Reflections on the Trump Era

There was a time when Donald Trump felt like an anomaly, a bizarre spectacle in American politics. I remember when his candidacy seemed like a fever that would eventually subside, a fleeting moment that would soon be forgotten. Back then, his campaign felt more like a joke, a sideshow that belonged in the entertainment section rather than a serious political arena.

As the election cycle progressed, I distinctly recall when many believed that Trump would never secure the Republican nomination. It was almost unfathomable to think he could emerge as the party’s standard-bearer. Even as the primaries unfolded, the idea of him winning the general election seemed like an impossible dream.

There were pivotal moments that many thought would end his campaign. His harsh criticisms of war hero John McCain were deemed disqualifying by numerous pundits. The infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, which revealed his troubling views on women, was widely expected to spell doom for his candidacy. Yet, against all odds, he persevered.

In the aftermath of his victory, there was a tendency to place blame. Some argued that Trump’s rise was due to the shortcomings of his opponent, Hillary Clinton, who was often portrayed as unlikable. Others pointed fingers at figures like James Comey or the media itself, claiming they played significant roles in shaping the election’s outcome.

Even after his election, there was a belief that the gravity of the presidency would act as a moderating force on Trump’s behavior. People hoped that the so-called “adults in the room” would be able to rein him in, providing the stability and decorum expected from the highest office in the land. Yet, as time went on, it became evident that the reality was far more complex.