Several pundits attributed the Trump victory to a desire by many Americans to voice their dissatisfaction with the establishment on both sides of the aisle. In politically incorrect terms, voters were giving the liberal and conservative establishment “the finger.” It did not matter if it was a direct vote for Trump or protest votes for Gary Johnson, Jill Stein or (in Nevada) None of the Above.

Saturday night, I realized they are half right.  At the end of the Big Ten football championship, Penn State fans were giving us the finger also.  Except, in this case, it was a big foam “We’re #1” index finger.  Their goal?  To convince members of the College Football Playoff selection committee to include the Nittany Lions in the championship tournament.  Equally important is what they didn’t say.  No one was making the argument based on the aggregate performance of the Big Ten conference or strength of schedule.  The message was clear and simple. We  won the championship game. “We’re #1.”

That’s when I understood it is also in America’s DNA to be #1, in sports, in business and in the geopolitical arena.  And that’s why a candidate who advocated “America First” won the hearts and minds of enough voters to become the 45th president.  Being “Stronger Together” is not good enough. Trump voters want to be #1.  PERIOD.

The Penn State analogy explains something else.  When being #1 is the only criteria for success, fans are willing to forgive a few indiscretions.  Saturday night there was no mention of Jerry Sandusky or Papa Joe.  Penn State faithful wanted the controversy surrounding the university’s honoring Joe Paterno on the 50th anniversary of his first game as head coach during the September 17 home game to be just a memory.

Being #1 is clearly in Donald Trump’s DNA.  After 9/11, he bragged that his Wall Street property was now the tallest building in south Manhattan.  His hotels and golf courses have to be superior to any others.  “The Apprentice” could only have one winner (compared to “Shark Tank” where any worthy concept has a chance of being funded).  And he constantly reminds us he surrounds himself with the “best” people.  On election night, it would have been more appropriate for Trump to trade in his “Make America Great Again” ball cap for a red, white and blue foam finger proclaiming, “We’re #1.”

And just like Penn State, any transgressions in the past are forgotten.  Trumps conspiracy theories, insults, twitter tantrums and broken promises (e.g. releasing his tax returns) do not matter.  He is #1.  The consequences of policies and programs which focus primarily on a promise to make America  #1 in a global society are yet to be seen.

While boasting of being at the top Saturday night made Penn State fans feel good in the moment, raising the #1 foam finger did not get Penn State into the playoffs. And Paterno’s obituary in the State College, Pennsylvania newspaper still reminds us how Papa Joe was dismissed as head coach for turning a blind eye when informed of Sandusky’s criminal behavior.  The incoming president could learn a lot from the Penn State experience.  Above all, being #1 can be both fleeting and delusional.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP