Key Takeaways:
– Trump stirred the audience in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with a 12-minute tribute to Arnold Palmer.
– Trump’s speech included specific comments about Palmer’s physical strength and his golfing prowess.
– Trump’s words, although aimed at Palmer, seemed to be revealing deeper layers of his own psychology.
– His obsession with winning and domineering figures hints at his upbringing under his father Fred’s influence.
Exploring Trump’s Speech
Trump opened the stage in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, immersing the audience in a 12-minute homage to Arnold Palmer, the local golfing legend. The tribute, however, was far from standard, climaxing with off-color remarks about Palmer’s physical endowment. Although controversial, these comments provide a deeper understanding of Trump himself.
Trump’s praises for Palmer were focused on his natural talent and physical strength. He described Arnold as a self-made man, who despite not having money, had talent and muscle. The story of Palmer’s rise offered a compelling narrative. His father worked at the local golf club and the two of them would often play golf late at night. As Arnold grew older, he also became stronger, as per Trump’s narration.
A Deeper Insight into Trump’s Psychology?
While the speech was about Palmer, analysts can’t help but extract insights about Trump from his words. When talking about Palmer surpassing his father’s strength, Trump may be subtly reflecting on his own relationship with his dad, Fred, who fostered Donald’s career with a significant financial backup.
George White, a former classmate at the New York Military Academy, stated that Trump was trained to dominate or to be dominated. The perspective Trump cultivated about Arnold Palmer, therefore, seems to mirror his own personal paradigm.
According to Trump, Arnold and his father saved money for their own set of golf clubs. But Arnold’s strength was so mighty that he would break regular clubs. They eventually had to continue borrowing equipment. Trump seemed to resonate with this, indirectly referring to his past acts with his own father.
In the 1970s, Trump and his father were in hot water for allegations of racial discriminations in their real estate businesses. Their company was accused of quoting different rental terms to prospective tenants based on their race. They settled out of court but found themselves back in court shortly after for violating the agreement.
Trumpism: Strength and Toughness
Trump’s speech continued to expound on Palmer’s strength and toughness, emphasizing especially on Palmer’s use of stiff-shafted clubs. Trump associated the usage of these clubs with Arnold Palmer’s success, almost portraying Arnold’s victories as his own.
For Trump, life is a battle to be won or lost. This explains his enduring focus on Palmer’s winning streak as a high school champ. To be strong, tough, and a winner is what makes a man according to Trump.
A twist came about when Trump seemed to indirectly address a topic he couldn’t avoid – the size of Arnold Palmer’s genitals. Palmer’s daughter once stated that her father disapproved of Trump’s arrogance and lack of civility.
Trump’s interpretation of masculinity takes the form of domination and the subjugation of others. This, along with the fear of losing, is a crucial basis of Trump’s politics. For Trump, the presidency is about winning, which he considers more vital than maintaining democracy.
The speech at Latrobe can be regarded as a miniature of Trump’s philosophy. Through stories of strength and satisfactory genital endowment, Trump affirmatively showcases the dominant male figure, reflecting on his own relationship with power, strength, and masculinity. His deep, often unnoticed insecurities draped under the cloak of strength and dominance continues to make him an intriguing political figure to dissect.