US Politics

  • Donald Trump knows players, and knows the game

    Donald Trump has been embroiled in scandals since his first term in office and with the Jeffrey Epstein story it has occurred during his second term too. It’s just part of an ongoing drama of a battle between himself and the media that has ensued over the course of decades.

    His lengthy time in business started off a trail of press reporters that would ask him questions at every turn, often also finding a moment to ask if he’s going to run for the Presidency at some point. Now that it’s happened, the story has developed into something else altogether.

    Donald Trump speaking to a BBC reporter in 1998 about handling a celebrity-type of notoriety (Source: HARDtalk/BBC).

    Trump is someone who knows both the players and the game at the same time and he’s now so attuned to responding to peoples questions over all sorts of matters that his good humour and likeable nature comes through in his answers – even as people pester him over the same kinds of issues.

    The repetitive news cycle is sometimes the enemy of people who are trying to do a straightforward thing, but Trump has shown an ability to overcome a dull day to come through with ideas that shape an agenda. It’s not to everyone’s liking, but it’s his settlement over the purpose of it.

  • Pres. Trump targets political disorder

    There’s a jokey health ailment in American media called Trump Derangement Syndrome. It’s used by the President himself to describe the protests of opposing groups. It epitomises the emotions of those that gather repeatedly to oppose his agenda in public.

    In response to real disorder the President also has a tactic. It’s not media based. It’s a National Security Presidential Memorandum that instructs the moderation of political mobilisation by use of legitimate, reasonable force.

    It highlights “organised political violence and domestic terrorism” as a real, significant problem in America. It isn’t just in response to the killing of Charlie Kirk, a political activist, but it feels like it. It reaches deep and seeks to uproot a virulent form of activism.

    The starker events in recent modern American history haven’t always been positive. Apart from either party getting their President from time to time, the real issues of politics have been divisive. It’s a reality that bears down heavily on the nation as it moves forward.

  • A Democrat way forward

    The loss of an election is hard to take, and it looks as though Democrat candidate Kamala Harris has taken it in her stride. Her address to supporters, and subsequent outreach, has made it clear she’s proud of her achievements so far.

    In her work history is a Vice Presidency preceding a Presidential run that addressed Democrat issues head-on. She’s the first black politician since President Obama to aim for the top job, and has a chance at going for it again.

    However, it’s her party’s job to work out what happens next. It may be a long four years before any progress is made in this regard. It’s also a test of mettle as Trump takes office, for a party that used his first term to get him out of office.

  • Trump’s way ahead

    In forging his path, Trump has already made a number of appointments to his administration. However, these are beside the point for those who see his words and actions as more meaningful.

    He’s a businessman by experience and orator by choice in many respects. He fires out statements – and speeches – that sound off the cuff and momentary. It’s both his way and style of thought.

    Trump’s only experience of power so far is as President. He didn’t get elected to office before 2016, and he’s not held one since. His second term as President is a re-run of his first in political terms.

    The criticisms he receives may be interpreted as being more a disagreement of his approach than his judgement, but four more years brings greater scrutiny, and may yet change things.

  • Trump’s big win

    In a quick look at Donald Trump’s win, it looks as though he gained victory by less votes – and a lower turnout – than his last run in 2020.

    His electoral vote result is much higher, of course, and it demonstrates a confident win for him against Kamala Harris.

  • Presidential candidates rally faithful

    The US election is entering its final stages and both candidates are ramping up their efforts. Their events have gotten larger, bringing in even bigger viewing audiences, making their speeches trend online.

    Trump has relied on the endorsement of Elon Musk, a business polymath engaged in car manufacture, space travel, and social media. It’s a boost to his formulaic outdoor rallies, and direct appeals to voters.

    Kamala Harris has drawn praise from icons such as Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama, and Beyonce Knowles. Her public events have also increased in their appeal, and significance, in her campaign.

  • Harris bests Trump on funds

    In a US election campaign a candidate usually has to go all out to raise enough dollars to push their competition out. It’s what we’re told, and since success relies a lot on advertising and increasingly on campaign stops, it makes sense to put in a lot of effort.

    The total for the Presidential election this year has exceeded $2.5 billion dollars, taking into account all the candidates on either side. Kamala Harris has reached $900 million and Donald Trump just over $375 million according to the Federal Election Commission.

    This demonstrates a strong proposition put forward by the Democrats on their ticket, with a Vice President and amiable Governor. It also suggests a sluggish campaign by Trump with fatal threats nearly carried out and difficulties in keeping a positive public image.

  • Trump fights veteran claims

    Donald Trump has hit back at Kamala Harris over remarks she made yesterday about a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.

    Staff on Trump’s campaign team were allegedly confronted by staff at the cemetery.

    Harris reiterated quotes and statements he’s made to challenge his record of support for veterans.

    “This is a man who is unable to comprehend anything other than service to himself. If there is one thing on which we as Americans can all agree, it is that our veterans, military families, and service members should be honored, never disparaged, and treated with nothing less than our highest respect and gratitude.”

    In response Trump has released videos of family members of veterans that contradict her claims.

  • Trump’s low

  • Agenda 47 vs. Project 2025

    There’s a tug of war in American politics on the right at the moment. As usual Donald Trump is at the centre of it.

    The Republican Party has a 20-step plan called “Agenda 47” that sets up his next term in office. It’s credible to believe it’s a program he may rely on if he wins in November. He has competition however.

    The Heritage Foundation has its plan called “Project 2025” and is comprised of a ‘Transition Playbook’, an online training platform, and what it calls a personnel database in preparation for government.

    It isn’t clear if Donald Trump or the Heritage Foundation have any prior arrangements in place but their competing agendas surely rule this out entirely.