In the era of Trump, a combination of celebrity dazzle, folksy charm and “America First” has proven an effective recipe for political success. Putnam at least possesses the charm in abundance, and his sunny disposition coupled with his message of Florida Exceptionalism seems to be resonating with traditionally hardline conservatives, a demographic Trump relied upon to carry the state in 2016.
President Donald J. Trump isn’t exactly the poster child for “nice guys”, but he has been called charming by many who’ve met him, including big-time CEO’s. His stellar ability to capture the hearts and minds of blue-collar Americans who were fed up with politics-as-usual are what many experts claim won him the election.
With Putnam, it’s the same effect with a different emotion. Instead of appealing to and resonating with their anger, he connects with another powerful emotion – hope.
Economically, Florida has performed well in recent years by virtually all metrics. Putnam’s isn’t a message of change, but rather transcendence. Florida can continue to grow, and grow fast, into the “launch pad for the American Dream.”
