A week that could potentially redefine American history is wrapping up, seeing a notable tilt towards Donald Trump in the presidential race. This current political climate is marked by its sheer unpredictability, implying the table could turn again in just a matter of days.
Trump delivered the closing remarks at the Republican national convention in Milwaukee this Thursday, demonstrating the party’s burgeoning optimism for the forthcoming November elections. In light of the recent unsuccessful assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, his supporters hail his survival as a sign that fortune favours them.
Trump’s initial remarks, since the assassination attempt, reflected a somewhat reconciliatory tone, as was forecast after the incident. But as he went on, he reverted to his usual themes of grudge and retribution.
Before the convention concluded, the focus shifted back to the increasing anxiety within the Democratic party over Joe Biden’s dwindling election odds, which presently seem to foretell a sure defeat. Although Biden’s backers rightfully claim the national polls inducing marginal changes post the first presidential debate three weeks back, his support seems to be waning specifically in the swing states that hold the key to the election outcome. Recent data suggests even reliably Democratic states like Virginia are in the fray. If Biden persists in the race, Democrats are apprehending an otherwise neck-to-neck race may turn into a walkover for the Republicans.
Biden’s argument suggesting that the push for his replacement is propagated by elites, is weakened by the fact that more than half of the democrats think he should step down. His withdrawal seems likely given the mounting pressure, and, if that happens, American politics will be faced with unprecedented events trying to decide a new nominee so close to the election.
Complementing this narrative is Trump’s decision to endorse JD Vance, the senator from Ohio, as his running mate, reflecting the growing confidence of the Republicans in their populist message. This could indicate that, if elected, Trump’s second term might uphold more rigorous ideology, aggressively implementing policies ranging from mass immigrant deportations and protectionist tariffs to an isolationist foreign policy. This also aligns with an openly threatening rhetoric from the thoroughly Trump-centric Republican party, boasting of retaliations against political adversaries and expressing readiness to drastically reform American establishments.