Even if Trump loses, which is likely, Trumpism will be part of the political drama for some time to come. It existed long before Trump. It was just less TV-oriented and, in certain aspects, necessarily more sophisticated. The real issue underlying this political phenomenon is the exacerbation of the so-called cultural war that has taken place over the last few years.
The electoral campaign lacked deep discussions on public policies. True. But it was almost explicit in key aspects of the cultural war. Is the “old” America a model to follow? Can other cultures threaten the predominance of the Anglo-Saxon one? What defines the greatness of the US? Was it so great in the past? What about the role and opportunities in society for women, gays, short individuals, sick persons, atheists, Muslims, blacks, Hispanics? Should they be allowed to hold real power? How is family defined? Are the police (particularly for the black population) a repressive institution? What is the role of the State in matters such as health, education, and social and environmental protection?
Finding widely accepted answers to these questions might take years. Moreover, there are no obvious answers to all of them. Besides, in most cases, the elements subsumed in these questions are exacerbated by the globalization process which is accelerating as we write these lines. A new social contract may be necessary at some point after the overwhelming majority of society makes its choices clear. New instruments expressing such social agreement will be necessary… for example, a new Constitution. The role of the State in matters such as health, education, and social and environmental protection must supersede private rights as we understand them. That has been and will be extremely controversial.
The social changes associated with this cultural revolution are of such magnitude that they imply gains and losses for everybody. But some may lose political/economic power. They are the most adamant opponents of any change associated with this cultural war. Despite his populist presentation, that is what Trumpism represents. Opponents of change will appeal by any means to keep the status quo. That is the history of societies. That is why the resolutions of cultural wars are sometimes violent.
I believe that a combination of broad citizen participation in the socio-political process with a good “calibration of changes” by committed leaders might secure change that proceeds in an orderly form, thereby providing the best and least costly results. But in any case, changes will always be shaky and somewhat disturbing. Unfortunately, nothing can be excluded.