Donald Trump Is Stepping Up His Game

When Donald Trump parted ways with his former campaign manager Corey Lewandoswki, it was apparent that the GOP front-runner intended to change direction. With his latest speech, delivered in New York City, it seems we've gotten our first glimpse of the new Trump — and his updated general election approach. His renewed approach focuses on Hillary Clinton, but not in the way you'd think.

His latest speech touches on all the talking points we've grown to expect from The Donald (rigged system, corrupt politicians, special interests, etc.), but changes the game by using a technology recent to his campaign: a teleprompter. Although his first teleprompted speech was given over a month ago, his continued use of the teleprompter paired with the new direction he appears to be taking brings the primary season circus attraction added legitimacy as the nation gears up for the general election in November.

Though the speech didn't present any new ideas, Trump's focus on serious issues such as jobs, the economy, and foreign policy (namely, the ways he says Clinton has and will continue to hurt each of these sectors) certainly sounded "more presidential" that the off-the-cuff speeches political spectators have grown to crave. It's hard for me to imagine it from a supporter's perspective, but even I can see why this short-leashed Trump might be appealing. You know, if I had never turned on a TV or looked at Twitter or if I had amnesia up until June 22.

While Trump's criticisms of Clinton and the government at large remain vague as ever, the direction he's taking them is fresh: He's (somewhat ironically) painting Clinton as a self-centered politician only out for her own interests while claiming that because he's been successful in business and "has it all," his decision to run is selfless in comparison:

Hillary Clinton wants to be president. But she doesn't have the temperament, or, as Bernie Sanders said, the judgement, to be president. She believes she is entitled to the office. Her campaign slogan is “I’m with her.” You know what my response to that is? I’m with you: the American people. She thinks it’s all about her. I know it’s all about you – I know it’s all about making America Great Again for All Americans. Our country lost its way when we stopped putting the American people first.

While the concept of a "selfless" Trump criticizing anyone else for being self-interested and narcissistic may seem laughable to some, his most recent speech is much more presidential and, most importantly, much more on-message both to gain party unity and embolden his cultish voter base.

This speech offers a glimpse into a candidate we haven't seen before: a candidate intent on unifying amidst claims of Republican disunity, and whose search for unity lies in berating his opponent in ways that don't make him look bad. While criticizing Clinton is nothing new for the presumptive Republican nominee, his tone of party and American unity marks a serious departure, and needs to be taken seriously.