As PR professionals, we are always interested in the strategies people and organizations use to relate to their audiences. Sometimes, a strategy (even one that may be working) needs to be adjusted to fit different circumstances and appeal to different audiences. This past week, there has been much hype surrounding the Trump campaign—and not just because he took five states in the April 26 primary elections. In a previous post, we analyzed the love-hate relationship Trump enjoys with the media, but in this Wrap, we will take you through some news stories that explain Trump’s recent campaign strategy as he turns his sights to the general election.
Campaign manager Paul Manafort said this week that his previous comments to RNC members about Trump’s behavior being an act were taken out of context. He did intend to say, however, that the campaign itself will become more moderate, as Trump may start to present his beliefs in a logical manner. Manafort was adamant that Trump would not change any of his positions, a statement that drew ire from the likes of another Republican presidential candidate, Ted Cruz. As the campaign prepares for the general election, Trump will need to appeal to a larger audience.
Fresh off his massive victories in five states Tuesday evening, Trump delivered a formal foreign policy address, complete with a teleprompter. Listeners and viewers saw little of his characteristic, fiery speaking style during the speech, where he calmly laid out his vision of a new foreign policy that promised to put American interests first. During his speech, he suggested the U.S. stop defending countries that may not be able to pay for such defense themselves. He condemned aggression by countries like China and North Korea, but notably failed to call out any of Vladimir Putin’s actions in eastern Ukraine.
Trump may becoming more moderate in demeanor only, but some of his recent suggestions highlight his moderate views he may focus on come general election time. He recently condemned North Carolina’s new law that restricts bathroom choices for transgender people, saying the law should not have been changed. So, future changes for the candidate may go beyond the civil language and more laid-back Twitter role he has adopted as of late. As the general election nears, he will need to seek an audience outside of the loyal body of supporters he has amassed during the primaries.
Will moderating his speech and perhaps some of his views make Donald Trump more electable? Leave us a comment below!
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Sam Bojarski is an associate at WordWrite Communications. He can be reached at sam.bojarski@wordwritepr.com.
