Yesterday in Washington, I witnessed a scene that perfectly captures the contradictions of modern politics: former President Donald Trump smiling warmly as he greeted Zohan Mamdani, the mayor-elect. Just weeks ago, Trump and his proxies were attacking Mamdani relentlessly, branding him a “communist” because of his progressive campaign rhetoric. The hostility was palpable, the language divisive. And now? Smiles, handshakes, and photo ops.
This sudden shift isn’t surprising; it’s politics. But it should make us pause and reflect on what this says about the system and the people who lead it. Campaign season thrives on conflict. Politicians weaponize ideology, amplify fear, and create caricatures of their opponents to energize their base. They tell voters that the stakes are existential, that the other side is dangerous, even un-American. And then, when the race is over, those same politicians pivot to civility and cooperation, often with the very people they demonized.
Trump’s behavior is a textbook example. His attacks on Mamdani were not about principle; they were about power. By painting Mamdani as a radical, Trump sought to rally his supporters and frame the election as a battle for America’s soul. That narrative served its purpose, until it didn’t. Now, with Mamdani victorious, Trump’s tone has softened. The handshake in D.C. wasn’t just a gesture of goodwill; it was a calculated move to maintain relevance and influence in a changing political landscape.
This isn’t unique to Trump. It’s a bipartisan phenomenon. Politicians on both sides of the aisle manufacture outrage during campaigns, only to abandon it when circumstances demand pragmatism. The result? Voters are left disillusioned, wondering whether any of it was real. Were the attacks sincere, or just theater? Was the rhetoric about values, or about winning?
The lesson here is clear: pay attention. Don’t take campaign narratives at face value. Understand that much of what we see is performance, a strategy designed to manipulate emotions and secure votes. When the cameras are off and the deals are made, the reality often looks very different.
For voters, this means asking harder questions. Who benefits from the division? Who profits from the fear? And most importantly, who is consistent when the spotlight fades? Integrity isn’t measured by what politicians say during the heat of a campaign; it’s measured by what they do when compromise is inconvenient and principles come at a cost.
Yesterday’s meeting between Trump and Mamdani was more than a photo op. It was a reminder that politics is a game, and we’re the audience. If we want better leaders, we need to stop rewarding theatrics and start demanding authenticity. Because until we do, the cycle of outrage and reconciliation will continue, and the people paying the price will be us.
Pal Ronnie
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