Donald Trump's Alexander Pope factor

In his victory speech following yesterday’s New York Republican presidential primary, Donald Trump referred to his opponent Ted Cruz as “Sen. Cruz,” rather than, as is his wont, “Lyin’ Ted,” and we are supposed to swoon at how “presidential” Trump has become.

But we would do well to remember the words and warning of satirical English poet, Alexander Pope (1688–1744):

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

What I dread to see coming is that daily exposure to Donald Trump has resulted in popular acclimation and habituation that has led to first a dulling and then a tolerance and finally a familial affection toward him on the part of the masses. This is like the way we at first are shocked by our vulgar Uncle Al but end up getting used to him and finally liking him and insisting he be at all our Christmas parties.

But though in politics we often speak of this or that one “reinventing” himself, let us remember that it is a figure of speech and not really true. A frog is a frog is a frog. And though you smear lipstick on his warty lips and put a cape on him, a frog will never really be a prince.