BEDMINSTER – Democrats are so enthused these days, it’s hard to remember how gloomy they were exactly a month ago.
That was July 19, a Friday, and there were some news reports that Joe Biden – then just recovered from Covid – was preparing to go back on the campaign trail.
We know what happened next.
Biden announced that Sunday that he was leaving the race.
Over the last four weeks, we have seen overwhelming excitement among Democrats around Kamala Harris. Whether it lasts is the question, but polls indicate it is real.
Harris is now ahead in most national polls and in a number of swing states – most notably Michigan.
Of more significance, her entry into the race has made such places as Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina competitive.
Prior to July 21, Donald Trump was leading nationally and in most swing states. He was also very close in some reliably Democratic states like Minnesota and New Hampshire.
The Dems’ upbeat mood likely will continue throughout the week as Harris accepts the presidential nomination at the party’s Chicago convention.
In the midst of all this, the former president plans to campaign throughout the country this week as well.
He, presumably, gave a preview at a press conference last week at his golf course – Trump National.
Calling it a preview is a bit misleading.
One thing we have learned about Trump is that he says basically the same things all the time with the exception of changing names and places when needed.
His event last week was, indeed, more of the same.
Here goes it:
The country is a mess. The economy is awful. Crime is raging. And only Donald J. Trump can fix it.
Or as he said, “I just want to win for the country.”
His legal woes are because of “crooked” judges and prosecutors.
Nothing is absolute, but the facts support little of what the former president said.
Inflation has ebbed, unemployment is still low and the stock market has more than recovered from two days of downturns earlier this month.
On foreign policy, naturally, Trump says wars over Gaza and in Ukraine simply would not be happening if he was president. Try to objectively prove that one.
His ability to see and do everything is also on display when he suggests that the stock market is doing well because people assume he is going to be president again.
A logical question is, how far does this go?
Trump’s act has been front and center for eight years now, and you wonder if it has run its course – like a TV show.
As we said, he does change names and places. For instance, at his press conference, he suggested that Minnesota is a terrible place to live because of Governor Tim Walz, who is Harris’ VP running mate. That was a new one.
But the central point is always the same.
It’s Donald J. Trump against the nasty and corrupt world.
We know Trump’s core MAGA supporters will always be there. Their passion seems to have no limits.
A Trump banner I saw the other day outside a home in Morris County, says:
“Trump was right about everything.”
People who are sensible about politics know that no politician is right about “everything.”
That cult-like devotion explains Trump’s base, but what’s evident day after day is that the base is not growing.
And that’s another reason why Democrats are smiling.
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In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, Democrats have found a silver lining in what some are calling the cult-like devotion to former President Donald Trump among his supporters. According to a recent article in Insider NJ, this unwavering loyalty to Trump could actually benefit Democrats in the long run.
The article highlights how Trump’s influence over his base has created a rift within the Republican Party, with many GOP lawmakers feeling pressured to align themselves with the former president in order to maintain their political careers. This has led to a lack of diversity of thought within the party, as dissenting voices are often silenced or ostracized.
On the other hand, Democrats have seen an increase in unity and solidarity among their ranks as a result of the stark contrast with the Republican Party. The article points out that while there may be disagreements within the Democratic Party, there is a greater willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and compromise in order to achieve common goals.
Additionally, the article suggests that Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party could drive moderate and independent voters away, creating an opportunity for Democrats to expand their base and win over swing states in future elections. By positioning themselves as the party of reason and inclusivity, Democrats may be able to capitalize on the growing disillusionment with Trumpism and attract a broader coalition of voters.
Overall, the article paints a hopeful picture for Democrats in the face of Trump’s enduring popularity among his supporters. While the cult-like devotion to the former president may present challenges, it also presents opportunities for Democrats to strengthen their own party and appeal to a wider audience. Only time will tell how this dynamic plays out in future elections, but for now, Democrats are finding a silver lining in the chaos of Trumpism.
