Washington 9 November (30). Whatever feelings about Trump, and you’re not alone in your view that he’s been a polarizing figure. Whether people support or oppose him, there’s no denying that he’s left a lasting imprint on American politics, often evoking comparisons to historical figures like Hitler but more like Mussolini, sometimes for his strongman persona and authoritarian rhetoric, rather than direct parallels to Hitler. This is a leftist narrative.
From a policy standpoint, many critics, argue that Trump’s approach has often seemed shallow or reactionary, with an emphasis on rhetoric over substantive, long-term solutions. His style, which can be characterized as more populist and confrontational, has often been criticized for its lack of depth in policy detail, or for favouring short-term gains over structural reforms.
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However, his supporters would argue that he’s brought necessary change to the political establishment, challenging norms and focusing on issues that they believe the “old guard” has overlooked. Trump’s “America First” policies, his stance on immigration, and his approach to international relations like withdrawing from international agreements or challenging China, have been central to his appeal for many.
Trump’s brand of politics but also the Democratic establishment, with Biden and Harris at the center of public frustrations.
Trump’s Persona:
Trump’s appeal to “the babes of pretty in heels and tight dresses.”, which is part of his broader populist, sometimes vulgar style. For Trump, the flashiness—be it his rhetoric, his branding, or his public appearances—has often been a key part of his appeal, particularly to those who feel nostalgic for a past that seemed simpler or more “masculine.” He’s embraced that style of politics that’s more about spectacle than substance.
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The Democratic Defeat:
The Democratic loss squarely at the feet of Biden, Harris, and the established leadership in the party, Pelosi, Schumer, Schiff. The view that the Democratic Party hasn’t done enough to energize its base or connect with middle America. Some feel that Biden represents the status quo in a way that doesn’t resonate with younger, more progressive voters or those disillusioned with politics as usual.
Kamala Harris has also become a lightning rod for criticism. For some, her ascent to the vice presidency was seen as opportunistic, riding the wave of identity politics and personal ambition, with a history of prosecutorial tough-on-crime policies that have alienated progressives and the average American voter. The “family-crushing social climber” angle, which suggests frustration with how both Harris have navigated their political careers, sometimes seen as self-serving or less about principles and more about power.
The challenge for many with Biden was always that he represented a kind of “middle-of-the-road” establishment politics that doesn’t excite younger or more radical voices in the party. In many ways, it feels like Biden’s victory was more a rejection of Trump than an embrace of Biden’s specific policies or vision. But in the end, the Democratic Party seems to have doubled down on figures who may not be as dynamic or inspiring as the country needs right now.
“Who Wants a Family-Crushing Social Climber in the Oval Office?”:
This is a strong condemnation of both Harris, but it taps into a broader frustration with the political class, regardless of party. Voters often feel like they’re being asked to choose between two flawed, career politicians who are more interested in preserving their own power than in solving real issues. The idea of “stepping over bodies to get to the top” speaks to the sense of ruthless ambition that critics saw with Harris.
Many also argue that the political system is rigged in favour of people who know how to navigate it, which often leads to candidates who are less genuine. For some, this breeds resentment toward politicians who’ve spent decades seem disconnected from the struggles of everyday people.
Trump, despite his flaws and controversies, represents a kind of outsider or defiant force, and where the traditional political elite, both Republican and Democratic, appears disconnected, fearful, and willing to go to extreme lengths to shut him down.
The Trump Turncoats:
The “turncoats” in Trump’s first administration—those who, once in positions of power under him, ultimately turned against him. There’s no question that Trump faced intense resistance from within the ranks of the government, military leadership, and even many members of his own party. Who once served in his administration were quick to criticize him once they were no longer in the fold. This is viewed as betrayal by a group who are part of the system Trump vowed to challenge.
The “deep state” narrative became central to Trump’s rhetoric and messaging, positioning himself as someone fighting against entrenched powers who wanted to keep the status quo intact. From this angle, Trump’s resistance to the establishment, whether it be in his approach to foreign policy, immigration, or even his defiance of traditional political norms, was a defining feature of his appeal.
The “undertone” of racial and divisive rhetoric that you mention is a real and ongoing concern. Critics argue that Trump’s use of language often veers into racial dog whistles or emboldens nationalist sentiments. While Trump and his supporters may dismiss accusations of racism as unfair, there’s a segment of the population that sees his rhetoric as contributing to a more polarized atmosphere in the country.
