Breakdown:

1. Trump’s Initial Appeal:
   • The passage begins by discussing how Trump was the first political figure to capitalize on a brewing frustration within the American populace. He wasn’t like the traditional politicians—Bush or Clinton—who played by the usual script of reassurance, pretending that everything was fine. Instead, Trump tapped into the anger of the common people by saying the things others thought but were too afraid to vocalize. By making bold and inflammatory statements, such as calling Mexicans “rapists,” he resonated with people who felt that their frustrations had been ignored or censored by mainstream politics for too long.
2. Resonating with the Public:
   • Trump’s ability to say things openly that many had only said behind closed doors (at bars, dining tables, workplaces) made him a symbol for people who felt silenced. He became the mouthpiece for the disillusioned, and for that, they loved him. He was willing to “speak the truth” that traditional politicians avoided, which garnered support from those who felt their concerns about issues like immigration were valid but unaddressed.
3. The Downfall of Populist Rhetoric:
   • However, the passage argues that this rhetoric ultimately doesn’t lead anywhere constructive. While it had its moment, the strategy of inflammatory populism began to fade. People were initially attracted to Trump’s unfiltered approach, but as fear and uncertainty in the country grew, they started seeking more hopeful, cheery, and energetic leadership. Trump’s persona, which thrived in the chaos, could not adapt to these changing desires, signaling his political decline.
4. The Shift in Political Climate:
   • As the piece moves forward, it contrasts Trump’s decline with the rise of figures like Kamala Harris, whose energy and positivity offer a sharp contrast to the image of “two old men” (Trump and Biden) struggling through a political race. Harris is presented as an antidote to the weariness many feel toward traditional leadership, bringing youthful optimism and a fresh perspective to the table.
5. The Need for a New Deal:
   • The final part shifts the focus from personalities to the larger structural issues facing America, especially the tension between the rich and the poor. The writer suggests that what is needed now is a new deal between the wealthy and the working class, arguing that the rich have been offloading the burdens of a declining empire onto the middle and lower classes. If the wealthy don’t willingly contribute to easing these inequalities, they risk losing everything as societal pressures continue to mount. This isn’t just an economic issue, but a matter of survival for the nation.
6. Final Reflections:
   • The piece ends on a somber note, reflecting that Trump’s moment may be over, but the underlying tensions remain. The question is whether a new political figure will emerge to broker a deal between the rich and the poor, or if society will face a more tumultuous, conflict-driven resolution. The writer acknowledges that they may not live to see this change, but leaves the audience with a warning about the challenging times ahead.

In summary, the passage paints a picture of how Trump initially thrived by tapping into the frustrations of a silenced populace but failed to adapt as the political climate shifted. It calls for a new kind of leadership that can address the growing inequalities between the rich and poor before the country’s problems spiral further out of control.