While some on the left have referred to the Trump acceptance speech as dark, realistic is more on the button. With terrorist attacks across the Western world and a radical anti police movement in the United States there is truth to Trump’s assertion that “our convention occurs at a moment of crisis.” Trump’s asserting that America can be safer and more secure both physically and economically rings true to people across the country.

With ISIS affiliated attacks occurring seemingly daily throughout Europe as well as a number of recent attacks in the USA, Trump’s declaration in his acceptance speech that “we must immediately suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism until such time as proven vetting mechanisms have been put in place” rings true. Many in America would rather be safe, even if it means turning away refugees who can’t be vetted. Recent attacks in Europe by Afghan and Syrian migrants help to cement this point. While America has always welcomed immigrants, terrorists can infiltrate the refugee population and that is a risk too great for the West and ,America in particular.

On trade deals as well, Trump reflects the opinion of a large number of his supporters as well as Sander’s supporters. After NAFTA and other trade agreements, many Americans feel their wages have been lowered and worry that Obama’s TPP will lower the wages of workers as well. Clinton has said the TPP “sets the gold standard”. To many Americans this does not appear to be the case. Opposition to bad trade deals is helping to drive Trump’s popularity for he has vowed to renegotiate these deals in a way that benefits America.

Finally, on illegal immigration Trumps talk of immigrants coming in legally along with having secure borders, as laid out in his acceptance speech, I believe speaks to a great many Americans. When Trump said, referring to the Sanctuary Cities which defy federal law and protect illegals from deportation,”where was the sanctuary for all the other Americans who have been so brutally murdered, and who have suffered so horribly,” some hear not darkness and fear but resolve and justice.

Donald J. Trump, whether on trade, homeland security or immigration, has tapped into American voices which haven’t been represented. While inarticulate at times and sometimes lacking specifics, Trump has tapped into a movement in America and is reaching a constituency who really want to make America great again.