First and foremost, it should be made clear that Donald Trump is not just a poor candidate for President, but he is also a bigot, misogynist and a xenophobe who preys on the worst fears of Americans to further his own power-grabbing agenda.
His rallies continue to be dangerous for not just those in attendance, but those who believe in an equal, fair and common sense United States.
This, of course, has become clearer to many in the state by the minor who was pepper sprayed and groped in Janesville, as well as by Trump’s continued struggles with female voters, who seem to recognize his incompetence and sexism.
Frankly, his whole Wisconsin campaign was tough for me to watch, especially since I thought better of this state than to have so many people back such a preposterous liar as a candidate.
But, Trump’s time in Wisconsin was not one without truth.
Yes, I am just as uncomfortable writing “Trump” and “truth” in the same sentence.
But, Trump’s comments on conservative mainstays in the state, specifically Gov. Scott Walker, have not been entirely, or sometimes even slightly, incorrect.
Trump bashes Republican establishment, Walker in Janesville rally
Thus, I have come to the bizarre and terrifying realization that Trump, who, stands as the deluded bigot of American politics, understands how badly Wisconsin is being run right now.
In July 2015, while Walker was still running for president, Trump referred to the state of Wisconsin as a disaster.
Most poignantly, Trump, a man with nearly no common sense and less political knowledge than most American middle schoolers, pointed to Wisconsin schools and how poorly they are doing.
He’s not wrong.
Teachers are disrespected and undervalued, per pupil spending is going down, University of Wisconsin System funding is disappearing and tenure as we knew it is out the window.
As we all know, nine months ago, Walker’s national polling numbers dropped so low he had no choice but to end his bid for the presidency.
Gov. Scott Walker formally drops out of 2016 presidential race
Since then, Walker has been working on improving his state approval numbers, which reached dismal lows as Wisconsinites have become more aware of Walker’s “look good on paper now, worry about consequences later” policy tactic.
Walker endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in what was likely a bid to stop Trump’s march to the nomination, but not without again getting his fair share of somewhat accurate insults from Trump.
In Janesville, Trump mentioned that Wisconsin has problems, but said, “you have a governor that has you convinced that it doesn’t have problems.”
To be fair, that sounds like every politician, but it is especially appropriate for Wisconsin.
This is a state where Walker touts his record on jobs and quality education, yet companies keep leaving and jobs are hard to find.
He talks about education like he understands its importance in the job market, yet education is getting worse.
Walker’s time as governor has never been about making Wisconsin better — it was about him looking good to GOP voters so he could nab the nomination for president.
I am from Milwaukee County, so trust me when I say he did the same thing as the county executive there to look good and become governor.
But buckle up, because it’s probably not going to change anytime soon.
He and state Republicans have gerrymandered the state to the point where Republicans will be in control for years to come. Not to mention, a ridiculous voter ID law now makes it far more difficult for students, minorities and city residents to vote (which everyone’s favorite Congressman just admitted to).
When Trump talks about Wisconsin being a mess, he may not understand how or why, but he’s right.
That’s really scary — both in the sense that Trump has at least heard from someone that Wisconsin is struggling, as well as the fact that Walker and state Republicans refuse to acknowledge it.
Connor Touhey ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism, political science and history.
