Trump Triumph: Attacks Socialism at State of the Union Speech

After listening to Trump's State of the Union speech this evening, I'm feeling grateful that we are a long way from the days when the Republican politicians minimized the threat of socialism, a threat that is still growing in the dark hearts of so many powerful Democrat leaders.

I thought is was a smooth, easy to follow, well-written speech. It was meant to build his support beyond his base, demonstrate that he had nothing in common with the worst elements of his base, all while remaining faithful to his base, the white blue collar workers who put him over the top in the electoral college vote in November 2016.

The immediate reaction to the speech seems to be overwhelmingly favorable. A quick poll by CNN found that 76% of their respondents approved of the speech.

What exactly did I like about the speech? I liked his reminder that illegal immigration hurts the working class and advantages the wealthy educated elites.

"No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s working-class and America’s political class than illegal immigration," said Trump. "Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders, while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards."

These elites enjoy the benefits of illegal immigration including downward pressure on wages while suffering virtually none of the negative consequences of illegal immigration including increased crime, violence, drug use, and competition for scarce jobs. Trump nailed down in a clear and vivid manner that the native born poor are not benefited by illegal immigration. They are harmed by it. Sometimes killed by it.

I was surprised by how little spontaneity and humor was in the speech. At a certain point, the president must also be the entertainer-in-chief. There was little to show of this charming side of Trump aside from his brief comment to Democrat female legislators applauding women in the workforce that he had an even better applause line coming.

The one element of humor for me was that House Speaker Pelosi made a big fashion mistake by wearing a piece of jewelry which looked like a ball gag.

The very best moments of the speech, for me, were is clear denunciation of the Democrats who think nothing of promoting clearly evil policies including socialism and infanticide. From the reaction on the House floor, it was obvious to me that too many Democrats fail to realize they are on the wrong side of history on both topics.

Trump reached out to minorities, Jews, women, and traditional Democrats through his choice of guests and calling out how his policies have benefited virtually all of the key Democrat party elements. He not so subtly reminded us that he was in favor of stopping the Nazis, liberating concentration camps, and protecting Jews of today from antisemitism. He held tight to his base through all of this by stressing his willingness to stop illegal immigration, harmful trade deals, and feminist inspired post-birth abortions.

I was thankful for his attack on socialism which he slide in after his talk about socialist Venezuela. "America was founded on liberty and Independence and not government coercion, domination, and control," Trump said. "We are born free and we will stay free." As he pointed out we will renew our resolve that "America will never be a socialist country."

These were reassuring words from the man who has the insight and the skills needed to save us from being a socialist nation.

John C. Drew, Ph.D. is an award-winning political scientist.