I apologize if this has been covered in the Donald Trump thread already, but I couldn't find a similar topic in any other thread.
I recently finished a biography about Silvio Berlusconi, and find that there are many similarities between them on the political scene.
I am not an Italian, nor was I an adult in 1994 when he first came to power, so I am short on the facts regarding the political and economic scene in Italy in the later 1980's/early 1990's. However, I think there are many parallels in their rise. Below are similarities that come to mind:
1- Basically succeeded in every venture in each stage of life, and were not one-dimensional. Berlusconi started in real estate, then media, owned AC Milan, then went into politics. Trump was in real estate, branched off into other things Trump branded like wines, clothes, golf courses, etc, succeeded in television, and now is entering politics.
2- Political outsiders
3- Incredible sales/persuasion skills, and also a love/ability to connect with the common man
Below are clear differences:
1- Berlusconi plagued by many more scandals
2-Berlusconi came from a more humble background, while Fred Trump was a success in real estate
3- Trump is trying to succeed in the current two party system (not without challenges), while Berlusconi started his own party
Would love the perspectives from Italians, or Europeans that are also well versed in the current American scene and remember the Berlusconi days. While many are saying the Trump rise is unprecedented, one only has to look a little over twenty years ago to see the power of a self-made man with high energy and public appeal.
I recently finished a biography about Silvio Berlusconi, and find that there are many similarities between them on the political scene.
I am not an Italian, nor was I an adult in 1994 when he first came to power, so I am short on the facts regarding the political and economic scene in Italy in the later 1980's/early 1990's. However, I think there are many parallels in their rise. Below are similarities that come to mind:
1- Basically succeeded in every venture in each stage of life, and were not one-dimensional. Berlusconi started in real estate, then media, owned AC Milan, then went into politics. Trump was in real estate, branched off into other things Trump branded like wines, clothes, golf courses, etc, succeeded in television, and now is entering politics.
2- Political outsiders
3- Incredible sales/persuasion skills, and also a love/ability to connect with the common man
Below are clear differences:
1- Berlusconi plagued by many more scandals
2-Berlusconi came from a more humble background, while Fred Trump was a success in real estate
3- Trump is trying to succeed in the current two party system (not without challenges), while Berlusconi started his own party
Would love the perspectives from Italians, or Europeans that are also well versed in the current American scene and remember the Berlusconi days. While many are saying the Trump rise is unprecedented, one only has to look a little over twenty years ago to see the power of a self-made man with high energy and public appeal.