Not in the Electoral College. Sort of like when Dad said “Yes, this family is a Democracy, and I have the only vote.” Doesn’t do much good to have numerical superiority in our system of electing a President.
Sad, but I think you are correct. I know it’s very early in the 2020 election cycle – I can’t believe I am saying that already – but I don’t know of any potential candidate who can forcefully articulate a case for an international order aligned with liberal democracies.
It seems too many legislators in both parties are looking inward, on issues such as foreign policy and trade. Maybe that’s partly due to caution over our misadventures in Iraq, or the hand-wringing about NAFTA. I don’t know, but I fear that countries such as China and Russia are eager to fill the void if we cede ground on the international stage.
Even the late John McCain, who was too hawkish for my tastes, I think got it right when it came to defending our alliances and leadership position.
Just wondering - how far toward “withdrawing” from NATO that Trump can run this train wreck … not what is he empowered to do - but by sear stupidity and pure power grab and overreach - how much devastating damage can he do to the alliance … especially with the absence of a fully functioning government -
He just up and made the call to exit Syria … he could easily order all US troop away from the Ukraine - opening the door for Putin to cobble together some lame justification to invade.
Yes, but if you are referring to Trump, I think that win was a fluke caused by a perfect storm: Russian active measures, a polarizing Democratic nominee, etc.
If he runs in 2020 he will have a position to defend and cannot rely on outsider status. The next Democratic nominee will likely have less baggage than Hillary, and Trump has alienated enough of his base to make a re-election seem unlikely.
Congress ratified NATO in I think 1953, and unless there is some exit clause, I don’t think Trump can withdraw unilaterally.
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He had positions to defend in 2016 and they presented no barrier to election. He stated celebrities could grab women’s genitals. He denigrated a highly decorated veteran for being a POW. He said a judge was unable to do his job due to his Mexican heritage. He belittled and castigated the parents of a deceased soldier. He called women “horseface” and said their need to use the bathroom was disgusting.
Yeah, Trump had a great many positions that evidently endeared him to sufficient numbers of voters to win the Presidency. Why would 2020 be any different?
Yes … rules… laws … treaties …
None of which seem to be any concern of Trump… other than how to disregard them in an insidious way. Trump is not worrying much about the procedures.
Question that I pose is -what might he try and what might he cause to happen.
Because now he is the ultimate insider and he will have to defend actions and positions he has taken as president.
He will have to answer for a slowing economy, a trade war he launched without any apparent strategy other than a need to look “tough,” he will likely be weakened by the various investigations underway against his campaign, transition team, administration, private company and charity, and he is losing support among suburban women and men with college degrees.
He is also alienating mainstream Republicans on issues such as foreign trade, the deficit, and spending.
Meanwhile, his opponents continue to organize after having made strong gains in the midterms. These include women – particularly black women – outraged by his policies, students seeking solutions to gun violence, advocates of immigration reform, and supporters of healthcare reform.
IN 2016 Trump had the wind at his back. He probably will not enjoy that advantage next year.
It’s anyone’s guess what Trump will try going forward, but as with his reluctance to implement sanctions on Russia, I think he will face increasing resistance from both parties.
Maybe, but never underestimate the sheer idiocy of our citizenry.
I’m not making any predictions; I’m just saying the political climate has changed.
It’s a treaty agreement, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Congress ratified it. It is the law of the land. Only Congress can revoke the treaty.
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This is a job for Space Force!