Listening to Kristen Anderson discuss the youth and foreign policy, she noted that public opinion, especially among youth, is very subject to change, “at the drop of a bomb”. Since the youth, since the 2008 election, has gone primarily left in most of its views, it is interesting to note that when we as a people view such acts of terrorism on television, youtube, or other streaming services, it causes us to be more inclined to become a “world police” of sorts, acting to prevent future violence in foreign nations. When ISIS sends videos of gruesome attacks, according to Anderson, it tugs the heartstrings of the American people. InformOverload does a very informative bit on the power of these videos and how it sways our thinking into more of an offensive mindset.

As we have slightly moved to the left as millennials, it is interesting that foreign policy and terrorism is the easiest to sway towards a more conservative way of thing, with the single action of a terrorist attack. Were it to happen on American soil, this concern and groupthink would most likely double in its urgency. Often, controversial issues such as the death penalty or abortion are not directly affecting our lives, and we do not place it quite as high. With safety at home and abroad, terrorist attacks, especially domestic, bring the terror to one’s front door. The fear invoked, or even the simple potential, is enough to hold a strong grip over the constituency, and will probably continue to be a pressing issue on the minds of most voters during these tumultuous times of ISIS and school/theater shootings

Due to Trump’s rhetorical strategy on having a “strong” foreign policy and claiming to deal with terrorism swiftly and harshly, is it plausible at this point near election time, if a significant terrorist attack occurred. Could Trump rhetorically use such an occurence to his advantage?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/18/terrorism-the-ugliest-election-x-factor.html

If Trump were to let his personality dwindle in the face of such a situation, whether a recurrence of the Orlando shootings or another theater shooting, Trump’s previous staunch stance against terrorism could prove to be a valuable asset to his campaign. I say this very conditionally, in hope that our country remains safe. However, this late into election season, this is really the only way the man can win. Dissatisfaction with Hillary’s tenure as Secretary of State, combined with Trump’s strategy of tough foreign policy, could sway some voters who wish to feel secure at home to vote for Trump. Though Hillary demonstrated much of her experience and knowledge of foreign policy during the debate, including her stance on swiftly dealing with terrorism, Trump could salvage a small victory and gain some support if he uses the strategy that Hillary has not previously dealt with terrorism, that he would not have let xyz event happen on his watch, and that it would have been dealt with harshly.

https://i.imgflip.com/vto5n.jpg

Though a lack of experience and expertise on the subject of foreign policy is clear, Trump, combined with the gender bias against women and that men are stronger and more decisive, could absolutely utilize such an event to his advantage. People fear domestic insecurity more than anything else, and if Trump rhetorically promotes safety and plows against Hillary’s transgressions during her term as Secretary of State, this could win him some much needed support in these last few weeks.

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.