The sitcom that foretold the rise of Donald Trump
In the US during the 1970s, American social life was satirised in a popular sitcom called “All in the Family”, featuring the characters Archie and Edith Bunker.
Archie was the ultimate bigot, with disdain for almost everyone who was not like him – that is, white, Grade C student in high school, and working on the docks. He was suspicious of the upper classes, a racist and an “expert” on life.
The show was popular because it was funny, but also because most of us could see a little of Archie in ourselves and our friends, family and enemies. That would be about 60 per cent or more of Americans.
In Donald Trump’s first debate appearance he brilliantly evoked the persona of Archie Bunker for a block of 35 per cent of US voters. Additionally, he singled out unsympathetic media and the Muslims, and he basically ignored the black vote (13 per cent) and isolated the Mexican vote – all things the “Archie Voter” would approve.
The public at large is suspicious and tired of celebrity reporters, something Trump clearly understands. And he wanted the Eric Bahrts and Hollywood elite to attack. They obliged him every day. Archie and his ilk cheered.
Trump can if he chooses be an urbane, sophisticated New Yorker. He’s an excellent actor and a strong opponent. Our narcissist, dysfunctional Congress is now busy re-evaluating the political movement that the president-elect has resurrected. And that’s good. My daughter, an active Democrat, and I could see Trump’s strategy from the get-go, but we were wrong on one thing – while Clinton won the popular vote, Donald won the Electoral College and presidency.
The “presidential” Trump will be most interesting to watch. And “Archie” will likely vanish. This is a new day in American and possibly global politics. Trump did not create social division, hate, racism, misogyny, etc. It was all there in the American social “quiet room”. Trump just turned on a bright light. The world can take a look.
Jim Geiger
