Hannitizing Trump by Andy Peth

I like Sean Hannity.  He’s a rightwing cheerleader.  A zealot.  Though I don’t watch his show to be challenged, it’s fun seeing a gifted interviewer who’s also a homer like me.  Using Sean’s own catch phrase when people see the Conservative light, I enjoy being “Hannitized.”
 
But until now, there’s one word I’ve never applied to Hannity:  Strategist.  Though capable, Hannity has always been the guy blowing a bugle, leading the battle charge—not a General moving pieces across maps in some tent.  And yet, at this moment, Sean gets it when others don’t.  Amidst all the angst over Donald Trump’s nomination, Hannity has mastered the key to November success:  Hannitizing Trump.  
 
To understand Hannity’s genius, first witness the poor strategy of others—namely the extremes of Grassroots Conservatives (GC’s) and Establishment Never-Trumpers (ENT’s). 
 
(Full Disclosure:  I’m more of a GC)
 
Devastated over Trump’s nomination, GC’s take strong stands—demanding Trump embrace more hardline positions to “earn” their support.  Ted Cruz uses this approach, playing to his heartbroken base.  Good guy, bad idea.  In Trump’s eyes, winners aren’t bullied by those they’ve vanquished.  So he resists.   
 
The ENT’s are even worse.  Sure, their criticisms are often justified (each ENT boasts bullet-point lists a mile long), and part of me enjoys their newfound embrace of “principle.”  I could detail how they’re only assuring catastrophe, but my bigger concern is this:  Like the GC’s, the ENT’s are missing a golden, easy opportunity.  Why?
 
Because Donald Trump, with all his warts (and they are legion) is the most moldable piece of clay I’ve ever seen run for President.  Influencing this guy is easier than influencing the computer on which I currently type.  Just hit the right keys, and presto!  Instant results!  All you need to know is the key…
 
…and Sean Hannity’s got it.
 
The secret lies in understanding Trump himself.  Think about it:  What has Trump said from the outset of his campaign?  “Treat me right.”  Many take this as arrogance; a pampered billionaire demanding people kiss his ring and never critique.  But Trump, though emotionally a child, is not that kind of child.  Trump doesn’t shrink from criticism at all.  He almost feeds off it.  And while Trump dominates any room, he doesn’t need to dominate a room. 
 
Sound contradictory?  It shouldn’t.  People needing attention rarely demonstrate Trump’s self-confidence to attain it.  Promotions and raises elude those with low self-esteem.  Girls don’t date desperate guys.  Like many centers of attention, Trump feels little need for the spotlight, but simply knows he belongs there.  Hence, he’s a magnet.  And he loves it.
 
No, Trump doesn’t need attention. He needs approval for his deeds.  Big difference.  Donald Trump is the consummate people pleaser, only requiring approval for doing it.  That’s why he constantly talks about how great he’s doing.  Give him approval, and he’s yours for life.  Withhold it, and he lashes out. 
 
Now before you start shouting, “We can’t have this child in the Oval Office!”, remember that all of us have needs, triggers, insecurities, and so forth.  Sean gets this.  The writers at National Review and Weekly Standard do not.  Sean hits the right buttons and moves Trump like a chess piece, while GC’s and ENT’s get bullied trying to bully him.  The contrast is striking.
 
Knowing Trump’s need, Hannity fulfills it—and Trump responds.  Hannity assumes the best, even offering Trump cover with leading questions.  Kid gloves, you say?  Absolutely.  But look at the results! 
 
More than anyone else, Hannity pressed Trump to provide judicial candidates.  Presto!  Trump provides!  Hannity pressed further, saying how he hoped they’d be Conservative.  Presto!  They’re all pro-life Constitutionalists!  Hannity pressed Trump to use a “Team of Rivals” approach, populating his cabinet in advance with well-liked Republicans (both fellow candidates and others).  Presto!  Trump promised Hannity he’d do just that, releasing them one-by-one, most likely starting at Convention.  Hannity pressed for unleashed oil drilling.  Presto!  Trump’s plan is the most aggressive in decades!
 