The Elites’ Fear and the Legal Attacks:
The Democratic establishment has resorted to using the legal system to “bankrupt” and “sue Trump into submission.” This framing echoes a wider sentiment among Trump’s supporters that the legal and media attacks against him are politically motivated. The investigations, whether it’s the Russia probe, the impeachment efforts, or the numerous lawsuits and charges brought against him, are viewed as attempts weaponize the political discourse and to silence a voice that challenges the established order.
It’s important to note, however, that from the other side of the aisle, these legal actions are seen as a necessary response to his behaviour in office, especially surrounding issues like the Capitol riot, his refusal to concede the election, and questions about his business dealings.
But the fact remains that, for Trump’s base, this only fuels their narrative that he’s being persecuted by the “deep state” or the political elites who are afraid of his populist challenge. Whether or not one believes these legal challenges are warranted, there’s no doubt they’ve added to Trump’s mystique as a figure who is constantly under attack by the system and that’s something galvanized his supporters.
The Russian Investigations and Refusal to Concede:
The Russian investigation, along with Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election, are two of the most polarizing issues in recent American history. The Russian probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, found no conclusive evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, but it did highlight numerous instances of interference and obstruction that some felt were brushed aside. For Trump’s critics, this remains a critical part of his record, even if they acknowledge that the investigation didn’t result in criminal charges.
Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6th Capitol riot, is perhaps the most significant event of his post-presidency. His continual claims of election fraud, despite no credible evidence, have deepened the divide between his supporters and the broader political establishment. For many elites, this refusal to accept the outcome was more than just a loss, it was an existential threat to the democratic system itself.
The Disconnect of the Democrats:
You’re also right in saying that the Democrats seem disconnected from the average American. Many feel that the party’s leadership is out of touch with the economic anxieties and cultural shifts that are driving the country’s deepening divisions. As you point out, the Democratic establishment, instead of focusing on substantive issues like jobs, wages, and healthcare, seems overly focused on social issues and moral arguments that don’t necessarily resonate with large swaths of the electorate.
The Democratic leadership, Biden, Pelosi, Schumer, Schiff and others had trouble framing a compelling vision for the future. There’s a sense that they’ve become entrenched in their own power struggles, with little regard for the working-class voters who feel left behind by both parties. Many see the Democratic approach as weak coastal liberal bubble.
The Political Realities:
Trump’s appeal, even with all his flaws, is that he’s not part of that world, he’s seen as someone who doesn’t care about political niceties or institutional power. His abrasive style and controversial rhetoric may alienate many, but for others, he represents an unapologetic rejection of the political establishment.
On the other hand, the Democrats have largely failed to break free from their own political elites, opting for compromise rather than bold action. The result is that the voter saw the Democrat elites out of touch with a growing segment of the electorate that is frustrated with the status quo.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, whether it’s Trump or Biden, or someone else entirely, the real issue may be the growing disillusionment with a system that feels more like a game for elites than a genuine vehicle for change.
The exhaustion with the “trash talking” from both Trump and outlets like CNN, and the broader media, is a sentiment that a lot of people can relate to. There’s no shortage of sensationalism and divisive narratives, which only seems to deepen the divide, making it hard for anyone to have a reasoned conversation about the real issues facing the country.
The Enduring Power of the Voter:
Michael Moore’s warning that 2024 will “deliver the biggest “f… you of American voters” to the Democrats. Moore’s point about the Democrats missing the mark is crucial because the party has become disconnected from the voters.
Moore’s analysis isn’t without merit. Many pundits and party elites failed to see the massive swath of disillusioned voters who were ready to reject the status quo. Hillary Clinton’s loss was, in part, a reflection of the failure to address the economic realities facing middle America. The same discontent continues to brew, and as the Democrats double down on their progressive agenda.
NATO, the EU, and the Global Stage:
The question of what’s coming next for NATO, the European Union, and U.S. allies in Asia is a critical one, particularly given Trump’s foreign policy stance during his presidency. Trump often called into question the value of NATO, suggesting that the U.S. was carrying too much of the weight for European defense. He also questioned the globalist tendencies of the EU and stressed the need for fairer trade deals with China and other countries in Asia.
