The ‘Trump magic’ seems to be working and many are now finding themselves absolutely in consonance with Trump’s views. The most notable convert to Trump’s cause was Nikki Haley.
The just concluded 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) at Milwaukee in Wisconsin seems to have changed the whole Presidential election scenario in the United States. Trump’s speech reflected his strong sense of commitment and dedication towards making “America Great” again. It was also the first major public remarks made after the assassination attempt against him. Trump very humbly accepted his nomination for the third time and will be in the race for the presidential election. He had lost in 2020 election when the Republicans had nominated him for the second time.
This RNC has also gained salience because it could not be organised in person during 2020. The Covid pandemic had prompted the cancellation of most events surrounding the 2020 RNC. Trump’s remarks during the RNC showed his push for acceptance by the rest of Americans when he began by promising to be President for “All of America” and not a part of America. Such statements from Trump demonstrated how he could gain confidence and optimise advantages. There is no denying the fact that he knows the art of wooing supporters and mobilising public opinion in his favour.
Trump obviously used his assassination attempt as a major tool for building confidence. His “will” to defeat the Democrat came out very openly when he started talking about how divine intervention only saved him and how only he could be the saviour of America. Trump also highlighted that the narrative built by the Democrats that his actions were a threat to democracy was completely false. In fact, he claimed that he was perhaps the one saving democracy.
It was also surprising that how within a week of his assassination attempt how all his political foe became his ardent supporter. There were hardly any Trump’s Republican critics during the RNC. It seemed the “Trump magic” worked and many of them converted fully and are now finding themselves absolutely in consonance with Trump’s views. The most notable convert to Trump’s cause was former United Nations Ambassador, Nikki Haley who appeared on stage and delivered speeches endorsing Trump. The other important convert was Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and obviously he has now become the vice presidential nominee. It is anticipated that Vance’s evolution from Trump critic to Trump supporter and his Ohio roots could help him make a case for Trump to swing voters in key states in the Midwest and the Rust Belt.
Undoubtedly, Trump has benefitted from the assassination attempt and has now established total control on the Republican Party. His words and wisdom are going to be the prime mover for evolving the strategy to win in the forthcoming Presidential election. This RNC in one way was unusual. There was an attempt made to project the political power of women. Earlier, it has been observed several times that Trump had made unflattering remarks about women. This was perhaps a great change in the overall perception on women.
The remarks made by Trump during the RNC were the longest ever. He also spoke on immigrants at length and how they are posing challenges to the peace and stability of the United States. He will certainly come up with stringent mechanism to deal with the immigrant issue. With regard to high rate of inflation in the United States, he highlighted how these could be dealt with. He spoke at length on the younger generation of the United States and how they could help in building America a great nation. The domestic issues perhaps would feature prominently if Trump occupies the seat of power. The growing discontent among the citizens of the United States about Biden’s Presidency featured prominently in Trump’s 92-minute speech. The way Trump described the last four years of Biden seemed as if the United States’ has receded in every sphere.
The failure on part of the United States foreign policy on many counts including not reflecting its intent to assume the global leadership role was also demonstrated significantly. In fact, Trump went to the extent of saying that he has the potential to stop the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and he will do it in no time. He was very guarded on the issues before US allies. It seems as if he has learnt from his past mistakes in dealing with US allies and many global issues.
For India to watch these evolving scenarios, it is certain that India has already built a strong foundation for itself especially in the last one decade. India has learnt the art of skilful and assertive diplomacy where it has been reflecting its intent in dealing with all the multiple poles of power in the international system. Irrespective of whether Republican or Democrat at the helm of affairs in the United States, India will keep continuing its foreign policy orientations and see how there will be a win-win situation. The United States has understood India’s potential so well that they can never think of ignoring India’s interests.
It is most likely that Trump will return as the President of the United States unless some dramatic announcements happen during the Democratic National Convention scheduled for 19-22 August 2024 at Chicago in Illinois.
Dr Arvind Kumar is Professor of United States’ Studies at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi).