Unraveling the Quirky Beginnings of Trump’s ‘Too Big to Rig’ Slogan

The mantra of ‘too big to rig’ has been commonly associated with Former President Donald Trump, who frequently employed the phrase during his campaigns and presidency. Uncharacteristically ungrandiose, this phrase seems an unexpected choice for a leader known for his flair for the dramatic and larger-than-life persona. The origin of this seemingly ridiculous phrase actually lies within the rich tapestry of Trump’s experience in the world of media, and it speaks volumes about the strategies and tactics employed by his administration. Before delving into the roots of the ‘too big to rig’ mantra, it is paramount to understand that Trump’s strategy is heavily reliant on narratives and slogans. His business background paired with his experience in reality television had honed his abilities in branding and storytelling. By devising simple, memorable phrases – the ‘too big to rig’ mantra being no exception – Trump reached out to his followers, engaging them in his narrative. Trump’s extensive use of the ‘too big to rig’ mantra reportedly began during the 2016 presidential campaign. At a time when Trump’s bid for presidency was viewed as farcical by many, the mantra emerged as a bold assertion tied to his candidacy. Essentially, it was a statement that his campaign, his political ambition, and his persona were so monumental that they were beyond the purview of political manipulation. However, this phrase also served a more practical purpose – it was designed to counter accusations and suspicions of election rigging, thereby preemptively dealing with potential objections to his victory. Interestingly, the ‘too big to rig’ mantra bears a striking resemblance to Trump’s business approach. Throughout his career, Trump has been notorious for launching ambitious business ventures and declaring them too significant to fail, even in the face of skepticism and criticism. This tactic worked in many instances, earning him considerable success along with a number of failures – strenuously reframed as ‘learning experiences’ by Trump. In essence, the ‘too big to rig’ philosophy was a business strategy repurposed into a political communication tool. The effectiveness of the ‘too big to rig’ narrative hinges on two key aspects of Trump’s speech: repetition and exaggeration. Constant repetition served not only to embed the slogan in the minds of his followers, but also to maintain a consistent narrative throughout his campaign. The use of exaggeration unfolds as a classic Trump move, reinforcing the larger-than-life image he has crafted for himself. Another intriguing angle to the ‘too big to rig’ mantra lies within Trump’s appeal to his voter base. The phrase resonates with the sentiment of working-class American citizens who feel ignored by traditional politicians. By suggesting that his political movement was too monumental to be manipulated, Trump portrayed himself as an infallible champion of the people, battling against a corrupt system that was trying, yet failing, to stifle his voice. Finally, the ‘too big to rig’ mantra further sets the stage for Trump to easily discredit any losses or adverse conditions as the product of foul play. By pre-emptively calling the system rigged, any of his failures can conveniently be attributed to the system’s corruption, thereby preserving his image as the incorruptible warrior. In conclusion, though it may appear simple or even comical on the surface, the ‘too big to rig’ mantra is a complex construct reflecting Trump’s strategies and political maneuvering. More than a catchy phrase, it serves as a robust demonstration of his mastery in narrative cultivation and reputation management, shedding light into the machinations behind his political campaign.