It has been more than a year since my last post. I used to be able to churn out articles; but the last few years, as I lost all hope in the American political system, it has been harder and harder to do so. The transition from advocate to observer has been hard. No doubt about it. However, I am now fully retired and will have no excuse not to write on a regular basis. So here we go. Let’s look back to my last article and see where we stand. How off was I? Are my analytical skills working?
In the last article, I offered five reasons why I believed a Trump victory would be better for America. I was looking at it from the point of view that the country was at a dead end and needed to get out of it. I never had any illusions that Trump would improve the lives of Americans. Or that he would fulfill any of his campaign promises. I gave up on that in 2018.
Reason #1: It will undercut the narrative that Biden won in 2020 because of election fraud
I would say I was half right. Trump winning has made it harder for his supporters to claim the 2020 election was stolen. Although, they have tried by saying that this time Trump’s margin was too large for the Democrats to cheat. Cute take, but not credible. Either the Democrats are capable of massive fraud, and thus, win EVERY election. Or they are not. However, I failed to realize that “voter fraud” is an emotional issue. Much easier to believe that an election was “stolen” than dealing with rejection by the voters. Also the “voter fraud” is one of the weapons the political operatives use to mobilize right wing voters. Just like Democrat operatives use claim of “voter suppression” to mobilize their voters. Allegations of stolen elections will never completely go away. But they are less credible.
Verdict: Glass half full.
Reason #2: It will get both Trump and Kamala off the political stage
Total victory. A Trump victory was the only way to get him off the political stage. Yes, I know. There are individuals like Steve Bannon clamoring for a third term. But that is not going to happen. Trump declaring himself a dictator and suspending elections is more likely than him running for a third term.
As far as getting Kamala, she has hinted that she would like to have another shot at the presidency. Polls show that about 40% of Democrats would vote for her to be their nominee again. I just don’t buy it. Polls, at this stage, are more about name recognition than anything else. The fact that Kamala is a horrible candidate, with zero political skills, has not changed. If she is foolish enough to throw her hat in the Democratic primaries ring, she will not get very far. I seriously doubt she would make it to the first contest.
Verdict: Total victory
Reason #3: It will prevent the GOP from going back to the George W. Bush policies
The current situation is in a state of flux. Trump has moved the Republican Party away from free trade and firm commitments to NATO and other alliances. However, much of what Trump has done in said areas was achieved through executive orders. As everyone knows, executive orders can be reversed on Day One of any future administration. Only tax cuts and judicial appointment will live beyond Trump. In other words, the standard GOP policy fare.
Verdict: The jury is still out.
Reason #4: It will force the GOP to adopt a new foreign policy approach
Despite running as the Peace Candidate, not much has changed as far as foreign policy except for the rhetoric. Trump ripped away the veil of “spreading freedom, democracy, human rights” and openly, unabashedly declares he wants to steal other countries’ natural resources. I failed to realize that the GOP base is only proud to be an American when we are bombing or threatening other countries. There is no domestic mechanism that can cause the GOP to change its foreign policy approach. The pressure can only come from outside the United States. Perhaps, Trump’s decision to attack Iran again will result in the USA being forced to leave the Middle East. Such an event, could be the first domino that will break apart the foreign policy consensus in America. Or some other unforeseen global event. That is the only way the GOP will ever adopt a new foreign policy.
Verdict: Total failure
Reason #5: It will lead to a national divorce
Liberals climbing down rhetorical mountain they built about Trump never happened. After her defeat, Kamala said, “it will be okay”. For ten years, the Left warned that Trump was Hitler, the end of democracy, Jim Crow coming back. All shrugged away with a simple “It will be okay”. Very disappointing. And then, the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis happened. The Left was in the streets again. Energized. Defying the federal government. Trump retreated and, for the time being, the fire was dampened before it could go out of control. However, the embers are still around waiting to be ignited.
Verdict: Looking promising.
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