KellyAnn Conway’s suggestion that protesters should focus on what Mr. Trump said last night is kind of a stretch. After listening for a year or more, protestors are likely unable to determine which message was purposeful manipulation and which reflects the real character of the candidate. Understanding how the process works and who won aside, many of the pre-vote comments were unacceptable public statements at any time in history. Are these comments somehow now acceptable or nonexistence because the candidate is now saying things that are more traditional political rhetoric?
The record of statements made has been recorded and can easily be accessed. The changes made to the Trump web site have already been saved by others and cannot be live on as part of the public record. We are past the time when inappropriate behavior fades into obscurity. This is the reality under which we all function. This is why we explain that future teachers should be careful about what they post on Facebook. This is why bragging you can get away with physical aggression against women because you are famous will always be there as a context to shape present day interpretation of his disparaging comments about women.
Mr Trump can criticize “political correctness” all he wants. The alternative does not allow purposefully racist, sexist, and ugly comments.
After contrasting the pre and post election Trump, I cannot decide if Mr Trump is a narcissistic sociopath or decided to “play one on TV” in order to generate buzz among many of those who voted for him. As I think about this distinction, I guess I have concluded both versions of Trump are pretty much the same thing.