Mr. Smith Trump go to Washington (Capra, 2024)

In Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), a classic American comedy-drama directed by Frank Capra, James Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic young man appointed to the United States Senate. Despite facing corruption and cynicism, Smith remains committed to his principles, fighting for justice and transparency. His honesty and integrity, in the face of political manipulation, make him a classic example of an ethical hero. The film's humor and heart come from Smith's sincere and often bumbling efforts to uphold his values in a corrupt world.

The recent popularity of Mr. Trump in the USA presents some surprising parallels to that of Mr. Smith. Leaving aside a global political agenda, Mr. Trump has made headlines by denouncing corruption and challenging established norms, much like Jefferson Smith did in the film.

Donald Trump, modern Mr. Smith, triumphs in Washington

Mr. Smith's Journey

Jefferson Smith, the protagonist of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, is thrust into the complex and often corrupt world of Washington politics. Despite his lack of experience, he maintains a steadfast commitment to his ideals. He stands up against powerful political figures and refuses to be swayed by bribery or threats. His climactic filibuster in the Senate, where he passionately defends the principles of democracy and the importance of honesty speaking for eight hours until he faints, exemplifies his unyielding dedication to justice.

Mr. Trump's Political Path

Similarly, Donald Trump's political career has been marked by his outspoken nature and his challenges to the status quo. Trump has frequently criticized international organizations like the UN, alleging corruption and inefficiency. He has also targeted NGOs, accusing some of supporting anti-American agendas and even terrorist groups, as demonstrated by controversies surrounding support for Hamas against Israel.

Trump's rise to power was fueled by his promise to "drain the swamp," a phrase indicating his intention to root out corruption and cronyism in Washington. Like Jefferson Smith, Trump positioned himself as an outsider, someone untainted by the existing political system and therefore uniquely qualified to reform it.

The Comic Relief and Sympathy Factor

Just as most spectators laugh at Mr. Smith, finding his naive idealism amusing, Donald Trump has similarly been the subject of widespread humor and mockery, particularly from progressive journalists and cartoonists. During his presidency and beyond, Trump has often been portrayed as a figure of ridicule in various forms of media.

Examples of Mockery and Humor:

• Saturday Night Live has famously parodied Trump, with Alec Baldwin's portrayal becoming iconic. Baldwin's exaggerated mannerisms and comedic timing captured Trump's idiosyncrasies, making the sketches go viral.

• Comedian John Oliver on his show Last Week Tonight frequently mocked Trump, including a segment where he called for people to refer to Trump by his family's original surname, "Drumpf," which became a viral sensation.

• Political cartoons often depicted Trump in unflattering and humorous ways, emphasizing his hair, expressions, and rhetoric. One viral cartoon showed Trump attempting to "drain the swamp" only to find himself surrounded by even more creatures, symbolizing the complexity of his political promises.

Despite the humor, there is a segment of the population that sympathizes with Trump's outsider status and his fight against what he and his supporters perceive as a corrupt establishment. This mirrors the audience's response to Mr. Smith, where some laugh at his naivety, while others admire his courage and integrity.

Key Parallels and Divergences

While there are notable parallels between Jefferson Smith and Donald Trump, there are also significant differences. Jefferson Smith is portrayed as an idealistic and somewhat naive character, whose honesty and integrity are his defining traits. His battle against corruption is conducted with a sense of earnestness and moral clarity.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, is a more complex and controversial figure. His approach to combating corruption often involves direct confrontation and provocative ideas. While he has certainly challenged established norms and practices, his methods and motives have been the subject of intense debate and criticism. Trump's business background and assertive personality contrast with the bumbling yet sincere nature of Jefferson Smith.

Trump's Criticisms of International Organizations and NGOs

Trump's criticisms of the UN and various NGOs reflect a broader skepticism about international institutions and their effectiveness. He has argued that American taxpayer money should not be used to support organizations that do not align with American interests. This perspective resonates with many of his supporters who feel that the US has been taken advantage of in international affairs.

For instance, Trump's administration took a hard stance against certain NGOs accused of supporting groups like Hamas. His supporters argue that such positions are necessary to protect American interests and ensure that taxpayer money is used appropriately. Critics, however, contend that this approach undermines international cooperation with political groups that make use of human shields in such a way that they cannot just be destroyed at will with bombs. His frankness against bureaucracy also harms the humanitarian efforts of influential leaders such Mr. George Soros.

In comparing Jefferson Smith and Donald Trump, we see two figures who, in their own ways, have sought to challenge corruption and uphold their principles. Jefferson Smith's idealism and integrity stand as a timeless example of ethical heroism in the face of political manipulation. Donald Trump's rise reflects a different kind of challenge to the political establishment, marked by confrontation, frankness and controversy.

While the contexts and characters are markedly different, the underlying theme of standing up against perceived corruption and fighting for one's principles links these two figures across time. Both highlight the ongoing struggle to balance ideals with the realities of political power, a theme that continues to resonate in American politics. The dual response of mockery and admiration towards both Mr. Smith and Mr. Trump underscores the complexity of public figures who challenge the status quo, revealing the diverse ways in which society grapples with notions of integrity, power, and reform.