Is Donald Trump The Ultimate Neoliberalist?

[TomCADem]

Many folks have argued that Donald Trump won because Democrats elected a neoliberal candidate in Hillary Clinton. However, looking at the characteristics of neoliberalism, it would look like Donald Trump fits the definition of a neoliberalist to a tee. If so, is the lesson that Donald Trump won by preaching a neoliberal message with his deregulatory message of cutting 70 percent of federal regulations and cutting taxes? Afterall, it would be hard to argue that Hillary Clinton is more of a neoliberal than Donald Trump based on the criteria below aside from trade:

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=376

The main points of neo-liberalism include:

THE RULE OF THE MARKET. Liberating "free" enterprise or private enterprise from any bonds imposed by the government (the state) no matter how much social damage this causes. Greater openness to international trade and investment, as in NAFTA. Reduce wages by de-unionizing workers and eliminating workers' rights that had been won over many years of struggle. No more price controls. All in all, total freedom of movement for capital, goods and services. To convince us this is good for us, they say "an unregulated market is the best way to increase economic growth, which will ultimately benefit everyone." It's like Reagan's "supply-side" and "trickle-down" economics -- but somehow the wealth didn't trickle down very much.

CUTTING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES like education and health care. REDUCING THE SAFETY-NET FOR THE POOR, and even maintenance of roads, bridges, water supply -- again in the name of reducing government's role. Of course, they don't oppose government subsidies and tax benefits for business.

DEREGULATION. Reduce government regulation of everything that could diminsh profits, including protecting the environmentand safety on the job.

PRIVATIZATION. Sell state-owned enterprises, goods and services to private investors. This includes banks, key industries, railroads, toll highways, electricity, schools, hospitals and even fresh water. Although usually done in the name of greater efficiency, which is often needed, privatization has mainly had the effect of concentrating wealth even more in a few hands and making the public pay even more for its needs.

ELIMINATING THE CONCEPT OF "THE PUBLIC GOOD" or "COMMUNITY" and replacing it with "individual responsibility." Pressuring the poorest people in a society to find solutions to their lack of health care, education and social security all by themselves -- then blaming them, if they fail, as "lazy."

[HassleCat]

1. Your definition of neo liberalism is incorrect

More of a textbook definition, not a working definition

[TomCADem]

2. What's the Difference? Shouldn't They Be The Same?

Otherwise, it could lead to confusion and ambiguity if people are using the same term to mean different things.