Political psychologist and expert, Emmy Award Winning Dr. Bart Rossi, is never shy when it comes to discussing his opinion on any given hot topic- whether political or not. Millennials look for his insight to help them breakdown and further understand the current political candidates from a psychological perspective. Millennials are socially driven. Since trending news tends to highlight only one side of the political realm, oftentimes millennials attempt to remove themselves from the conversation to avoid backlash regarding something they truly do not care to explore. To them it is easier to ignore politics rather than take a stance. However, millennials need to get involved now more than ever regarding their future. Social influence is of upmost concern to the mass population. It is important to dig deeper than what the media chooses to focus on.
The GOP Debate was no different. Obvious spun out sensation Trump, and future SNL satire candidate, headlined almost in real-time as news sources bombarded the internet with video clips and direct quotes. Humor has become the 2016 Election front-runner. However, according to Rossi, there were two clear winners in the GOP debates. “Carly Fiorina clearly stepped forward and impressed for a number of reasons. She seemed comfortable presenting herself (comfortable in her own skin), looked like she was consistent on the issues from her point of view, did not discard anyone (immigrants and any other class of people), and seemed to be the type of person who is a good listener and would consider what you might have to say. She was fluid, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and full of conservative ideas that resonate,” reviewed Dr. Rossi.
In the later debate, it is the view of Dr. Rossi that John Kasich was a clear winner for reasons that were seemingly surprising. “He came across like someone who could “unite” the GOP and he presented with amazing energy, as well as careful thoughtful responses. He was also comfortable being himself and had all of the above traits noted for Fiorina that represent a Winning Personality,” states Dr. Rossi.
Rossi also felt strongly about the pronounced “losers” appearing to be Perry and Walker. “Governor Perry presented as if he wanted to be authoritative, firm, and masculine, but in doing so he seemed to force his answers and was much less than what he wanted to project. At times he had trouble being comfortable stating his view and was not fluid and crisp is responding. Walker was even worse from the standpoint that his answers were “canned” and he did not know how to respond with an immediate thoughtful response. In short, his responses lacked depth and a true understanding of the questions and issues. Both had no positive impact,” concluded Rossi.
And Now The Breakout Star: The Trump Effect
Dr. Rossi examines, “Donald Trump was successful in presenting his own personality. He is clever in knowing how to push a personality that is very different and extremely authoritarian. His appeal is definitely to all in the GOP who feel disenfranchised and are angry in general about politicians and where America is heading. He knows that he can be very aggressive with his personality and still appeal to a significant number of the GOP electorate. The question that remains is how high is that ceiling??? Can he garner more than half of the GOP to support him no matter what his says and does?”
The Political Psychology Ahead for the GOP
What is perhaps most amazing about the GOP debates and the fallout are the questions that are now presented to the American public and what the “collective thought” is about where the GOP is heading.
Dr. Bart Rossi Suggests These Questions to Ponder:
Are most of these candidates with the possible exception of Paul and Kasich for a war with Iraq rather than a peace treaty, and do they want American soldiers to fight a religious war against ISIL???
Does the American public want this “tough” line thought process?
Also, on abortion it seems clear that the GOP now represents in many respects no abortion option (no or extremely limited exceptions). Is this what America is viewing as a most appropriate approach to “life?”
In addition, on immigration is there no “pathway to citizenship?”
The latter issue is a huge one brought on by Trump and from a psychological perspective is a classic approach/avoidance conflict. On one hand the GOP would like to appeal to its base and not move forward with immigration reform or citizenship, but not doing so creates a host of problems with the largest growing segment in the country.
It would seem that the GOP has established a number of positions that may attract those on the right but what about moderate republicans, independents, democrats and liberals. Also, how will these positions be ultimately seen by women, and all minorities?
From the view of this Political Psychologist, in order to win the GOP, a political party needs a candidate with a Winning Personality accompanied by the traits pointed out above. In conjunction with this Winning Personality, the GOP candidate is going have to wrap his or her personality around the issues and make sense for the American public-especially the millennial population. In many ways it has been a spectacularly interesting beginning. Mr. Trump has brought an overwhelming amount of personality analysis and psychology to the debate process.
