LETTER | Trump looms large again in the land of the maverick

LETTER | The world is watching with fascination the drama unfolding in the United States. It is election year and the man who is hogging the limelight is the political maverick and former president Donald Trump.

It appears that America’s love affair with Trump is still going strong. His legal troubles do not seem to prick the conscience of America, whose very democratic foundation was badly shaken in a so-called insurrection allegedly inspired by the man now in the race for the White House.

No matter how much critics and opponents tarred him, he is emerging as a serious contender for the reins of power he once held and which he refused to give up in the 2020 election.

To the very end, Trump did not concede defeat. He acted tough - and the American public appeared to lap up his macho image. He went out with his head still held up high.

What is it in that man who can still command the respect of the Republican troops and may even lead the party in the upcoming presidential election?

Trump could not be said to be an outstanding president during his first term when he was trying to drain the swamp of Washington. But no matter. Today, he appears to be in a commanding position to win the Republican nomination.

What then is the driving force that is fuelling his political resurrection? Physical attraction (his hairdo)? Oratorical skill (he hardly fumbles or slurs)? Strength (he didn’t slip or faint in public)? Stamina? Mental prowess? Charisma?

Perhaps, it is the combination of all these attributes that the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire found appealing when they gave him the big boosts in his quest for his party's nomination.

The Republican primary contests are turning out to be a one-horse race, with only Trump in the saddle, leaving all his other Republican rivals in the dust. If he continues with his winning streak in all the other primaries, his showdown with incumbent President Joe Biden is inevitable.

The rest of the world can only marvel at the audacity of someone who is facing several felony charges and yet seeking the highest office in the land. But that’s America - the land of the brave and the free and the maverick.

If Trump were to capture the White House one more time, it goes to show that in the US, it does not matter if you goad your supporters to attack Capitol Hill or rant at the judges in court as long as America is enamoured of a leader who believes he can still make America great.

If he is back in the Oval Office with a massive mandate, it also goes to prove that his narrative of fraud in the 2020 election carries weight and truth.

This is a return grudge match and the favourite son of the Republican Party is unlikely to be in a forgiving mood towards Biden in the event he returns to his old job in triumph.

Battle for America’s soul

America would love to see Trump take on Biden if only because it would spice up the bout. Two old men slugging out for the coveted prize, with one bent on vengeance and the other hoping the American public would buy his line of attack that Trump had subverted democracy, instead of defending it during the infamous “revolt” on Capitol Hill.

The battle for the soul of America will be portrayed as one between good and evil but the question of morality is unlikely to figure much in the minds of voters. When they cast their ballots, they are not electing a saint.

When the heat and soundbites recede and the winner is declared, the next day America will wake up and ask: what happened? If it is Trump back in the driver’s seat, experts, analysts, commentators as well as friends and foes will have a field day figuring out the improbable and stunning return of Donald Trump.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.