Trump and the Civic Awakening

Old joke: A recent poll asked whether ignorance or apathy is a bigger problem. 54% said they didn’t know, 46% said they didn’t care.

Now let’s talk about the other old joke (the one with the spray tan). When he first came down the escalator, I told my bride that this man, if successful, could be the greatest impetus for civic involvement in this country since the civil war.

Yup, nailed it! According to Ballotpedia, voter turnout over the past 25 years has increased significantly, and (to nobody’s surprise) most of this has been over the past 10 years.

For many years before 2016, American politics suffered from a quiet but serious problem: a large number of people who had simply tuned out. Voter turnout was often low, especially in midterm elections. Many citizens believed politics was something done to them, not by them. Campaigns felt scripted, politicians interchangeable, and civic life distant from everyday concerns.

One of the most measurable and consequential effects of Trump’s rise has been a sharp increase in civic engagement across all sides of the political spectrum. From voter turnout and grassroots organizing to protests, donations, and media consumption, Americans—supporters and opponents alike—have become more involved in civic life during and after Trump’s ascent than at almost any point in recent decades.

Coming from a combined background of political science and marketing communications, I’d argue that this is a good thing.

As I explained in an essay run just after the 2020 election, “Like Coke and Pepsi, Democrats and Republicans are brands, with voters (customers) vociferous advocates of one or the other. These brands have logos, messaging, spokespeople, and tag lines. They’re visible regionally and nationally, with strategic alliances overseas. Their approaches mirror any business hustling for a sale.”

I further observed “For decades, politicians have been selling themselves like a bar of soap, only now it feels different. Big money buys too much influence, and this year’s voter turnout suggests the past four years has provided a huge civics lesson.”

And here we are five years later, and the situation continues unabated.

Ignoring politics is no longer an option for practically everyone. Even those of us who woke up with our heads in our hands on November 6, 2024, have had to shake off our lethargy and disappointment to get re-engaged, lest this year’s results be the same…or worse.

And don’t forget that election day is just 273 days away!

People across the political spectrum have come to recognize that civic engagement isn’t just voting. It includes:

• Registering to vote

• Donating to campaigns

• Attending rallies or protests

• Volunteering

• Following political news

• Talking about public issues with friends, family, and neighbors

• Running for local office or attending town meetings

By all of these measures, Americans have become much more engaged since Trump entered politics and raised the stakes. Folks have become more emotional, and the anger, hope, fear and pride running through American communities helps many who formerly felt invisible to recognize they can no longer ignore midterm elections. As President Jed Bartlet (West Wing) observed, “Decisions are made by those who show up.”

Let’s give the devil his due. Even as Trump is actively working to tear things down, seemingly awakening each morning and asking “Who can I F**K today?”, he may have singlehandedly forced Americans of every stripe to re-engage with our democracy.

By raising the emotional stakes, breaking political routines, and demanding attention, Trump has pulled millions of people—supporters and critics alike—back into civic life. Voting has increased. Organizing has increased. And awareness has increased.

Trump has reminded the country – and arguably, the world - that democracy is not passive. It requires participation, argument, and choice.

And once awakened, civic engagement is very hard to put back to sleep.

See you at the ballot box!

Rob