Fear - Trump in the White House
Bob Woodward
Contributed by Larisa Brooke
Chapter 5
Summary

We learn that Bannon has planned an explosive way of undermining Clinton during the debate. He has uncovered secrets from the Clinton’s past and will bring up four women who are victims of either Bill or Hillary or even both. The women have cases involving sexual assaults carried out by Bill and covered up by Hillary Clinton, something that Woodward describes as the perfect kill shot for the debate (Woodward 47). During the debate, Trump admits that his words were embarrassing but says that Hillary’s actions are disgraceful and shameful (Woodward 48). Bannon and his deputy campaign manager Bossie, are finding it difficult to accomplish things with Jared Kushner apparently making things difficult, especially concerning funding matters. Bannon wants Trump to put $50 Million of his own money into the presidential campaign, however Kushner states that Trump will never agree to the proposal (Woodward 49). They decide to ask for $25 Million but Trump disagrees. Therefore, they opt for a $10 Million contribution which Trump gives unwillingly, although he will be paid back through a donation from supporters (Woodward 49).

The author mentions his experience in Fort Worth, Texas. He had posed a question regarding the presidential elections and many people claimed that they would vote for Trump (Woodward 51). The campaigns continue and Trump’s team set to work on securing swing states and trying to convert historically democratic states, during this time Bannon notes that Clinton’s team never utilizes Obama’s strategy effectively. On the day of the elections, the press gives Clinton an 85% chance of winning (Woodward 52). However, as the votes start coming through, the numbers are more and more in Trumps favor until the result is confirmed and Trump is elected as President. Trump wins the elections and various presidents call to congratulate him. While this is happening, Bannon and Priebus have to hurriedly set up a government since there are 4,000 job positions to fill (Woodward 54). They share the highest staff office and the power that comes with it by Bannon becoming the Chief Strategist while Priebus becomes the Chief of Staff.

Analysis

Woodward continues to show his audience the skills that Bannon possesses. Due to the preceding scandals, it is clear that the debates will make Trump look bad, resulting in an inevitable decrease in votes. However, Bannon has a strategy that will help in the situation. Trump might have undermined women through his words, but they will present several women that have been embroiled in sexual assault cases that entangle Clinton. This is a smart move enough to silence Clinton and restore Trump’s image as a better option than her. The author also raises the issue of money since it is the driving force in any political campaign. The amount proposed initially by Bannon shows that he is fully confident that Trump will become president. However, the interjection shown by Kushner portrays his lack of faith in Trump, an understandable situation considering that Trump is not believing in himself.

Talking about Fort Worth shows that the polls were useless or exaggerated. The number of people who were willing to vote for Trump was astonishing and unexpected, something that should have been reflected by the polls. Additionally, Bannon and Priebus must place various individuals into different positions of power at the last minute. Clearly, this shows that many individuals in Trump’s team including the candidate himself, never believed that he would win.

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