Is It Surprising That Donald Rumsfeld Endorsed Donald Trump?
Is It Surprising That Donald Rumsfeld Endorsed Donald Trump?
When discussing the endorsement of Donald Trump by Donald Rumsfeld, there is a common response that downplays Rumsfeld's reasons for supporting Trump. Many believe that Rumsfeld's endorsement is largely irrelevant due to his absence from the Bush Administration during the Iraq War and his subsequent silence. However, a deeper dive into Rumsfeld's political beliefs and his vision for America provides a clearer context for his endorsement of Trump.
Rumsfeld's Clear Statement on Trump's Honesty
Though often overlooked, Rumsfeld's specific statement on Trump's honesty offers crucial insight. In a stark response to a question about Trump's truthfulness, Rumsfeld stated, 'I think he is not untruthful and I think she is.' This concise and clear statement could be interpreted in several ways, but it highlights Rumsfeld's belief in the importance of candor in public figures. For a political figure like Rumsfeld, who has long emphasized the importance of truthfulness in government, this position is significant.
Additionally, Rumsfeld touched on the broader political realities when discussing George H.W. Bush's decision to vote for Bill Clinton, stating, 'He’s up in years.' This suggests that Rumsfeld understands that sometimes voters must choose between the more experienced and less ideologically aligned candidate, even if they fundamentally disagree with the latter's policies.
Understanding Rumsfeld's Political Beliefs
Donald Henry Rumsfeld is a quintessential conservative, with a long and storied career in politics, most notably as the 21st Secretary of Defense under George W. Bush. Rumsfeld is known for his radical viewpoints, which often clash with more liberal ideologies. His endorsement of Trump can be understood within this context. For Rumsfeld, a key belief is that 'might makes right' and that the United States should use its military preeminence to secure its interests, regardless of other possible options.
Is Rumsfeld's Endorsement Surprising?
One could argue that Rumsfeld's endorsement of Trump is not surprising given his consistent support for a strong, interventionist military policy. In fact, it could suggest that Rumsfeld views Trump as a potential ally in advancing the goals of the Project for the New American Century (PNAC), a neo-conservative think tank that advocated for aggressive U.S. foreign policy. Trump, with his strong support for military operations and his willingness to confront other nations, aligns with Rumsfeld's vision.
Moreover, the GOP, like any political party, is made up of individuals with varying degrees of agreement. A senior figure like Rumsfeld, who once served as a defense secretary, might hold a more pragmatic view of choosing a leader who can effectively execute foreign policy, even if that leader is not ideologically aligned. This pragmatic approach could explain his endorsement of Trump, who, despite his controversial public statements, has shown the ability to lead and make tough decisions.
Endorsement and Party Fissures
Some pundits argue that Rumsfeld's endorsement is less about supporting Trump and more about exposing the fissures within the Republican Party. There have indeed been conflicting opinions within the GOP regarding Trump's world view, with some national security experts openly denouncing him and others implicitly or explicitly supporting him. For instance, Richard Armitage, a Bush-appointee, gave a tacit endorsement to Clinton, while Brent Snowcroft, National Security Advisor to Bush-the-Elder, explicitly endorsed Clinton.
However, the fact remains that Rumsfeld, with his experience and critical perspective, could see utility in Trump's ascent to power. He might believe that Trump, with his wartime experience and undisputed hawkish stance, would be more competent in managing foreign affairs than a more ideologically aligned but less experienced candidate. This pragmatic rationale is often overlooked but could be a significant factor in Rumsfeld's endorsement.
In conclusion, Rumsfeld's endorsement of Trump is not surprising when viewed through the lens of his political beliefs and experiences. His desire for a leader who can effectively navigate and advance U.S. foreign policy aligns with his past actions and statements. Thus, Rumsfeld's support of Trump can be seen as a strategic move based on pragmatic considerations, rather than a signal of ideological alignment.
Key Points:
Rumsfeld endorsed Trump based on his belief in truthfulness. Rumsfeld supports a strong, interventionist military policy which aligns with Trump's stance. The Republican Party is not monolithic, and Rumsfeld's endorsement can be seen as pragmatic rather than ideological.