In Colt Donaldson’s mafia fiction, “How to Kill a President?” (Volume I and II) the personal intertwines with the political, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of identity, ambition, and historical legacy.
This excerpt, depicting young Donald Colt’s first encounter with 24-year-old Donald Trump, serves as a microcosm of the novel’s broader themes. It’s a snapshot of a transitional America, grappling with its values amid societal and cultural upheaval.
Staten Island: A Microcosm of Forgotten Potential
Set against the backdrop of the Tysen’s Park Apartment complex, Staten Island emerges as more than just a geographical location. It symbolizes forgotten potential and unrealized ambition. While Manhattan dazzles with its neon skyline, Staten Island remains the “forgotten sibling,” a quieter stage for lives less illuminated but equally compelling.
Here, Donald Colt’s youthful arrogance and disillusionment mirror the borough’s understated identity. Colt’s disdain for formal education and his lofty dreams of grandeur encapsulate the restless spirit of a generation caught between the past’s rigid expectations and the future’s undefined possibilities. His casual rebellion—cutting classes, idolizing cinematic gangsters, and experimenting with countercultural aesthetics—paints a vivid picture of a young man striving to carve out his own space in a rapidly shifting world.
A Meeting of Two Donalds: Contrasts and Parallels
The meeting between young Donald Colt and Donald Trump is emblematic of two contrasting but intertwined ambitions. Trump, a fledgling mogul, appears worn down, collecting rent in federally subsidized apartments his father built. His presence, described in a burgundy suit with a gold ring and a Rolex, exudes material success but is tempered by exhaustion and the weight of familial expectations.
Colt, in contrast, is a dreamer, his ambitions as unrefined as his casual hippie appearance. Yet, both Donalds embody the drive to rise above their circumstances. For Trump, it’s through calculated business moves; for Colt, it’s through artistic expression and a deep-seated belief in his inherent uniqueness. Their interaction is brief, but it highlights the narrative’s recurring theme: the tension between ambition and the environments that shape it.
The Shadow of Vietnam: A Nation Divided
As Donald Colt reflects on the Vietnam War, the narrative shifts from personal ambition to the broader socio-political landscape. The war serves as a haunting backdrop, a stark reminder of the cost of ambition on a national scale. Colt’s musings on Jane Fonda’s protests, the brutal realities of war, and the plight of drafted soldiers highlight the ethical and moral complexities of the era.
The vivid descriptions of Vietnam’s jungles—“the air hung heavy with humidity, smelled of death and carnage”—are more than just imagery. They underscore the dissonance between the American Dream and the American reality. The war, referred to as a “so-called police action,” reflects the ambiguity of political decisions that send young men into harm’s way, often with little clarity about the purpose or the outcome.
Ambition in the Face of Adversity
Donald Colt’s fascination with cinematic gangsters and his desire to emulate larger-than-life figures like James Cagney and Al Pacino speaks to his yearning for control in an uncontrollable world. These idols symbolize resilience and power, qualities Colt admires and seeks to embody. However, his evolving identity—from a middle school drama enthusiast to a young hippie embracing anti-war sentiments—reflects the fluidity of ambition in a time of cultural transformation.
His casual observations on trust—”Trust is a factor you need most in any relationship”—reveal a deeper understanding of the social dynamics around him. While his dreams remain grandiose, his worldview is tempered by the realities of his upbringing, his interactions with figures like Trump, and the larger forces of history shaping his world.
A Narrative of Contrasts: Personal vs. Political
This passage from How to Kill a President exemplifies Donaldson’s ability to weave personal anecdotes into the fabric of national history. The juxtaposition of Colt’s youthful rebellion with Trump’s burgeoning ambition creates a compelling narrative of contrasts. Similarly, the personal toll of Vietnam serves as a stark counterpoint to the detached political decisions driving the conflict.
Through Colt’s eyes, readers witness the human cost of ambition, both personal and political. His reflections on the soldiers drafted into Vietnam—many of whom had no choice but to fight—highlight the sacrifices made by individuals in the service of broader ambitions.
At its heart, How to Kill a President is a story of transformation. It’s about how individuals, families, and nations navigate the tension between ambition and adversity. For Donald Colt, Staten Island serves as the crucible in which his identity is forged, shaped by interactions with figures like Trump, the shadow of Vietnam, and his own restless aspirations.