Okanagan political scientist dissects Trump’s presidential victory

KELOWNA – It’s an American revolution that will bring both good and bad changes.

That’s how a UBC-O political science professor characterizes the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States.

“You have to give him credit for the genius of what he’s done,” says Thomas Heilke who was surprised at Trump’s victory.

Heilke says the billionaire businessman tapped into a deep well of discontent with the American political system.

“When it comes to politics, he’s a complete rank amateur. For a lot of people that’s appealing. He’s someone not tainted by the system, who hasn’t been tainted by too much time in Washington.”

Heilke says Trump also appealed to people discontented with economic disparities.

“The people who voted for him were folks who lost out big time in the economic transformation that’s been taking place in the United States in the last 20 to 30 years. And I think they have a legitimate complaint there.”

And even though many are put off by Trump’s many controversial, inflammatory comments he still captured the imagination and enthusiasm of most voters.

“Those of us who say this is a candidate who is really unsuited for the office because it requires these kinds of temperaments or expertise, that’s not important criteria for the folks who gave him the job,” says Heilke.

Trump will be sworn into office in January.