Editorial: PolitiMania hits N.C.

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 9, 2016

On Monday, Post political reporter Josh Bergeron went from a raucous rally for Donald Trump in Concord to a low-key meeting of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners in Salisbury.

Trump’s introduction to the Cabarrus Arena crowd was like something out of WrestleMania, Bergeron said. The crowd was noisy and enthusiastic. In contrast, the county commissioners’ discussion of a salary study was a bit of a snooze.

The best thing about Donald Trump’s candidacy is the energy he has injected into the presidential race. Trump has drawn supporters from all corners, people who are entranced by his celebrity status, amused by his put-downs and confident in his outlandish promises. Americans like to be entertained.  Unhappy with the status quo, Trump supporters believe he can make Mexico pay for a wall along the border. As for Trump’s position on other issues, does it really matter? As Trump has said, he could shoot somebody and not lose voters. His supporters just want America to “win” again.

Most of responsible governing, however, is more like the county commissioners’ session or a congressional committee meeting. The people we elect to public office have to be work horses, too, not just flashy show horses. They have to study issues, think deeply, weigh alternatives and make the decisions they feel are best for their constituents. Much of what they do is unexciting, but it’s very necessary.

Trump is not the only presidential hopeful putting on a show; all candidates do it to some degree. But he is the shortest on details, the most likely to make sweeping generalizations. It’s hard to imagine Trump getting steeped in the details of foreign policy or health insurance.

Presidential candidates are in North Carolina this week, wooing voters with an eye to next Tuesday’s primary. It’s good to see them in Tarheel cities, proof that North Carolina votes matter. Now that Trump has stirred interest in the race, let’s hope N.C. voters can pull their eyes away from his glitter and look at more substantive candidates.