In 2024, these global issues will likely be at the forefront, particularly as the world faces ongoing geopolitical tensions. If Trump returns to power, it’s possible that his “America First” policies could create a more isolationist or transactional U.S. foreign policy. Allies in Europe and Asia may be concerned about a potential retreat from multilateral agreements or a weakened U.S. commitment to collective defense.
The 2024 Election as a Crucial Turning Point:
In terms of the 2024 election, you’re right that it could be a decisive moment. Trump has shown time and again that he’s a master at harnessing the power of populism, speaking to a deep-seated frustration with the establishment. For many voters, the system feels broken, both parties seem to be catering to elites and special interests while ignoring the needs of everyday people. Whether it’s through Trump’s defiance of political norms the public’s patience is wearing thin.
In this context, Trump might just find himself as the candidate of protest again, even if his time in office was controversial. The Democrats, as you pointed out, seem to be missing the point: the future of the country isn’t necessarily about grand ideological battles but about the ability to connect with voters who feel like they’ve been left behind. Those voters could make all the difference in 2024.
At the end of the day, as Moore suggests, the voter holds the power. If the Democrats can’t provide a compelling vision for the future, and if they continue to alienate large swaths of the electorate, Trump could very well capitalize on that anger and frustration.
What’s Next for the Democrats?
The real challenge for the Democrats will be whether they can find a way to reconnect with working-class voters, address economic inequality, and break free from the grip of the elites who are often seen as more interested in virtue signalling than in actual policy that affects people’s lives. If they fail to do that, and if they remain obsessed with identity politics or progressive agendas that don’t resonate with large portions of the country, they might face another wake-up call.
For all the controversy and division, Trump still managed to build a coalition that resonated with key voting blocs, particularly women voters, veterans, and younger men, despite many of the conventional narratives about his lack of broad appeal. His ability to mobilize these groups, his outsider status, or his blunt style, is part of what made him such a formidable force in American politics.
Trump’s Broad Appeal:
Trump’s appeal, particularly to blue-collar voters, veterans, and even some suburban women, is often underestimated. While he may have alienated a large portion of educated, liberal-leaning suburban women with his rhetoric and actions, he also connected with another group of women who felt their economic anxieties were being ignored by the political establishment.
Veterans, too, were a crucial part of Trump’s coalition. While his foreign policy was often criticized for being erratic, his tough-on-terrorism stance and his administration’s focus on improving VA services spoke directly to many veterans and their families. For many veterans, it was enough that he spoke their language, that he made them feel seen and valued.
As for younger men, many of whom feel disillusioned with the political system and a culture they see as out of touch, Trump’s brash, unapologetic style was refreshing. He often spoke to the frustrations of young men who feel sidelined by both the political left and right, and his messages about strength, nationalism, and rejecting political correctness resonated with a segment of the millennial vote.
“Like Him or Hate Him, But He’s the President”:
This blunt acknowledgment “Trump it is. Like him or hate him, but he is the president of the United States” captures the essence of the paradox around Trump’s presidency. He managed to defy the odds in 2016 and then hold on to a significant portion of the electorate in 2020, despite the challenges and controversies. His presidency was deeply polarizing, but for millions of Americans, he represented a break from what they saw as the failed establishment in Washington.
Even if Trump’s politics were often theatrical, combative, and unapologetically confrontational, but they were also a response to a country that felt left behind by globalization, shifting social norms, and a political class that often seemed disconnected from the struggles of working people.
The 2024 Outlook:
Looking ahead to 2024, it’s clear that Trump still commands a powerful faction of voters. If anything, the legal challenges and constant attacks have only cemented his role as a populist hero to many. Despite his legal battles, the shift in key states like Pennsylvania and the continued alienation of certain Democratic voter groups create a perfect storm that could tilt in his favour. The power of the voter is undeniable, and if Trump can maintain his base while appealing to swing voters in the right regions, the 2024 race easily tilted in his direction.
For the Democrats, the task is clear: They need to offer more than just anti-Trump rhetoric and a defense of the status quo. They need to find a way to connect with the angry voters, the disillusioned working-class Americans, and those who feel they have no real representation in Washington. That may not be an easy feat, particularly when so many in the party seem more focused on cultural issues than on addressing the economic and political concerns of the broader electorate.
The Final Question:
The key question, though, is whether Trump’s influence can be sustained. Can he continue to channel the anger and frustration of millions of voters who feel unheard? Or will the changing demographics and a growing fatigue with his brand of politics tip the balance to someone else?