Dutere vs Trump: Is he really the “Trump of the East?”
Ever since he ran for president, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has always been outspoken; so much so that he has drawn comparisons to a presidential candidate on the other side of the world–US Presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Most people, especially his supporters, do not like the idea of Duterte being likened to Trump. For those wondering why he’s been called the “Trump of the East,” here are the reasons why a lot of US media have given him this moniker:
• Controversial views. Views expressed by both Duterte and Trump on certain issues have drawn the ire of many groups. They’ve both touched on the subject of rape, with Trump calling Mexicans “rapists,” and Duterte using it as a joke in one of his campaign sorties. They’ve also drawn the ire of Christians with their statements about the Pope. They’ve expressed their disappointments about the current government, saying they’ll both do a better job.
• Populist campaigns. Merriam-Webster defines populist as “a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people.” Though most politicians engage in such campaigns, Duterte’s and Trump’s campaigns have resonated with the masses thanks to some of their proposed policies, like Trump’s proposed Muslim ban and Duterte’s anti-criminality policies.
• Tough talk. It’s no secret that both Duterte and Trump lack a “public relations filter”, making it hard for news reporters and political analysts to take their words as is. Their no-holds-barred way of talking has led them both to the top of their respective polls, with Duterte winning the May 9 elections and Trump being the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
These three stand out the most, but these are also where their similarities end. The Philippines has seen what Duterte is capable of based on what people have seen in Davao City. He served the city as a congressman, mayor, and vice-mayor for almost three decades, whereas Trump has never been elected to any position in public office.
TRUMP OF THE EAST? Most people say yes, but their track records speak for themselves.
Duterte is all set as the Philippine’s 16th president, but Americans have yet to place their vote. Will Duterte-Trump state visits be a thing in the next six years? Leave us with your thoughts in the comments section.
Source: TIME Magazine, Washington Post, CNBC, Al Jazeera
Donald Trump photo courtesy of Michael Vadon via Wikimedia Commons
Rodrigo Duterte photo grabbed from Rody Duterte Facebook page
