Don't dismiss Donald Trump's appeal, says longtime political writer Mark Halperin

Don't dismiss Donald Trump's appeal, says longtime political writer Mark Halperin
Analyst tells advisers that the Republican frontrunner is the second-best presidential campaigner he's ever seen run, trumped only by this president.
MAY 04, 2016
Even the author of “Game Change” is baffled by the 2016 presidential election. Mark Halperin, managing editor of Bloomberg Politics and a former political reporter for ABC News and Time, said the candidates in this year's race make it unique and unpredictable. “This is an impossible thing to game out,” Mr. Halperin told an audience of about 300 at the InvestmentNews Retirement Income Summit on Monday in Chicago. (More: On verge of GOP nomination, advisers say Trump is still largely unknown) If Mr. Trump wins the Republican nomination, he could implode in the general election, thanks to his high disapproval ratings, or he could become the vessel of change for millions of Americans fed up with what's happening in Washington. Don't dismiss Mr. Trump's appeal, warned Mr. Halperin, whose book about the 2008 presidential campaign, “Game Change,” written with John Heilemann, was turned into an HBO mini-series. “Trump is someone people can relate to,” Mr. Halperin said. “They see him as someone who understands their aspirations. He's the second-best presidential candidate I've seen after Bill Clinton.” Like Mr. Trump, Ms. Clinton receives high disapproval ratings. She has other problems as well: a lack of definition for her campaign and the perception that she is part of the Washington establishment, according to Mr. Halperin. “She's never enunciated what she's about,” Mr. Halperin said. “It's going to be difficult for her to be the candidate for change in this race.” (More: Where Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the candidates stand on Social Security) Although she is likely to put away Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and win the Democratic nomination, Mr. Sanders has brought something new to the campaign, Mr. Halperin said, by capturing states while trailing Ms. Clinton in fundraising. “It doesn't take the most money to win,” Mr. Halperin said. “Ideas matter.” Voters should brace for a nasty fight between Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton. “This will not be an edifying election,” Mr. Halperin said. “This will be personal, stylistic and tough.”

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.