- Would there be a path forward? Maybe. It would require consensus. Something that has been missing from mainstream politics. It would require a sleight of hand as to the fundraising money. it could be done. But it would be a hot mess.
- The world still looks to us for stability more so than any particular leader. Although it is arguable that Trump 2 would be a totally different level than Trump 1, leadership in other countries are somewhat mentally prepared for this. The United States is still looked at as a paragon of stability. Before you bust a gut laughing at this, think about two things.
One: the dollar is still the benchmark of currency stability. Many other countries hold their national reserves in dollars there is no question that the dollar, least in the memory of almost all alive today, has been this stable.
Two: the United States has had a stable government with almost smooth transitions of power. Europe, for example, sees this as a touchstone and pillar of the modern world. Why? Because EUROPE. The majority of the people in Europe have been touched directly or indirectly by World War II, the Balkan wars, the fall of Communism, and now the war Ukraine. Europe has its own immigration issues. We look positively boring as to our own internal issues when seen against the backdrop of the last hundred years.
Three: the presidential election in the United States is a game. Donald Trump won this game eight years ago by campaigning in swing districts in swing states. the electoral college is everything. He even said something at this nature at the time, acknowledging losing the popular vote was meaningless. Now there is a slightly different game, but a game still. The game is the preventing the majority of Americans from turning out to vote. Americans, perhaps by their inherent nature, tend to be middle of the road. They were very loud extremes on both ends. The extremes will always turn out. If there is (more!) chaos and disruption in our election, people will step away. There is the perception for many in this country that voting doesn’t matter. Primarily like comes from the fact that we have been a stable country. I mean, no revolutions, no successful coups, no invasions. Many people believe their own lives are more important than the bigger picture, and the country will, in fact, run itself more or less. (As it did, for example, during the impeachment of Bill Clinton). Please understand. I don’t agree with this idea, but I believe it is a significant consideration for most people. I also believe there are more Trump voters who are motivated to turn out then Biden voters. Moderation has never had a big fan following.
One of my interesting observations, which is totally anecdotal, is that, before last week, when Nikki Hailey’s name came up, both for moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats, in casual conversation, the unanimous emotion was yes! That would have been great! We need a political establishment that thinks different and can bring such people forward. Nikki Haley‘s policies were not always my cup of tea, but they are better than drinking the Kool-Aid.
Wandering Jew 