Since the age of Andrew Jackson many Presidents have sought to be affiliated with the “common man.” Jackson, a fiery populist, sought to resonate with everyday Americans by attacking the federal government and praising working class people. This was an extremely successful method which made Jackson one of the most famous Presidents in American history. Although a member of the opposing party, Abraham Lincoln attempted to emulate Jackson’s kinship with ordinary Americans in order to increase his own political appeal. In fact, Andrew Jackson’s picture was the only Presidential portrait that Lincoln had in the Oval Office throughout his Presidency.
Another more recent President who has taken up the cause of the “common man” was former President Donald Trump. President Trump railed against the deep state, criticized elites, and used foul language that wasn’t always becoming of a politician. However, he galvanized working class voters and created a strong coalition of Americans, leading to Hillary Clinton’s upset in 2016.
Trump’s status as a “common man” has been criticized by those on the left who often point to his privileged childhood. For example, not many people can say that their father gave them “a small loan of one million dollars.” However, although he did not begin with much money, Andrew Jackson was an extremely wealthy slave owner. This was not a position that was occupied by many people during that time period, but he was still able to gain clout as a representative of the “common man.”
Although this idea of the “common man” is seemingly paradoxical, and very confusing to opponents of President Trump, it is actually a predictable development for two reasons 1.) Trump is open about his vices 2.) Trump’s elitism is not exclusionary.
As for the first point, it is clearly preferable for our leaders to be as devoid of vices as possible. Unfortunately, money and power are typically not conducive to good conduct. However, President Trump’s vices were different from those of his opponents because he was open about them. He had a filthy mouth and was gross in his conduct towards women. By contrast, other elites attempted to hide their indiscretions behind the guise of moral superiority. Take President Bill Clinton, who lied under oath about his relations with Monica Lewinsky and has since regained his fame. Or perhaps his wife Hillary Clinton who said that those who didn’t vote for her were “excrables,” because of her supposed superiority.
Andrew Jackson was similarly incendiary in his rhetoric, but he still resonated with the “common man.” Perhaps the voters thought that although he was crass, the well-spoken Washington power brokers weren’t any more pure than he was.
A second reason why President Trump was seen as the “common man” is because his form of elitism is attainable to Americans. Many citizens still believe in the American Dream and strive to attain the success that President Trump has had. One need not be of a particular background to be rich. It is certainly easier if you have “a small loan of one million dollars” but being wealthy is not an exclusive class in American society.
By contrast, the elitism of President Trump’s opponents was much less accessible to the general population. For example, it is much more difficult to get rich from government connections like the Bidens, than to start a business in the free market.
Ultimately, the people who are running for office will always have elite status in American society. However, it is the individuals who don’t exude supposed moral superiority and whose position is open to any industrious American who will claim the mantle of the “common man.” Almost all of the most successful Presidents have sought to assert the rights and dignity of everyday people. Hopefully the upcoming politicians will be as eloquent as they are sincere, and thus offer up a truly powerful defense of the “common man”.
