American polls can teach politicians a thing or two
NOW THAT the US elections are over, a remarkable lesson in politics appears.
First, never assume the gullibility of the voters to swallow every story you spin. President Thabo Mbeki tried it with his Aids theories and Donald Trump did it with his Covid remedies. Both the “quack” theories got them out, except in Trump’s case, the successor seemed to be smarter.
Second, politics is about patience and playing your cards right. Biden served two terms under president Barack Obama and, instead of retreating into the sunset, kept pushing. Mbeki should have allowed Madiba to be in the Union Buildings for another term. Generally, politicians cannot retire and there is no age limit. Mahathir bin Mohamad was in his 90s when he was rejected as prime minister of Malaysia and tried to be smart, which got him ousted not too long ago. As a rule, unless you are Barack Obama who can enjoy life as a young, retired president, many ex-politicians find the adjustment back into civilian life difficult.
The US election was not easy and with Trump’s blustering rhetoric and “political successes”, this must be a rare occurrence where a president who had done so much for Israel, was not re-elected.When Biden was announced as the candidate to rival Trump; this seemed like a walkover for Trump.
Trump played the wrong tune on his Covid trumpet and got dumped byB iden who kept his head down and bided his time with Kamala Harris, who must have bruised Hillary Clinton’s ego as black and female.
This is going to be an interesting combination. The China (Huawei), Iran and Russia relations (Nordstrom gas pipeline) will be their tests.
Ultimately, you should realise that the electorate might place tremendous trust in you, but such trust is borrowed. Failing to lead will result in their opponents ready to pounce, no matter how unlikely their victory may seem.
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Durban North