The Democrats of 2016 were characterized by complacency. They did not regard Donald J. Trump – business tycoon and a ‘brat’ of a man – as a worthwhile contender who could make it to the White House, let alone get a whole term as President. Hillary Clinton and her campaign managers were invested in this confidence and mentally sealed the deal for a four-year term in office. However, it was quite the shock when results revealed what might have otherwise passed for a fluke. Trump had won and he was to march ahead with 304 electoral votes. This was 30 more than the required number. How could this have happened? Certainly, there was some wave of the strangest kind favouring Trump.
But, the complacency of the Democrats, entering the race as incumbents and distrusting their opponent’s ability (not sure if it can be called ability), worked way more adversely than this wave did. This is a mistake that they cannot have afforded to repeat again and there has been some action this time to rectify past mistakes. The Democrats have also worked on the differences within and united behind Biden, more visibly as time passed. However, there still looms a high possibility for Trump to let some trouble in through the back-door in his desperation to hold power. This affinity is more real than one could have ever imagined. Preparing for the absolute drama would do us all well, considering the unpredictable and un-political methods of the President.
Less than five days remain for November 3rd. Experts state that for a hassle-free entrance to power, the Democrats should be able to declare a clear victory on November 3rd – a slight margin for either Biden or Trump could be debilitating for the democratic structure itself. If Biden falls short by a margin, no matter how big or small, Trump could put a hold on votes that would need counting post the date. And if it’s Trump who falls short by a small margin, he would still go on to contest the mail-in votes in court. Given the conservative majority in court, thanks to Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation and the scarcity of swing justices, the decision might be favourable for the GOP. The permutations are plenty and for complete assurance of normal transition, there would have to be a significant margin. We’ve been hearing Donald Trump constantly reply ambiguously to questions regarding the same. He stresses on elections being ‘fair’ and it is this condition that he subjects the transition to.
The current administration, though in its last official week before the election, has been rather active in pursuing its policies on ground. Mike Pompeo went on a quick but important tour of the Indo-Pacific, signed agreements, and has even been vociferous about the US’ anti-China stance. Politics, foreign policy, and administration have been on full swing. One might argue that it could merely be a pre-determined governmental policy that need not be read too deep into, but this certitude that things would ultimately go their way is concerning. The oldest democracy does not need an electoral drama now and a prolonged battle at court regarding the results would only impede proper functioning of the government. A gap with no elected President in power is undesirable. To accept and hand over, is the most basic ethical step that America and perhaps even the world, is expecting from Trump if he loses the election. Unveiling political buffoonery will prove to be fatal for the GOP. The party surely can’t be minimized to such levels by its own leader’s antics.
Here’s to expecting fair behaviour from the country’s leaders.
