It’s over. Chris Christie’s facial expression told us and the math proves it.
The same week that Hollywood celebrated the Academy Awards, Donald J. Trump put the finishing touches on a political screenplay that no one imagined would become reality. Trump won seven of 11 states during Super Tuesday’s primary elections, solidifying his status as the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party. Is it a comedy, horror or drama?
It’s all of the above.
Call it a movement; call it a victory for the Republican base; call it a referendum on the GOP elite; or simply call in the National Guard to clean up this political natural disaster.
Whatever you may think, call off the GOP race. The same should be said for the Democratic primary election. Liar! Con artist! Basket case? And barking?
Words and actions normally associated with divorce proceedings have hijacked America’s presidential primary election. Welcome to the real March Madness, where candidates on each side of their respective party’s bracket are able to move forward to the next round by lobbing insults.
It’s a winning formula for candidates and television executives hungry for revenue and higher ratings. And as a cynic, I’ve enjoyed every minute of this presidential primary season. Here are a few reasons why:
The GOP: Republicans show strength at the local level, controlling the governor’s mansion and both chambers in 24 states. Yet, when it comes to the big game—taking back control of the White House—they are on a losing streak, and it’s due to their own mistakes. It reminds me of the Buffalo Bills, an NFL team known for winning AFC Championships from 1990 through 1993, which allowed them to play in four straight Super Bowls. Sadly, Buffalo lost each Super Bowl. A similar comparison can be made to Republicans, who may cost themselves the presidential election by running the wrong plays.
Buffalo’s most agonizing defeat came in Super Bowl XXV when the team’s kicker missed a field goal attempt at the end of regulation to lose, 20-19, to the New York Giants. Ironically, the kick was wide right.
Imagine: losing because you went too far right instead of down the middle. Could this be a sign of things to come in November?
Ted Cruz: As a man of faith, Cruz brands himself like all televangelists would—with a trusted slogan. Or “trus-ted” for short. He acknowledged both southern states that voted for him in last night’s victory speech, saying, “God bless Texas, and God bless Oklahoma.” Why didn’t he recognize the other states, you ask? Because voters sent a clear message to Ted: Bless your heart. That’s not a response you want to hear in the south.
Hillary Clinton: Speaking of trust? Not sure of the Internet speed she used to send private emails from an unsecured server, but if it’s anything like her connection with voters, it’s likely dial-up. Crowned as the democratic front runner before she announced her candidacy, Clinton’s campaign has slowly gained momentum. Her appeal as a candidate has led many people to flock to Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist. Need I say more?
Donald Trump: What began as a minor wreck on the side of an Atlanta highway has now backed up traffic for miles, causing passengers to become engulfed by a crash and restricting other candidates from passing through an opening. That’s how I would define Trump’s candidacy so far. A brash billionaire, once thought of as the underdog, has drawn the attention of media and voters, sucking out the oxygen for other candidates in the race. Whether he’s full of hot air or not, Trump, more so than any other candidate, understands what the GOP base wants to say to career politicians: you’re fired!
With Cruz, Rubio and Sanders all winners last night, both races for the Republican and Democratic presidential nomination will extend into the summer. Clinton and Trump, barring a meltdown or contested convention, are the likely nominees for their respective parties.
So yes, for all intents and purposes, the primary season has ended; but the political circus will not pack-up and go home. For those of us enjoying the greatest reality television show on earth, we say thanks. The show must go on.
Andrew Agan is an account executive at Cookerly PR.