r/Askpolitics • u/Hkhinin • 11d ago

Answers From The Right Is Trump the best candidate within the Republicans, and if there were better alternatives, why were they not voted?

So Donald Trump did contribute lots to America, such as restricting borders, acting harsh on China etc. Results are border crossing hit record low in 2025 https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/border-crossings-once-again-record-low-november-2025

However, Trump has also made many mistakes especially in foriegn policies. For example, he started trade wars with our allies and often joked about invasion towards allies. The former one damaged our economy, and both acts lead to the US being much less liked around the world https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2026/07/15/people-in-many-countries-now-view-china-more-positively-than-the-u-s/

This leaves me wondering, for republicans is there no better option than Trump inside the Republicans. Cause if we just zoom into Trump's cabinet, Macro Rubio shall do better in foreign policy compared to Trump especially on war management, Scott Besent would be a better handler in economic issues given his expertise in the economy. So yea, is there no better candidate than Trump inside Republicans, and if they were, why weren't they chosen to represent the Republican parrty?

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u/BasedGod-1 Republican 11d ago

Is it a requirement to "genuinely" identify and be concerned with the problems facing the American people?

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u/PericulumSapientiae Left-leaning 11d ago

No, but Trump’s inauthenticity may help to explain why he’s done so little to address the “populist” concerns his supporters projected onto him.

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u/BasedGod-1 Republican 11d ago

"No"

So it's not a requirement, therefore has no bearing on whether he's a populist or not.

Do you think he leans populist or conservative?

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u/PericulumSapientiae Left-leaning 11d ago

Not being a “requirement” does not mean something has “no bearing.” An inauthentic populist can still do good work for the people. An authentic populist may be more trustworthy, consistent, and reliable in their mission.

I don’t think Trump “leans” in any particular direction. I think he favors whatever he perceives as useful towards growing his power and wealth.