I have a guilty pleasure. I watch professional wrestling. Professional wrestling, especially the WWE are masters of promotion.
The Trump campaign resembles a wrestling promotion. Running against the “establishment” or the “Authority” as WWE calls it, is a common theme.
Trump is playing the role of anti-hero. He’s not totally clean, a little abnouxious and will do just about anything to win against all odds.
There are two main types of wrestlers, One is called the “Baby Face” or “Face” and the other is called the “Heal”. Most wrestlers gravitate between the two as they get more popular.
Trump needs a heal as a rub. Last night he turned Ted Cruz into a heal. Cruz came in to a roaring cheer and left to boos. Trump’s entrance at the end of his speech was planned.
This RNC convention is like Wrestlemania on steroids. Last night is a setup for tonight. People are going to be glued to the TV. Ratings through the roof.
It will make the DNC look like a pity party.
It’s “heel.”
Wrestling analogy is a good one. Don’t overlook that Trump and Vince McMahon are friends and both excel at promotion. I’ll never forget seeing Trump shave Vince’s head after beating him.
Allowing Cruz to speak last night was aimed at one thing, VIEWERS! Cruz, endorse or don’t, wasn’t really a primary consideration for Trump. He knew that question was a ratings draw and no matter what Cruz did, and he could come in at the last moment and claim the attention of a large audience.
“It will make the DNC look like a pity party.”
That, and the bar scene from Star Wars.
Great analogy, I can remember those themes being played up when watching TV-rasslin’ as a kid in the 60s. Didn’t watch it after I grew up, but I remember a few bad-guys redeeming themselves into the Hero scenarios back in the day.