I’ve seen my fair share of political theater and controversy over the years. From my 11 days as White House communications director in the Trump administration to my many public trials and tribulations, I know a thing or two about what goes on behind the curtain.
Like most of us, I have been following the Trump trial. It’s like a bad accident you drive past, but you can’t resist the rubber neck. Even if you hate the man, he turned the court into a classic Trump-branded melodrama. Bringing in a group of MAGA politician auditions, he gets the airtime his feeble ego craves.
As a true narcissist, I have witnessed his ego-driven, child-like behavior up close. Trump enjoys the attention, even if it revolves around his own despicable acts. Some say he’s a genius at branding, even though he’s a bad guy. So there are strategic lessons for Democrats to learn about driving the discourse, controlling the plot, and writing the story.
About how well he galvanizes his base, whether it’s Trump’s supposed magnetism, crowd voyeurism, or his supporters trying to sneak into his courtroom sketches. must be left to Mr. Trump. If I could wear a hat in court, it would be a flood of red. Democrats similarly need to energize their base now more than ever. Perhaps they will have to account for their own surprise visitor to the courtroom. Whoever comes will be able to stay awake and may consider wearing nose plugs.
Democrats need to step up and be bold. They need to be bold in their message and get noticed again. President Biden never appears in court! It’s not that far-fetched an idea.
If you watched my recent media interviews, you heard me say that my wife hates Trump as much as Melania hates Trump. Democrats need to activate and empower talented women in their base. If women come to the polls on Election Day, they can change the course of history. By staying true to party values ​​and partnering with activists, community leaders, and citizens from all walks of life, Democrats will build a groundswell of support that will be critical in the next election and take back momentum from Trump. You could do that. .
Even if you disagree with or despise his message, Mr. Trump is consistent and delivers a bravado that infuriates many and empowers others. Democrats need to be strong, consistent, and convey a sense of urgency that tells us our democracy is at stake and we won’t stand for it.
If all else fails, Democrats can sell their own goods. I’m not talking about Bibles and sneakers. Let’s get creative with lofty slogans, raise the stakes for Democrats to take back Trump’s attacks, and plaster the court with images that drown out Trump’s courtroom antics. What about bumper stickers and posters that say, “Stormy days ahead for Trump, but clear skies for Democrats?”
In my new book From Wall Street to the White House and back: Scaramucci’s guide to unbreakable resilience, I talk about the lessons I’ve learned on my own journey. I don’t think Mr. Trump will read it, but remember, he doesn’t read! From Viktor Frankl, Dr. Dre, and William Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson, Bill Hader, and General John Kelly, all of those sharing wisdom within its pages can learn from their predecessors and contemporaries. I have a lesson.
All kidding aside, like it or not, Trump and his team have turned the Trump trial into a new season. apprentice. Democrats could learn a lesson or two about how to position their leaders to win on game shows. And then they might finally be able to say to Donald, “You’re fired.”
