The Role of Play – Elections

By: Matthew Ricks

Donald Trump

No political candidate is better at using the role of play to their advantage than the business mogul himself, Mr. Donald Trump. “The Donald” is known for his outlandish statements that draw attention all over news media and the cyber world. He mixes name calling with questionable statements and mystery to draw the attention of the entire nation to know the name and be familiar with Donald Trump. A

lready known for his business savvy and wealth, Trump exploits his image with games to control the news media. He constantly commands the “let’s play” narrative with his ability to command the attention of the media with simple statements and accusations. Trump was asked in one of the presidential debates whether he would vote for a GOP candidate if it wasn’t him to which he responded squarely inviting the audience into his role of play, “Even if it’s not me!?” Trump is the essence of political mind games and uses them and outrageous comments that he may not even believe to gain air time and attention. Donald Trump is one with the mindset of “any publicity is good publicity.” He uses catchy simple phrases to appeal to all audiences against other candidates with name calling such as, “lying Ted,” and “choke artist” for Marco Rubio who has since dropped out of the race. Trump manipulates his audience into his games in order to make other candidates look foolish when the stoop to his level. In Trump talk, he knows games. Great games. Games only he can win.