Trump should be laser-focused on winning the support of these voters. Every one of his words, actions and decisions between now and Election Day must assuage their concerns and give them permission to vote in their own interest. His speech at the Republican National Convention is his best chance to do just that: steal a playbook from the last Republican president, George W. Bush.
Heading into the 2004 Republican National Convention, President Bush also faced reluctance from swing voters, so he addressed their concerns directly in his convention speech, acknowledging their misgivings about his own performance and easing their fears with humble humor.
“Over the last four years, you and I have gotten to know each other really well,” President Bush declared. “Even when we disagree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand.”
“You may have noticed that I have a few shortcomings,” he continued. “Sometimes people have to correct my English. I realized I had a problem when Arnold Schwarzenegger started doing it. Some people look at me and see a certain bossiness. In Texas, that’s called ‘walking.’ Sometimes I sound a little too blunt. And for that, we all have to thank the gray-haired woman sitting there,” he said, pointing to his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush.
“One of the things I’ve learned about the presidency is that whatever flaws you have, people are going to notice them,” he declared. “And whatever strengths you have, you’re going to need them.”
He used humor to point out his own shortcomings, leaving voters to say: Okay, he gets it. He understands what we don’t like about him.And by demonstrating that self-awareness, he gave people permission to ignore his shortcomings and vote for him.
Trump needs to do something similar in his Milwaukee convention speech, in his own unique, inimitable way. We know he can make jokes about himself — just watch his pre-election appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Trump can be charming and easygoing when he wants to. He should use that skill to address swing vote concerns.
He might say, “I know I offend some people. Sometimes I get a little rough around the edges. In New York, we call it ‘Bronx cheer.’ Sometimes I get a little over the top. In New York, we call it ‘negotiating.’ Maybe I’m a little too bossy, but in this city, we say, ‘I’m not a racist.'” Hey, I’m walking here“If you didn’t like the way I talked or the way I walked or the way I combed my hair, I think you liked the fact that our borders were secure, our cities were safe, our economy was thriving, the world was at peace. So, yes, I have some flaws. As your president, even if I fought a little dirty at times, I have always fought for you. And whether you love me or hate me, I want you to know that I will always be on your side and that I will always put America first.”
It would send a message to swing voters: He gets it. He gets it. He gets it. He gets it. And he’s right. My life. was It was better when he was president.
Trump has been remarkably disciplined lately — he didn’t interrupt Biden during the debate, instead looking on anxiously as the president struggled to finish coherent sentences — and has kept a low profile since, leaving Biden to tossed about as Democrats panicked about whether Trump should drop out.
If Trump could combine that discipline with humility — acknowledging the concerns many voters have about his behavior — then an agreement could be reached.
