rather with personality.

President John F. Kennedy is a textbook example. Despite a narrow victory, Kennedy successfully understood the White House to be a bully pulpit of stoic and romantic ideals — something young men crave. It did not matter that Kennedy supported various progressive policies relative to the time, championing the Civil Rights movement and significantly increasing federal funding for programs related to mental illness. Kennedy was appealing not because of his policies but rather his charismatic yet blunt approach to the executive, similar to that of Andrew Jackson or Teddy Roosevelt.

Despite contrasting policies with JFK, President Trump has capitalized on this vital aspect of the White House. Trump is not an ideologue, nor can you definitively categorize his average voter. His secret sauce is not his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience or his larger-than-life rallies with Kid Rock; rather, it is his effective use of the bully pulpit. Many have compared Mr. Trump to a mud monster, no matter how much you criticize him, you are still aiding him, adding more and more mud to his ever-increasing reach.

All in all, Democrat proponents seemed too concerned with marketing policy rather than personality. The Obama-to-Trump voter base is one not to neglect. Mr. Trump is far more calculating than many realize. But then again, I’m just a young man who doesn’t know any better.

Aaryan Pathak

St. Charles