Post: #1

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.

Post: #2

Maybe I've fallen for media propaganda here, but I don't think that comparison is accurate. Berlusconi stole enormous amounts of money and set back Italy a lot. While definitely entertaining and red pill, he was also a poster boy of corruption. Trump is the opposite of that.

Hopefully some Italians can shed more light on the issue.

Post: #3

While there are certainly a few similarities, I don't think trump is going to be a second Berlusconi and I certain't hope he won't.

Post: #4

(04-21-2016 07:16 PM)Liberty Sea Wrote:  While there are certainly a few similarities, I don't think trump is going to be a second Berlusconi and I certain't hope he won't.

One thing you can say about Berlusconi is that he does hang out with some pretty good looking women. From what I have heard, he did promote some to senior level positions when he was running Italy.

Post: #5

I think, much more accurate would be, comparing D. Trump and M. Macri (who actually, once, made a business deal together, years ago).

Also, adding to this perspective: Hillary C can very well be compared with free-falling, jail-bound Cristina de K (or another corrupt SJW, soon-to-be-impeached and humiliated Dilma).

Post: #6

Both Trump and Berlusconi are involved in media, but you are missing the distinction. Berlusconi built several nationwide media outlets in Italy, whereas Trump by comparison merely had a successful mainstream TV show and made other appearances.

Knowing how blatantly media influences politics everywhere, this is a massive divide between the two characters in a political sense. You could even go as far as to say Berlusconi is the most powerful "insider" there ever could be in politics. Even Trump says he's been dealing with politicians his whole life, so he's not truly a complete outsider to politics. Imagine Berlusconi's grip on the Italian political scene and public opinion.

Trump is running as the anti-corruption candidate against the MSM while Berlusconi is the macho overlord pimp of the MSM. They are opposites now that I think about it.

But to answer your question, yes they are exactly the same because they are both perverted wrinkly chauvinists that hate women and are both suuuuuuper racist and they have too much money so they should die. #NEVERTRUMP

Post: #7

Yeah clearly some differences in terms of the endless bribe accusations and shady connections Berlusconi had with the political scene and possibly Cosa Nostra. He denies all of it to this day, but one must wonder with all of the fire, and the fact that he was found guilty a few years ago.

I guess being an American the politicians have been such sycophantic liars for so long that when one comes along who actually speaks his mind and shows some authenticity, it is a breath of fresh air and they can definitely win. It seemed like Berlusconi offered that twenty years ago and had the appeal of not being a career politician, promoting nationalism and prosperity, and telling it how he saw it.

Don't think a Trump presidency would end in the disaster like it did for Berlusconi, but to his credit, he did have the deals with Gaddafi to halt the migration from Libya (which worked) and was opposed to the interventions in Iraq and Libya (like Trump).