David Graham: “Donald Trump retains the power to shock; the day he loses that, he’ll, just like the biblical Samson—one other man notable for his hairstyle—lose his energy completely. When Trump began his second time period as president a yr in the past, nonetheless, I doubted whether or not there was way more to find out about how his thoughts works. Even earlier than he’d entered politics, Trump was overexposed. Since then, he has turn into essentially the most scrutinized particular person on the earth. His tendencies and foibles are well-known to voters, politicians, and world leaders.”
“But in breaking one in all his most entrenched patterns, he has supplied maybe the largest shock of the previous yr. Throughout his first time period, Trump was outlined by his tendency to again down in any negotiation or combat: As I put it in a Could 2018 article, he nearly all the time folded, agreeing to concessions whether or not he was negotiating on commerce with China or a price range decision with Senate Democrats. Extra not too long ago, although, he’s been following by, irrespective of how aberrant his concepts.”
“The precise motive for that is troublesome to pin down, although it seemingly contains the truth that he has extra expertise below his belt, fewer prudent voices in his ear, and a lame duck’s liberation from having to fret about reelection. In any case, his new dedication is forcing international locations all over the world to reassess the best way to cope with him.”
