Originally published March 16, 2016.
Donald Trump is going to be the Republican nominee for President. Breathe — it's time for acceptance.
So that brings us to today's reality. Can the Republican frontrunner, businessman Donald J. Trump, be reserved and palatable enough going forward to win the presidency in November?
It's a tough question. As with all such quandaries we must consult the classics for guidance. In this instance, I turn to the incomparable Superman 2 starring Christopher Reeves in 1980. Superman trades in his powers to become more human and grow closer to his love, Lois Lane. Though the kinder gentler version of the caped crusader displays the warmth and intimacy that Lois appreciates, he is beat on, humiliated and unable to protect humankind from the evil Zod. Ultimately, the masses need him to save Earth and back comes the big man.
Trump got to where is he is by kicking rear ends and taking names. Does he dial it down now to please moderate voters or does he continue to embrace his steel-bending tough-guy persona?
Certainly, the media and establishment types, still in mourning from the loss of their last, best hope Marco Rubio, will want a softer Trump, especially after hearing Hillary cast the general election as good versus evil.
But Donald Trump, who has risen so far by rejecting the calcified political rhetoric of the day, should now borrow from it. He should adopt an "all of the above" strategy as pols like to say. More defiance. More bluntness. More bold talk of a nation that wins again. But also more Ivanka. More Melania. More depth of knowledge on policy.
Donald, let Lois know that you can be the warm romantic, but make sure that the good people of Metropolis trust that you have their backs to vanquish Zod. Keep your head up, Man of Steel, they'll be hurling kryptonite at you during this race and the subsequent Trump presidency.
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