He is the comeback man, or the man who has learned ‘The Art of the Comeback’. He relied on blowing his own trumpet. And the world hated him for that. Throughout the ugliest election campaign in modern times, he was written off. But when the world laughed at him, he laughed it off and today, much to the shock of the entire world, he is having the last laugh. The world had a rude awakening on the morning of November 9 when it discovered Republican Donald Trump making history by beating the favourite Hillary Clinton (Democrat) to become the 45th President of the United States.
After 9/11, this was perhaps the biggest shock for the Americans and the world at large. Incidentally, it was on 11/9. Defying all odds the robust billionaire – who was heavily criticised throughout the bitterly fought election campaign for his misogynistic attitude (groping of women), religious prejudice (calling to ban Muslims from entering the US), and his policy on migrants (building wall on the Mexican borders), among others – stuck to his guns till the very end and bounced back with a vengeance to pull off a bigger political upset than Brexit.
This was the comeback of all comebacks. He suffered a bad time monetarily in the 1990s recession, bringing his reputation as a business genius into question. But he overcame that phase by coming out with a book – a best-seller ‘The Art of the Comeback’. The President-elect will move into the Oval Office in January. Hillary Clinton, who is yet to come to terms with the shock defeat, called him up to concede defeat. The tycoon celebrated his win with a victory speech that was a mix of grace and restraint. He paid tribute to Hillary Clinton for her years of public service.
Trump addressed a cheering crowd of hundreds outside the Hilton Hotel in New York City. He began his speech by saying, “I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us. It’s about us. On your victory, and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard-fought campaign. I mean, she fought very hard. Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely. Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division, to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people.”
As poll counting began, late into 8th of November, a date that would soon be written in history as the day America voted for the ‘Whites’, it was the billionaire’s shock victory in Wisconsin that put him past the 270 (out of 538) mark needed to win the Presidential elections.
Trump has come a long way since he dreamed the American dream. His quest to “Make America Great Again” saw him attack norms of American politics, single out minority communities, humiliate his opponents, put misogyny on display, and other similar acts – all that deemed him unfit to lead a nation that was built by immigrants. However, the 70-year-old spoke to the common man. He spoke to all those who believe the US is for “Americans”.
The Republican candidate managed to win all solid red states, along with the “lean Trump” swing states of Ohio and Iowa. He also claimed major swing states North Carolina and Florida, most importantly, the businessman won Wisconsin and Pennyslvania; states that swore by Democrat Hillary Clinton. He made all this possible by catering and addressing non-college educated whites, people who identified with his projection of being a loud-mouthed, emotional leader who took a dramatically different approach from the past Republican contenders.
The newly elected President continued, “It is time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all of Americans, and this is so important to me. For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country. As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign but rather an incredible and great movement, made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their family.”
Meanwhile, in the Congressional elections, Republicans managed to clinch the House, and the Senate. It was a great day for the GOP as they maintained their majorities in both chambers of the US Congress in a momentous election that saw Trump win the presidency. A disappointing election for the Democrats, Republicans were set to lose just a handful of seats in the House. Clinton’s party gained just one seat in the Senate, including New Hampshire where incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte was deadlocked with Democrat Maggie Hassan. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said, “The American people have chosen a new direction for our nation.”
Making history, California’s attorney general, Kamala Harris became the first Indian-American to be elected to the US Senate. No one from the community has made it to the chamber until now, while there have been three from the community elected to the House of Representatives – Daily Singh Saund, Bobby Jindal, and Ami Bera. Also, Raja Krishnamoorthi became the first Indian-American elected to Congress this election cycle, winning from Illinois. At a time when Indian-Americans are looking for a firm grip in the Congress, the two victories are most welcomed. Harris’ website shows her gratitude with a quote from her mother Shyamala Harris, “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last.”
Referring to the doubling of numbers of Indian-Americans in the Congress, from one, Krishnamoorthi said, “I like to joke that I want to increase the number by 100%.” This was his second attempt, his first being in 2012, when he failed miserably. With the dust was yet to settle on the chaos triggered by the triumph of the Republican Party, world leaders extended their welcome to the new American President of the free world; some reluctantly, some not.
Authoritarian and right-wing leaders commended the reality TV star who holds no previous political or military experience. During his campaign, Trump had expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was the first to send in his congratulations for his victory. How Trump will deal with issues on hand remain dubious, and everybody remains skeptical, however, it did not stop Prime Ministers and Presidents of other countries from giving a warm reception to the new face. After the news of Trump’s victory was made known, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations. British Prime Minister Theresa May said the “enduring and special relationship” between the two countries would remain intact. German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said, “Trump is the pioneer of a new authoritarian and chauvinist international movement. He is also a warning for us.”
Several European officials also went as far as to denounce the outcome, calling it a worrying signal for liberal democracy and tolerance in the world.
French President Francois Hollande said France wanted to begin talks with Trump immediately to clarify his stance on international affairs. “This American election opens a period of uncertainty,” Hollande said. “The US is a vital partner for France and what’s at stake is peace, the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, economic relations and the preservation of the planet.” Officials in France had openly endorsed Clinton and warned that Trump’s “confused” foreign policy objectives were alarming for the rest of the world.
Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkaar
During his disturbing election campaigns, Trump made all attempts to woo people of different communities, all the while hosting conservative beliefs. We saw the businessman attend a Hindu Republican Coalition in New Jersey, where he said, "I have great respect for Hindus. I have so many friends that are Hindu. They are great people, amazing entrepreneurs." He even aired an advert to woo votes. "The Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House," he said in the ad. "We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism." Trump also borrowed a variation of Modi's campaign slogan. "Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkaar" he said. It is known the ad was run 20 times a day on all Indian-American channels at the time.
Not a lot can be expected from him in terms of foreign relations. Why? His slogans 'America First' and 'Make America Great Again'. There are all the possibilities that he will renegotiate all foreign trade deals, affecting treaties with India too.
Trump has called the H1B visa programme "unfair", and made his intentions to end the programme open. He has also portrayed mix feelings towards the Asian country, calling India an ally, and also saying he would bring American jobs back from the country. However, India might find its biggest ally in Trump where Pakistan is concerned. At a time when India looks to isolate Pakistan globally, Trump's sentiments towards "the most dangerous country in the world" could play to India's benefit. Also fruitful is Trump's open disdain for China. His plans to label China a "currency manipulator" and impose more taxes if Beijing fails to renegotiate trade deals may work in India's favour.
