Whether one likes or dislikes a political candidate, very often the more cogent determination of how one votes has more to do with historical party ideology. In the United States of America the Republican and Democratic parties have their singular notoriety. It is these elemental distinctions which characterize the majority of voter inclination. One must therefore be cautious not to misread a person’s favouritism.  For example, just because you may not like someone’s uncle doesn’t mean you reject the entire family.

Each election cycle since he became president, Trump has endorsed more Senate, House and governor candidates than the one before, while the manner in which he vets candidates has become much more professional and strategic. And this cycle in particular, Trump’s endorsements have taken on a deeper meaning. Gone are the days of GOP committees in Washington, D.C. carefully rolling out endorsements regardless of ideological purity. This year, more than ever before, traditional arms of the Republican Party have practically ceded control of candidate promotion to Trump. The former president’s endorsement process has evolved from haphazard to sharp and effective, rendering all other endorsements all but obsolete. It’s just the latest example of the Republican Party’s transformation into the Party of Trump.

There are fundamental precepts underlying voter preference. In addition however it is also foreseeable that those who are disadvantaged or who are for whatever reason threatened by society may constitute an independent demographic which is capable of being attracted to one party or the other. It is in that arena in particular the the demogogue thrives.

A demagogue from Greek, a popular leader, a leader of a mob or rabble-rouser,is a political leader in a democracy who gains popularity by arousing the common people against elites, especially through oratory that whips up the passions of crowds, appealing to emotion by scapegoating out-groups, exaggerating dangers to stoke fears, lying for emotional effect, or other rhetoric that tends to drown out reasoned deliberation and encourage fanatical popularity. Demagogues overturn established norms of political conduct, or promise or threaten to do so.

Currently there are wide margins of discontent in America, among them immigration, abortion (including women in general) and age. These at least are among the most popular differences facing the candidates of both major parties.  Clearly though there are further interests at stake in the upcoming election, primarily denominated as business interests.  Since the evolution of democracy by the Romans, control at the top by the rich has been central.  From that hierarchy everything else (senate, the commons and local government) all descended (and incrementally so).

It naturally behooves the accomplishment of one’s objectives to avoid the characterization of self-interest. This too accordingly confounds the true nature of the enterprise.

All of which is to say that there is more afoot than appearances may at first indicate.