© Anouk de Kleermaeker
American connoisseur & Political scientist
Raymond Mens
Raymond Mens is an American connoisseur and political scientist. He comments on political developments in the United States on radio and television. He is a regular guest at Today Inside, Op1 and other programs.
Languages:
Employability:
Chairman,Keynote Speaker
Employability:
Chairman,Keynote Speaker,
About Raymond Mens
Raymond Mens is an American connoisseur and political scientist. He comments on political developments in the United States on radio and television. He is a regular guest at Today Inside, Op1 and other programs.
In 2016, Mens predicts that Donald Trump could well win the presidential election. Back then he was mainly looked at with surprise, now he is a much sought-after speaker who analyzes the trends behind Trump and places them in today’s America. ‘As a football commentator analyzes a football game, I interpret American politics. I have no preference, but explain the developments in the most understandable way possible.’
In 2020 Mens published ‘Long Live Trump‘. In the book he concludes that the Trump era will continue to rumble on, even if America’s 45th president is no longer here. ‘A diet of Coca-Cola and Big Macs. Bleached and tanned. A New York accent. Donald Trump is all American. So are the trends behind Trump.”
In his second book, News as a weapon (2022), the American connoisseur analyzes the rise of FOX News. Mens writes about a media war that is no longer about viewing figures, but about political power. Alongside recognizable news facts, he gives the reader a bizarre look behind the scenes. “It’s a battle between generals and soldiers in their trenches: media magnates Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch and ratings guns like Tucker Carlson.”
In his podcast ‘America in 15 minutes‘, Raymond explains the latest developments from the United States and answers questions from listeners. Mens also likes to answer questions from the audience during lectures.
During his lectures, Mens not only paints an intriguing picture of American politics, but also of an era. In passing, Raymond describes his personal experiences with the United States.
Mens studied in Amsterdam and Virginia. He then worked as a campaign strategist for the VVD and Amazon, among other things. Comparisons with the Netherlands are therefore frequent in his lectures.
Specialist Subjects
Nanko G. van Buuren, Diretor Executivo IBISS, Brazilian development-organization
“The ABN-AMRO Bank asked me to give a presentation about my work as director of the Brazilian development-organization IBISS. Mayra accompanied me. She is a young girl from one of our IBISS-projects and in December 2008 she received the International Children's Peace Prize. This Prize is connected to the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize and so Bishop Desmond Tutu gave Mayra the Prize. Mayra and I wanted to tell the audience a lot about the fight of IBISS against social exclusion, the fight of Mayra for peace and access to education for children and young people from the extremely violent favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro. A good journalist or moderator is always needed because we want to put it all in the spotlights. Somebody who asks concrete questions and stimulates the audience to participate in the discussion. That is why we were so happy that Ms. Gerry was moderating. Gerry was well prepared and knew about the topic, knew which subjects were interesting to start upon and provoked in a light way a valuable discussion. Inspiratrice Gerry is in a way a very Brazilian person. We know a lot 'transformistas' in Brasil. IBISS even works together with two of them in our AIDS-prevention projects and they all are smooth talkers!
Ms. Gerry ensured that the work of IBISS and Mayra was transparent and accessible for the audience. A real pleasure to work with her! I sincerely recommend Gerry for other organizations and conferences. Gerry, thank you very much for your serious commitment as ambassadrice to our work in Brasil. Beijão.”
References
His story is full of fun and informative anecdotes that continue to fascinate.
"Raymond has a very interesting and engaging view of American politics. His story is full of fun and informative anecdotes that continue to fascinate. He does an excellent job of describing what the public can learn from a much-discussed politician like Trump."
Raymond acts quickly and thinks along with you.
"It was nice to work with Raymond. He acts quickly and thinks along with you. As a result, in addition to his own story, he also managed to make a series of points that were interesting for our society."
Ramond has a very pleasant and open way of speaking.
"Raymond's presentation was captivating from minute one. He has a very pleasant and open way of speaking. Particularly valuable about his presentations is that current events are of paramount importance and he supplements this with a wealth of knowledge of American politics and American life."