A big blow to Trump

Ray Moore’s defeat in the deeply conservative Republican fortress of Alabama is a significant blow to Donald Trump. The US President had thrown all his weight behind a scandal- plagued candidate, not only endorsing Mr Moore vigorously but also campaigning for him. Democratic candidate Doug Jones’ victory will reduce the Republican majority in the US Senate to 51- 47 ( with two Independents). Whatever this means about how the GOP will run its legislative business, the unexpected result is being celebrated joyously around America and the world by all progressive elements. Mr Moore, accused of a variety of offences, including being a child molester, was seen as a morally- depraved leader who even shamelessly declared he felt the US was at its best in the age of slavery.

Mr Moore’s defeat is important as it may help establish the fact that in today’s America, overwhelmed by disclosures and confessions of the rich and famous from Hollywood and Capitol Hill, accusations of sexually predatory behaviour, even from the distant past, can’t be dismissed with blanket denials of the kind Mr Trump employs — for himself and for the likes of Mr Moore. When dealing with charges regarding Mr Trump’s own behaviour with various women, the White House had said the people had voted on it in the presidential election, implying that the vote should be seen as the ultimate judge of everything, including the personal morality of winners. Mr Trump’s ability to attract voters is also being stretched now, that may throw a somewhat different light on the crucial congressional elections coming up next year.