Trump’s patriotic speech failed to bridge differences “

No matter the trials we face, no matter the challenges to come, we must go forward together,” said US President Donald Trump as he ended his 82-minute State of the Union speech on Tuesday. But calls for unity did not go down well, especially coming from a man known for his nasty rhetoric and name-calling, and repeatedly casting Democrats as obstructionists. Nor did his attempt at delivering a message of bipartisanism. While expressing support for initiatives popular among Democrats, such as a campaign to reduce childhood cancers and funding to eradicate Aids, he blasted them for opposing his major policies. Trump also spoke of another meeting with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam claiming that if it was not for him, the US would have been in a major war with North Korea. He then spoke of ending the “endless wars” in Syria and Afghanistan saying: “We have liberated virtually all of the territory from the grip of these bloodthirsty monsters.” Interspersed with statements showcasing how great he is,

Trump’s attempts at making his audience believe he is a leader who can work across party lines backfired, dispelling any hopes of enduring harmony.

Trump’s speech was combative and conciliatory at the same time. While opening his arms to Democrats to rebuild “America’s crumbling infrastructure”, he asked to avoid “ridiculous partisan investigations” and cautioned against seeking “revenge” against him, and this in a scenario when the Trump administration, his company and Cabinet, his taxes and the firing of FBI director James Comey are all under investigation. Though Trump repeatedly underscored the need for the wall on the US-Mexico border and his hard line on immigration, the Democrats are just as determined that the wall will never be built. There was nothing to suggest that the two sides are close to any agreement. The mood of the speech was patriotic and comes as the president seeks to regain momentum after two major setbacks — the midterm election defeat and his failed attempt to extract money for the wall through a partial government shutdown. But it was a reflection of Trump himself — exaggerated, uncertain, aggressive, appeasing, but dexterous at times.

Interspersed with statements showcasing how great he is, Trump’s attempts at making his audience believe he is a leader backfired.