Donald Trump’s victory can easily be compared to a real-life “Rocky” situation. Much like Rocky Balboa, the underdog boxer who rises to success against all odds in the famous film, Trump’s political career has also been a rollercoaster of grit, resilience, uproar, and triumph. Before we delve into the specifics of this rocky trajectory, one should bear in mind that Trump was never a typical politician which can be seen as the root of all the rough edges, abrupt twists, and inherent appeal of his political journey.
Looking back at Trump’s career, the parallels between him and the iconic character Rocky Balboa are somewhat uncanny. Trump emerged from the world of real estate and entertainment, a complete outsider to the world of politics. His controversial and widely criticized presidential campaign was similar to how Balboa was initially dismissed; both represented the archetype of an underdog.
One aspect of Trump’s journey that directly reflects Rocky’s rise is their ability to withstand blows. Rocky was known for his capacity to take brutal punches but keep fighting. Similarly, Trump faced a series of challenges and difficulties during his campaign and presidency, from impeachment attempts to widespread protests and the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. However, like Rocky, he continued to fight his battles, cementing his reputation among a segment of the population as a resilient figure.
Furthermore, Trump’s stirring victory is another facet that paints him as a real-life Rocky. He managed to secure an unexpected triumph in the 2016 U.S Elections, against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which was a shock to political pundits around the world. Trump’s triumph was akin to Rocky’s unexpected win in Rocky II; it defied predictions and normal conventions. The victory was largely seen as an assertion of those feeling neglected by the political mainstream, just as Rocky’s success was perceived as a triumph of the common man in the films.
Moreover, the polarizing nature of Trump’s presidency can also be matched with the character of Rocky. Just as Rocky had his supporters and critics, Trump’s tenure as President also polarized the nation and continued to do so even after his term. His unorthodox communication style and unconventional policy decisions often became points of contention, exposing the schisms in American society.
Yet, despite all that, his against-all-odds victory in 2016 and subsequent tenure as President have left an indelible impact, making his story a fascinating case study of contemporary politics. From the world of business and showbiz to the highest office in one of the world’s most powerful countries, the journey of Trump seems almost like a cinematic arc. It is a story marked with relentless ambition, unabated controversies, and high-stake victories that would not be misplaced in a thrilling feature film.
The similarities between Donald Trump’s career arc and Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character Rocky are clear. Both had unlikely victories and faced numerous setbacks, but they managed to maintain an enduring appeal among their base of ardent supporters. Trump, just like Rocky, is the embodiment of an underdog story, albeit in a completely different arena – the world of American politics. As the narrative continues to unfold, observers worldwide remain intrigued by what the next chapters of this real-life ‘Rocky’ saga may hold.
