Stephanie Shaakaa
The election of Donald Trump and the political landscape surrounding it remain some of the most debated topics in contemporary American politics. Despite the existence of racism in America, it would be inaccurate to conclude that Trump’s victory was solely the result of racial motivations. Many of the same voters who propelled Barack Obama to victory in 2008 and 2012 rejecting white candidates played a role in Trump’s ascent to the presidency. Their shift was less about race and more about economic frustration and a repudiation of policies perceived to have neglected the American middle class.
When Trump rose to power, it was on the back of promises that resonated deeply with disillusioned Americans. Economic stagnation, job outsourcing, and the erosion of manufacturing in key states pushed many voters to seek an outsider who would address their concerns. Trump spoke directly to these anxieties, painting himself as the antithesis to what many viewed as a broken political establishment.
President Joe Biden, who came into office amidst immense national turmoil including a global pandemic and economic instability faced considerable challenges. Joe’s administration has been criticized for struggling to manage pressing issues such as rising inflation, the migrant crisis at the Mexican border, and the protracted war in Ukraine. The withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was widely seen as chaotic, marked one of the most significant blunders of his presidency and eroded trust in his leadership.
For many Americans, these failures were compounded by Biden’s perceived lack of vitality. The image of an aging leader, at times appearing confused or disconnected, became a symbol of what critics called the “bankruptcy of leadership.” The portrayal of Biden as a man who could easily drift away from a photo shoot seemingly lost echoed a larger concern about his capability to effectively lead.
Despite a slew of indictments and felony counts against Trump, the Republican Party’s unwavering support depicted a deeper sentiment within the electorate. To his supporters, Trump’s legal troubles were viewed not as disqualifying, but as evidence of his outsider status and his battle against what they deemed an entrenched political machine. By securing the nomination, Trump essentially sealed his pathway to victory. The issues he spoke about inflation, the border crisis, and national security were enough to galvanize voters who felt neglected during the Biden incumbency.
This phenomenon reveals much about American politics. It shows a system where, despite scandals and controversies, the right message delivered at the right time can eclipse and conceal personal shortcomings. Trump’s success rested on addressing tangible pain points for voters, something Biden struggled to counter effectively.
Kamala Harris’s role in the administration has further amplified skepticism. Chosen not through a rigorous primary process but through one man consensus, her ascension was criticized as symbolic of a deeper issue within the Democratic establishment. A lack of genuine connection with voters and an overreliance on top-down decision-making. Even Barack Obama reportedly remarked that Harris’s selection seemed more like a coronation than an earned candidacy.
Kamala’s public appearances, often marked by scripted responses and an indistinct policy identity, did little to inspire confidence. During a notable appearance on The View, when asked what she would do differently from President Biden, Harris’s response“Nothing comes to mind” left a lasting impression of indecisiveness. It reinforced the perception that she was a mere extension of existing leadership, embodying a blend of Biden, she couldnt sepatate her candidacy from Biden,Obama, and party orthodoxy without a distinct vision of her own.
These issues showed the state of American democracy. The spectacle of a once-unthinkable nominee winning against conventional odds, juxtaposed with an incumbent leader perceived as fragile and a vice president viewed as uninspiring,give prominence to a crisis in leadership. The fact that, out of 400 million citizens, the choices came down to Trump and Biden spoke volumes.
This dichotomy is not just an American dilemma but a global one. Democracies worldwide are grappling with leadership vacuums, where charisma and populist appeals often trump substantive policy discourse. As Trump clinched victory the moment he secured the Republican nomination, it showcased a fundamental truth. Winning elections requires speaking to the real and urgent concerns of the electorate, even if it means overlooking flaws in character or governance.
The world watched as America long regarded as the beacon of democracy navigated a reality where image and rhetoric often overshadowed policy and statesmanship. It’s a proof to the complexities and imperfections of modern democracy, an ever-changing narrative shaped by crises, economic realities, and the resonance of leaders who dare to defy the conventional playbook.
Trump’s success and the political dynamics of his rise reflect not only the enduring divides in American society but also the powerful appeal of a candidate who promises change, regardless of personal controversies. It is a validation to the fact that American voters prioritize their immediate economic and social realities over broader ideological concerns or character evaluations.
Trump’s campaign strategy thrived on identifying issues that struck at the heart of middle-class discontent. His message was one of reclaiming lost economic ground, restoring industrial jobs, and confronting perceived threats from unchecked globalization and foreign competition. States that had experienced decades of economic decline, especially in the Midwest and Rust Belt, became pivotal in his electoral strategy. These regions were once Democratic strongholds, but Trump’s rhetoric of “America First” and promises to rejuvenate American manufacturing won over voters who felt abandoned by traditional political elites.
His unorthodox style and defiance of established norms cultivated a fervent base that viewed him as a champion against an overreaching government and political correctness. For many, his legal challenges reinforced the belief that he was a disruptive force, challenging a system perceived as inherently biased. The “deep state” narrative, heavily propagated in right-leaning media, further cemented his appeal among supporters who distrusted mainstream institutions.
On the other hand President Biden’s tenure was about the fragility of centrist leadership during tumultuous times. While Biden campaigned on unity and the promise of returning to normalcy post-Trump, the reality of governing in a polarized nation with converging crises proved more difficult. The inflation surge, spurred by a mix of pandemic recovery efforts and geopolitical tensions, eroded public confidence in his economic management. The twist of immigration policy and the pressures at the southern border added another layer of criticism, with both parties finding fault in his administration’s handling.
The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which concluded a 20-year conflict but resulted in significant human and logistical fallout, was a defining moment that detracted from Biden’s leadership credentials. This event particularly resonated with voters concerned about national security and America’s standing on the global stage.
Biden’s perceived frailty compounded these policy missteps, becoming a focal point for critics who questioned his stamina and mental acuity. This narrative was magnified by viral moments that showcased him as disengaged or physically faltering. The portrayal of Biden as an aged figure, seemingly not fully in command, played into fears of an administration adrift amid mounting challenges.
Trump’s continued political viability, despite multiple indictments and scandals, epitomizes a shift in the political landscape where traditional markers of disqualification no longer hold the same weight. His ability to maintain a robust following speaks to a broader trend of partisan loyalty overpowering character critiques.
American values provided fertile ground for his reemergence.
In essence, Trump’s path to victory hinged on his keen ability to resonate with voters on issues that impacted their daily lives, while Biden’s presidency struggled to inspire the same fervent support.
Ultimately, this chapter in American politics reveals that leadership in the modern era is not just defined by policy success or personal virtue, but by the ability to channel collective frustrations and project a vision that aligns with the electorate’s aspirations whether or not it adheres to the norms of political tradition.
Stephanie Shaakaa writes from University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State
