Review: A Cinematic Presidency
On January 20th, at noon, in front of thousands gathered on the Capitol Hill in Washington, Donald Trump will place his right hand on a Bible to swear in as the 47th President of the United States. Like most of his predecessors, he will end his oath with “So help me God,” a tradition dating back to George Washington. This symbolic act underscores the deep religious undercurrent in American democracy, intertwining faith with politics and finance, evident in phrases like “In God we trust” on dollar bills.
As Trump embarks on the challenging task of healing a deeply divided nation, the choice of the Bible as the final object in our countdown holds significance. Will it be a source of comfort for him or a mere symbol to wield against his adversaries? In the past, amidst legal controversies, he marketed a branded Bible to fund his White House campaign. The anticipation and apprehension surrounding his second oath-taking with the Bible are palpable, raising questions about what lies beyond the words “So help me God.”
Cinematographically speaking, many envision Trump’s presidency as a disaster movie or horror film, where he may play the role of a heroic president amidst chaos. Drawing parallels to fictional presidents like Harrison Ford in “Air Force One” or Morgan Freeman in “Deep Impact,” the narrative of Trump’s presidency unfolds like a gripping screenplay. Yet, with unresolved legal issues looming, he might find himself in a real-life political thriller akin to “All the President’s Men,” depicting the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s presidency.
Meanwhile, the portrayal of a female U.S. president remains a cinematic fiction, eluding figures like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, both defeated by Trump. While we await a female leader in the Oval Office, fictional representations like Meryl Streep in “Don’t Look Up” or Robin Wright in “House of Cards” provide glimpses of what could be. The narrative of women in the presidency, after forty-five male leaders, including repeat presidents like Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump, continues to intrigue and inspire.
FAQs
1. Why is swearing on the Bible significant for U.S. presidents?
Swearing on the Bible holds historical and cultural significance in American presidential inaugurations, symbolizing the intertwining of faith and governance in the nation’s democratic fabric.
2. How does Trump’s use of a branded Bible reflect his presidency?
Trump’s marketing of a branded Bible during his campaign reflects his unique approach to blending religion, politics, and business, showcasing his ability to leverage symbolism for political gain.
3. What cinematic parallels can be drawn to Trump’s presidency?
Trump’s presidency evokes comparisons to fictional presidents in disaster and political thriller films, hinting at a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
4. Why has the U.S. not seen a female president yet?
The absence of a female U.S. president reflects broader societal and political challenges faced by women in leadership roles, despite advancements in gender equality.
5. How do fictional portrayals of female presidents offer insights into gender dynamics in politics?
Fictional depictions of female presidents in popular media shed light on societal perceptions of women in power and the complexities they navigate in political landscapes.
6. What themes does Trump’s presidency evoke in relation to past U.S. leaders?
Trump’s presidency raises questions about the continuity and evolution of leadership styles in the U.S., drawing parallels to historical events like the Watergate scandal.
7. How does the intertwining of religion and politics shape the discourse around Trump’s presidency?
The fusion of religion and politics in American governance influences public perceptions of leaders like Trump, adding layers of symbolism and controversy to their actions.
8. What role does symbolism play in Trump’s political narrative?
Symbolism, epitomized by acts like swearing on the Bible, branding merchandise, and invoking religious imagery, underscores Trump’s ability to craft a distinct political persona.
9. What cinematic tropes define the narrative of Trump’s presidency?
Cinematic tropes like heroism, suspense, and political intrigue inform the narrative surrounding Trump’s presidency, shaping public discourse and media representations.
10. What lies ahead for the future of American leadership and governance?
The evolving landscape of American leadership poses questions about the trajectory of governance, the role of diverse voices in politics, and the potential for transformative change in the nation’s leadership.