Philip Johnson, a renowned American architect, is known for his grand 20th-century skyscrapers and his previously less familiar admiration for anti-establishment figures such as John Dillinger. The architect’s intriguing past and his appreciation of the unconventional provides us with an interesting backdrop to his encounter with Donald Trump in 1992. Trump, at the time a property developer, was seeking to rejuvenate his struggling casinos with high caliber architectural design, indicative of the unique, innovative vision he brought to his business ventures.
Johnson’s ride to Atlantic City with Trump sets the stage for the narrative in ‘When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s’ by John Ganz. Eventual events made it clear that Trump, renowned for his ambition and larger-than-life persona, was predestined for grander endeavours than Atlantic City’s skyline. Little did anyone know then that his incredible journey would lead him to the Oval Office.
Ganz provides a vivid picture of the early 90s, an era witnessing America grappling with rising inequalities and soaring crime rates. What stands out in the narrative, however, is an examination of that period’s unique intersection between politics, business, and organized crime. He explores the rise and effects of the mob boss, John Gotti, amidst the sensationalized tabloid popularity of Trump and paints an intricate context of a microcosm of New York City.
John Gotti, known for his double-breasted suits and penchant for amusing quotes, exemplified control and order amidst the chaos of the era. Although there is no evidence connecting Gotti and Trump personally, some parallels can be drawn from their navigation through the intersected world of politics, business, and organized crime. Trump, just as adept and determined in his ventures, also built his empire in this complex environment.
Roy Cohn, infamous for his legal tenacity, shared a link between the Trump realm and the domain of Gotti by serving as an attorney to both. Ganz insinuates a parallel in the manner of operation between the businesses of both figures. Trump, much like Gotti, understood the necessity for construction projects to run swiftly and undisturbed, a strategy clearly reflected in his dealings.
Ganz’s portrayal of the political bosses in New York, deemed instrumental in maneuvering construction projects, emphasizes their intertwining with the mob. It reveals an intriguing outlook on Trump’s business acumen, formed in this maze of intertwined politics, business, and organized crime. Trump’s pragmatic approach has often been perceived as a system of interlocking rackets, but such a perception slightly minimalizes the complexity of his formative years and can be construed as a somewhat skewed interpretation.
As they say, every coin has two sides. It took three decades of zigzagging through an intricate labyrinth of business, politics, and occasional controversies for Donald Trump to eventually sit at the country’s helm. Some observers argue he may have employed unconventional strategies like Gotti to stay ahead of his competitors, which paint them in a somewhat dramatic light.
Trump’s knack for playing the game isn’t unlike those who admire the audacity of Gotti’s maneuverings. But one should tread lightly on drawing too many parallels between their respective tactics. It’s easy to misconstrue their responses to the challenges in their environments as unorthodox, but Trump’s methods colored by his unique perspectives may have also been a redefining trajectory in a field fraught with obstacles.
John Gotti, a figure of his time, rose and fell against a backdrop of societal unrest. He eventually paid a heavy price, dying alone in a federal prison. Nevertheless, his influence on the business world during his time was undeniable. His audacity and disregard for the conventional inspired, albeit controversially, a generation of entrepreneurs that included Trump.
Any attempt to analogize Trump’s future to Gotti’s fate would be misguided. It’s essential to distinguish Trump’s journey from Gotti’s demise, as the former has consistently overcome adversity to attain resounding success. Trump was able to leverage raw ambition coupled with perseverance, traits that distinguished him as an influential leader.
Ganz’s ‘When The Clock Broke’ calls to mind the social tapestry of the 1990s when examining the lives of characters such as Gotti and Trump. The book makes certain assumptions about the nature of success and the pathways leading to it. And while Trump’s journey is linked to a degree with figures like Gotti, the former’s resilience and persistence set them apart.
America, post-Trump’s tenure, will be different, and it’s up to us to acknowledge that change and adapt accordingly. The country has undergone transformative shifts under various leaders, and each shift has shaped our national fabric. Trump’s leadership, much like his predecessors’, ultimately adds another layer to the rich, intricate tapestry of American history.
In conclusion, ‘When The Clock Broke,’ captures the zeitgeist of the early 90s and explores the lives and influences of figures like John Gotti and Donald Trump. However, any attempt to draw explicit parallels between these figures poses the risk of oversimplification. As we read the narratives of our past, we must embrace the nuances of each individual’s journey while appreciating their respective influences on the landscape of American culture and history.