During the mass shootings in Orlando that targeted gays, it is interesting to view how the media responded to these individuals, in particular Hillary and Trump. Trump approached this topic in what is my opinion, and the opinions of many others, as incredibly foolish. I understand where he wishes to knock the incumbent’s current policies and blame current national issues on Obama’s lack of judgement, but Donald’s insensitivity “trumps” the rhetorical strategy of bashing the incumbent, as the challenger typically does during the election cycle.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-orlando-shooting_us_5764102fe4b015db1bc90b43
The correct move here was to extend condolences to the gay community and express concern for America’s safety, and instead chooses to respond negatively instead of positively. The rhetorical strategy of the challenger proving the incumbency’s policy as ineffective is what Trump is attempting to accomplish through this situation, and it is a foolish decision. He comes off as entirely insensitive and offensive, angering many prominent Republicans on Capitol Hill. Trump needs to quit utilizing what he perceives to be rhetorical methods, and appeal to the masses’ pathos, instead of attempting to put so much emphasis on logos and ethos. It will be his undoing. His inability to put aside his own pride and even ATTEMPT to even APPEAR presidential in his actions and words will cause him to lose this election. When terror strikes our nation, the goal of our leader should never be to place blame on anyone, but instead to unite the people against terror through messages of unity and rhetorical strategies of hope and security. Even Bush, often inadequate throughout both terms as president, succeeded in this during the 9/11 attacks.