Underestimated Strategies Beneath Candidate Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign

Abstract

Until recently most political columnists predicted that Donald J. Trump, billionaire real estate developer and TV personality, would fade as a Republican candidate in the 2016 Presidential campaign. Nevertheless, he has continued to rise in the polls. In a speech at the October 12, 2015 “No Labels Problem Solver Convention” Trump revealed examples of his “dealmaking” in public service applications.

Successful dealmaking means concluding mutually acceptable agreements with others, including opponents - the opposite of the gridlock that has inhibited the federal government’s ability to solve critical national issues. Analysis of Trump’s speeches and books suggests that underrated operating strategies and assets lie beneath his exhibitionistic and controversial campaign tactics. This study concludes that barring unexpected developments he is likely to maintain his lead in the polls and win the Republican nomination. However, he would encounter greater challenges in the presidential campaign. Assessment of Trump’s eight negotiation principles opens up the interesting question of how he would apply them to the U.S.’s paralyzing political polarization.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Republican primary, political polarization, dealmaking, flamboyant, No Labels organization

JEL Classification: C78, D73, D74, H32, J52, L32, L73, O17, P12, Z00