The Lopez Lens: Telenovela Politics
Marile Lopez interviews her husband Jorge Luis Lopez on his new book that aims to help America understand the President of the United States
Love him or hate him, Donald J. Trump is our president. Controversial and larger than life, he acts often with motives that are difficult to understand. One thing my husband Jorge Luis Lopez understands is politics and most personalities, having been involved in campaigns for over 30 years.
That’s why he wrote the book, “Front and Center With Trump: America’s Wartime President”, so we can better understand what we’re seeing in the White House.
When it comes to Trump, he’s coined the term “Telenovela Politics,” because our President is the producer, director and protagonist of his own show. If you think back to his book the “Art of the Deal,” that’s the pilot program for his presidency.
The book is the insider’s guide to Trumpism, the 2020 elections, Florida, the inherent dangers of socialism, mail-in-ballots, and the new Telenovela Politics. The Kindle version and paperback book will be available April 17, 2020 – our wedding anniversary — to the delight of both romantics and political junkies.
And 100% of all proceeds will — through the Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez Family Foundation — go to support the work of the dedicated to faith-based programs that generate opportunities and access to education, healthcare and youth development for underserved children.
I asked Jorge Luis a few questions.
Why does the President act the way he does?
Because he can. His supporters allow him great latitude in his approach because they believe he is fighting for them. Trump is fighting for America. And we are in an existential battle.
When it comes to Trump what blinds us?
Our hyper-partisan views keep many from seeing the truth of what is happening in the White House and in Washington, generally. Others find it socially unacceptable to publicly agree with Trump because of his behavior, character and history. That’s one reason why the polls were off in 2016.
Take Trump seriously, not literally.
You say not to be blinded, that deals are being made in both houses?
Our republic is in fact a form of oligarchy. The political structure in which power rests with a small number of people – Senate President McConnell, House Speaker Pelosi and the President.
Deals are being made exclusively between them; few are consulted.
You say media is feeding us the idea that we have a broken political system?
The media is constantly reacting and limited to the flow of the information. Talking points are delivered at press conferences. House and Senate members relay the points to their constituents back home. Validating the narrative. And round and round we go.
You say Trump is misunderstood, what’s one thing we’re misunderstanding?
Trump genuinely cares for America.
What do you support?
I am a Reagan Republican. We believe in capitalism, limited government and American exceptionalism.
This is a President who is economically right- always thinking of the best “deal” for America.
With what do you disagree?
As a Reagan Republican, I do not speak ill of other Republicans.
You use the phrase Trumpism?
The political ideology of America First as implemented by President Trump. In essence, a form of nationalism.
You say you’re in the Goldilocks Zone, what does that mean?
Not too close, not too distant. My mentor, the late Sid Levine, taught me that to really see the political game one cannot be too close, because you lose perspective and your objectivity. Too distant and you are ineffective.
Marile Lopez is the Chief Financial Officer at Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, a governmental affairs firm representing Municipal Governments, Florida 100 and Fortune 500 companies at the federal, state and local levels. As CFO, she manages the financial reporting, income taxes, account receivable, drafting of contracts, and investments for the firm. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Mrs. Lopez founded and was creative director for Maria Elena Headpieces, a successful million dollar bridal accessory company which designs, manufactures, and sells products to high-end international wedding boutiques.
Mrs. Lopez also dedicates time to serve the community through leadership roles in a number of organizations. She is Chair of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s South Florida Executive Committee, whose initial focus is to host the 2020 Legends for Charity Dinner (NFL Super Bowl LIV). She is also Chair of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Dean’s Advisory Council, where she is leading her 2nd — multi-million dollar capital campaign as part of “Next Horizon: The Campaign for FIU”. She also serves on the board of Chapman Partnership, Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, FIU President’s Council, and the American Red Cross. She has served as Chair of Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) Foundation, on the Board of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Miami Children’s Health System Board, as well as on the Board of American Cancer Society’s Miami-Dade Unit.
Marile Lopez and her husband, Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., are widely known for their philanthropic work in our South Florida community. They have received numerous awards for their exceeding dedication, including the 2017 Power Couple by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, 2015 American Red Cross Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year Award, the 2014 Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, the 2013 James W. McLamore Volunteer of the Year Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Marile received in 2018 the MDC Parks Foundation in the Company of Women Award, the Take a Walk in her Shoes Award by Chapman Partnership, and the Woman of the Year Award by Miami Women Who Rock. In 2017, she received the Philanthropy Award by Fairchild Botanical Gardens, and in 2016, she was the recipient of Torch Award – Community Leadership Professional Achievement Award by Florida International University, the American Red Cross Spectrum Award, and the Women of Substance & Style Award by Buoniconti Fund. In 2015, Marile received the Woman of Distinction and Caring by Plaza Health Network, and in 2014, the Women of Faith with the Virtue of Charity Award from the Archdiocese of Miami, Mujeres Giving Back Treasure by The Woman’s Fund, Women Who Have Influenced the Community with Outstanding Charitable Causes by Neiman Marcus-Coral Gables, Miracle Maker by Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Hispanic Leadership Philanthropy Award by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Marile was also the recipient of the Inner Circle of 12 recognition from the American Cancer Society in 2013, and St. Jude Honors in 2012.
Mrs. Lopez received her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University, and Associate’s degree from Miami-Dade College.
Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., have five children: AR, Carli, Annia, Saramelia and Luis Jorge. They all reside in Coconut Grove, Flo
