The Court Jester verses the Ice Maiden

As we look forward to the first televised debate between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton it might be instructive if not informative to consider why two of the most unpopular political characters in the country are being 'permitted' to fight for the most powerful position in the United States.

Firstly, You might reasonably want to focus on the policies that these two presidential candidates will expound on looking to take a rational view of how they might act in step with the significance of this highly sought post. Secondly, you also might consider the experience that these two would bring to the White House that is relevant to the very real challenges that this nation faces, yet, paradoxically in this 'Age of Mistrust' that we are all living through it seems that many will not rely or give credence to the 'evidence' that these two very different players present, but more on what they see and feel when making up their minds as to who to vote for or more worryingly for Clinton, whether they will vote at all. In other words, the visual and often superficial characterisation of these two protagonists can have more of an effect on the outcome of this presidency than any really considered understanding.

Throughout history the Court Jester has had a special place in 'mature' societies; the one person permitted or allowed to be irreverent, discordant, dissenting from the accepted view. In other words, expressing the fears and frailties of others through the comedic abuse of the establishment. Trump takes on this role with relish, hence for some he is entertaining, for some he is clown like, and for some he is just plain ridiculous but the key issue surrounding the Jester's 'jokes' are that his punchlines are not funny and they are not meant to be. They are extremely serious and representative of thought for a large numbers of citizens within the United States. (As we go into the first debate and only 44 days away from the election Clinton has a marginal and somewhat soft lead in the national polls of just 2%).

Conversely, the Ice Maiden - a carefully constructed fairy tale character that provides an opportunity to promote a particular image whilst being in actuality someone else. Clinton has adopted and adapted this role because similarly to Trump her assumed character suits her personality. Her primary instinct has always been to tightly cover up her frailties and therefore, her 'real self' whilst promoting and projecting her effectiveness and experience, in other words, her political beauty. After all her supporters somewhat bizarrely argue that her presented persona represents the true 'nature and nurture' of the US.

For all this adoption of 'attractive' façades does the US really trust either of them! A man who wishes to build the 'New Wall of China' to keep the undeserving out or a women who would blow up the disintegrating walls of Aleppo to keep the undeserving in!   

What does the existence of these two characters extolling the virtues of fiction not fact tell us about present day America? For some is the true reality of life too painful to consider so a character offering relief however fanciful is easier to swallow? For some is it that as individuals they feel victims in a insensitive uncaring World that no longer listens, understands or represents them? Is it that for many the sureties and securities of their atavistic societal understanding have all gone south? All these observations have some ring of authenticity across the whole socio/political spectrum in the US - and of course in Europe -  but in essence many citizens of the United States do not want to hear the 'truth' since the 'solutions' often suggest and demand time, patience and a new understanding, what they want instead is to see and feel that life will once again instantly become safer, happier and successful, far more gratifying... but of course ultimately ephemeral (the American Dream). That in large part is why there are two 'unloved' fictional characters playing out their roles on the political stage to packed audiences all looking for a moment of national theatre, a moment of escapism from their 'real' World. If it wasn't so serious it would be funny!    

KK