13 Comments

Thanks, Sheila. Would that I didn't have to write it.

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I actually thought the same thing!

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Thank you, Lyn. This is a perfect reflection on what we've been witnessing. I don't understand the minds of people who thing the way he and his whole cadre do. And I never will. I do want to speak to your question: "Is this the power of brand, or a reminder of how it can betray us?" No.

This is power of evil, and the unfortunate finding that evil exists in greater numbers than I would have ever imagined.

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Yes, and it is the numbers that astound me. How could we have been so wrong about our country?

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Yeah. I know. The numbers were really awful.

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Thank you, Lyn. This is inspired and inspiring. And so we will go on...Very much appreciate you and your wisdom.

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Thanks, Robin. Writing it somehow blunts the feeling of helplessness.

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Thanks, Lyn. This is brilliant.

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You picked the perfect example to use to show the down side, the dark side of branding, in your cautionary tale. This piece was a great way to channel your anger. Thank you for sharing.

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Thanks, Rachel. Yes, it was cathartic. Interestingly, people have written to say that this piece has helped them to understand branding. For that I’m grateful.

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A really important contribution to the discussion Lyn. For many of us, Trump's brand is so disgusting and toxic that we struggle to see what others see in him. But as you point out, he exemplifies certain brand archetypes which voters find appealing. The rebel, the showman, the trickster, the warrior and the magician. Tapping into these allows him to appeal to a broad swathe of people.

Also as you point out, he's been skillfully building his brand for decades. And I imagine a lot of his support is predicated in The Apprentice which many will have watched and found entertaining and even inspiring.

He offers quite the masterclass in brand strategy.

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Unfortunately, Denyse, you are spot on. Perhaps we should lay it all at the feet of "reality" TV. Only sort of kidding.

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I think you can lay it at the feet of 'reality' TV. I think there's a large group of people who like the soap opera.

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