Dear Editor,

I have never been a supporter of former US President Donald Trump. I dislike most of his policies and he has shown who he is multiple times: divisive, unpredictable, dishonest, egoistic, crude, and brazen. He is also a convicted felon, with multiple charges still pending.

He is a flawed person, and his prowess as a successful businessman is debatable. If nothing else, he has done well crafting an image of power, success, wealth, and fame. However, what happened on July 13, 2024 was unimaginable. The former president survived an assasination attempt and escaped with minor injury to his ear. Unfortunately, there was other loss of life and other injuries at the event. Trump, the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party in US, has gained much sympathy following the incident, even from his harshest critics.

When a person has a near-death experience, it oftentimes signals a turning point in life, a period of much reflection and renewed energy, direction, and purpose. Trump almost lost his life, a slight turn, an adjusted aim within millimetres, even a gust of wind, could’ve resulted in a very different outcome, and for that he must be thankful to God.

Moments after, in the face of adversity, Trump displayed courage, strength, and bravery, urging Americans to fight for their country — with fist in air. Ironically, many of his critics often teased him as being the opposite, having opted out of military service when he was young. I believe the Trump campaign will use the incident strategically, to propel him to victory in the election later this year. The iconic photo, captured seconds after the shooting, tells it all. It shows a wounded Trump rising triumphantly seconds after the attempt to kill him. With a firm fist and the American flag flying prominently in the background above him, the Trump base was rallied.

There have been many attempts to disable Trump, to silence him, remove him, prevent him from running again for the office of the president. There are multiple ongoing court cases which could potentially put him behind bars and there was also the multi-year ban on Facebook and Twitter, which only recently ended. None of this worked, as the man seems to have nine lives, rising from every adversity.

With all of Trump’s flaws, he could do some reflecting, clean up his act and re-emerge polished and forceful. Many no doubt would forgive him, as no man is perfect. Getting a second chance at life can do just that. Trump could rebrand himself into a stronger candidate, one who is American first, brave and ready to lead and serve.

He could also become more personable and even likeable. He could position himself to be more purposeful, standing up against violence, hate, and bigotry. It could be an opportunity to lead his party to enact stronger gun laws in the US, something they have resisted for decades. God could be speaking to Trump to turn things around for his own good and those around him.

The Democrats already have a very weak presumptive candidate in the ageing Joe Biden who, at 81, now appears to lack the stamina required for the job; Biden is mostly incoherent and detached. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is much younger and largely in the background, does not offer any hope as a viable alternative.

Now that Elon Musk, one of the world’s richest men, endorsed Trump for president shortly after the shooting incident, it is expected that Trump’s popularity will continue to rise.

The American election is less than four months away — November 2024 — and Trump is certainly poised to gain traction. Even if Biden is replaced at the last minute, it will be difficult to diffuse Trump’s momentum.

Trump’s choice for vice-president will be pivotal. Could it be Musk? It was rumoured at one point that it could be his favourite daughter, Ivanka Trump, who served under his previous Administration as an unpaid advisor to the president. Trust is a big issue with Trump. Many close to him broke away and even testified against him in court, so anything is possible — even nepotism — when it comes to Trump.

Trump has been accused of the worst: racism, misogyny, and xenophobia. He has declared himself a staunch nationalist. A lot is, therefore, at stake for America in the upcoming election. The country is divided like never before and there is much work to be done. A strong leader is required who can unify, heal, and also be a great influence on the world.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com