If only I knew Hannity’s inner key.  I’d have him make Trump write me a check.
 
Oh, I know what you’re thinking.  “If Trump’s that easy to move, how can we trust him?”  That’s easy.  People pleasers, once committed, keep commitments as long as they feel appreciated.  If more of us treated Trump like Sean does, he’d be far more conservative.  I guarantee it.
 
Another person who “Hannitizes” Trump is Newt Gingrich.  Does Newt agree with Trump on everything?  No, and Trump doesn’t require agreement—at all.  He requires approval for deeds, and Newt lavishes this upon him.  Let me assure you, Trump will turn to Newt repeatedly as an advisor.
 
But along the way, Trump offers conflicting statements, trying to please too many people.  Don’t panic.  Accept it.  Sure, GC’s and ENT’s print off reams of these statements, claiming “evidence” of Trump’s “lies and unreliability.”  On one level, they’re correct—dude’s not grounded.  But unlike most Conservatives (including me), when Trump says something, he’s not issuing an absolute.  He’s opening negotiations, starting strong by sounding absolute.  Unethical?  Not for him.  For Trump, it’s effective—and it’s also why people using his approach get cheaper cars.
 
Hypothetically, what would happen if Republicans united behind Trump right now?  If you’re thinking, “Oh, he’d just carry a grudge and use us,” then you don’t get Trump.  Seriously, you don’t get him.  Trump can carry grudges, but only with those who don’t show him approval.  When people Hannitize Trump, he instantly forgets everything and welcomes them on board.  It’s like dangling a watch before his eyes, then snapping your fingers.
 
Ah, if only my wife were this way.
 
Does Trump really want to “Make America Great Again,” or is he an egoist with hidden agendas of power?  No contest.  He’s a people-pleaser, and America is his family.  I believe Trump really, truly wants to make America great again.  And the more Conservatives approve his good stances, the more he’ll instantly forget bygones and produce more good stances.  In fact, if Susanna Martinez were to Hannitize Trump today, he’d embrace her like nothing ever happened.  It’s just his way.
 
Donald Trump is not a great candidate, because he lacks control.  For instance, his words about the Hispanic judge sounded racist, but Trump isn’t racist.  He just harbored suspicions of racial bias on the judge’s part, and rather than keep these to himself, he foolishly voiced them.  But voicing concerns that someone else might be racist does not make one racist.  Just clumsy.
 
So what makes Trump a better candidate?  Calling him racist?  Dividing against him?   No, no, no!  These are awful moves, showing no grasp of Trump the man.  Conversely, if we simply call the remarks racist but assume better motives, he’ll respond with graciousness and tact.  It’s how he’s wired.
 
The Trump formula is simple:  “Treat him right,” and he’ll populate his cabinet with Conservatives, doing great things.  He’ll even embrace criticism.  Input-output; this guy’s responses are so predictable they’re almost Pavlovian.  Does this mean he’ll agree with us on everything?  That’s impossible, because we don’t agree on everything—and Trump wants to please everyone.  But baby, he will deliver!
 
Our current situation is best described by the Genie’s song, “Friend Like Me,” from Disney’s “Aladdin”:

“You've got some power in your corner now!
Some heavy ammunition in your camp!
You got some punch, pizzaz, yahoo and how!
See, all you gotta do is rub that lamp, and I'll say:
‘Mr. Aladdin, sir, what will your pleasure be?
Let me take your order, jot it down!’
You ain't never had a friend like me!”
​

Folks, stop demanding like GC’s.  Stop bellowing like ENT’s.  Cut out the political melodrama, and just rub the friggin’ lamp, okay?  Dangle the watch, click your fingers, and Mr. People Pleaser will please you.  I know it’s weird, but Sean Hannity—the unlikely strategist—has shown us the way.
 
Want success this November and beyond?  Then change strategies, and Hannitize Trump.