Cornell Prof. Compares Donald Trump to Segregationist George Wallace

On Tuesday, Cornell Professor Elizabeth Sanders, government, presented a lecture titled “Donald Trump: a fascist, populist or demagogue reminiscent of George Wallace?” at a meeting of the Cornell Political Union.

The event consisted of a speech by Sanders, followed by a group discussion. Her speech consisted of an explanation behind her label of Trump, as well as common leftist rants against money in politics and the Israeli “occupation of Palestine.”

Sanders began her lecture by mentioning the terrorist attacks that had occurred earlier in the day in Brussels, Belgium. The professor’s immediate reaction, however, was not condolences for the victims, but rather concerns that the attacks may help Donald Trump win the election in November.

At least Sanders is cognizant of the fact that terrorist attacks in the Western world make it more likely for the Republican nominee to win the White House because it demonstrates to Americans the degree of danger imposed by radical Islamic groups such as ISIS. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders refuse to acknowledge that radical Islam is a threat to the United States. But it is deeply troubling that a Cornell professor is more concerned with keeping the Democrats in control of White House rather than the safety of people around the world.

Most of the speech focused on how white working-class voters came to align with the Republican Party. According to Sanders, white working class voters left the Democratic party in the late 1970s mainly due to social issues such abortion and school prayer. She explained the strategy of the Democratic party was not to win them over, but rather replace them with the college-educated youth and immigrants. This seems like a relatively accurate assessment, and refreshingly honest coming from a leftist like Sanders.

The Democratic party in recent years has pushed strongly for a pathway to citizenship for the at least 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the United States, and have refused most efforts to secure the US-Mexico border. The Republican Party’s establishment has been largely complicit in this push for amnesty, as seen in the failed Gang of 8 immigration reform proposal. This trend clearly plays a role in the success of Trump’s candidacy.

Despite this, Sanders refused to acknowledge any legitimate reasons for Trump’s popularity. She thought the best way to characterize Trump is as a demagogue because his message, in her opinion, is based on scapegoating minority groups. According to Sanders, Trump is reminiscent of Democrat George Wallace, a former governor of Alabama and four-time presidential candidate who is perhaps most famous for his championing of racial segregation. He famously said while being sworn in as governor, “I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.”

This is a rather extreme comparison, given the fact that nothing about Donald Trump indicates that he is a racist. Although he has made some controversial remarks, none of his positions is discriminatory against minority groups within the United States. His strong stance against illegal and Muslim immigration is harsh, but is based on security concerns rather than on race or religion.

Although hardly related to Donald Trump, Professor Sanders harshly condemned the role of money in politics. She blamed the landmark Citizens United Supreme Court ruling for the ability of right-wing billionaires to use their money to influence politicians. Like much of the modern left, she believes that the First Amendment needs to be restricted in order to regulate political speech she finds disagreeable. Billionaires with conservative views like the Koch brothers are criticized for promoting free-market capitalism, but not left-wing billionaires like George Soros who fund causes she likely sympathizes with.

In addition to the common criticisms against the Koch brothers, she blasted pro-Israel billionaires Sheldon Adelson and Paul Singer for using their money to promote the security of state of Israel. She promoted the false narrative of the Israeli “occupation of Palestine” and blamed the influence of billionaires for the Republican Party’s steadfast support of the Jewish state. This is despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Americans sympathize with the state of Israel. Donald Trump, who for the most part is self-funding his presidential campaign, recently outlined his strong support of Israel at this year’s AIPAC policy conference. It should be clear that politicians support the state of Israel because it is in America’s best interest.

Donald Trump is clearly a controversial figure who should be routinely criticized. In addition to his policy positions, his lack of substance in his arguments as well as his constant use of personal attacks cast doubt on whether he is fit to be President of the United States. However, it is important to understand why Trump is so popular and why he is most likely going to be the Republican nominee. It is not because the Republican electorate is racist, bigoted, or xenophobic. It is because for so long both parties have failed to represent the interests of a part of this country that is, if not the majority, a significant percentage with a growing voice. Most of all, these people are tired of dishonest career politicians and hand-tying political correctness. Donald Trump says things people wish they could say. Regardless of whether Trump wins the election or not, his message will help to push politicians to listen to the American people.