I don’t watch much “reality” TV. I didn’t witness the development of The Donald’s on-stage persona. These clips show that for years Trump has been strategically training for his role in the public arena. He’s turned the Republican “debates” into an Apprentice/Wrestling show, as phony as those put on by the WWE, if somewhat more restrained.

Recall our recent actor-president who developed a popular persona—much more congenial, in quite different times and much more into taking direction. I could not imagine Jesse Ventura becoming governor of Minnesota or The Arnold governor of California. It is truly amazing how this democratic republic stumbles along.