The bullet hit Trump but it killed Biden
Recently, Shashi Tharoor made this intriguing statement `The bullet hit Trump but it killed Biden` during an interview with NDTV. This was before Biden stepped down from the Presidential race. At first, I was puzzled by his words. However, as the events in US politics unfolded, I couldn’t help but admire the depth and thoughtfulness behind his remark. Tharoor, with his exceptional command of language, often reminds me of Lord Petyr Baelish from Game of Thrones — cunning, articulative, and always several steps ahead, and he proves to be right every single time.
Now, let’s move to what’s happening in US Politics, I may only understand 0.01% of actual political happenings of the greatest minds sitting inside the White House and the Congress, or who were once in it.
But from the perspective of an averagely interested guy sitting 13,750 kms away from Washington DC, I can make noteworthy observations about a thing or two -
The US Congress (Parliament in India) operates a little differently. Despite their differences, Republicans and Democrats unite on fundamental issues like — jobs, education, and healthcare. Their disagreements often revolve around more peripheral matters, like — gun laws, immigration policies, LGBTQ+, environmental policies, and a few other issues — that don’t impact the daily lives of most Americans.
Regardless of who holds the presidency, be it Biden, Trump, or anyone else, the leaders ultimately come together to work toward the nation’s progress. This kind of bipartisan cooperation is hard to witness in Indian politics.
If you want to understand the Crux of US-Politics, there’s one Netflix series I’d highly recommend you to watch — `House of Cards` which describes in-and-around what happens in the White House, and the Congress. Kavin Spacey, the lead actor is just brilliant thorughout.
Now, let’s talk about Trump. In my opinion, he is degrading the US’s global reputation. Trump is a unique blend of cunning and ruthlessness. Well, all politicians have a ruthless streak, his brand of ruthlessness stands apart.
If Trump wins another term, he will be the first in a century to reclaim the presidency after a defeat. Only the second American president (after Grover Cleveland) to do so. America’s progressive politics generally doesn’t allow that to happen, it traditionally favors new leadership and fresh perspectives.
Hillary Clinton, after losing to Trump in 2016, chose not to run in 2020, respecting the voters’ decision. She could have won, in my opinion, but she stepped aside, allowing a more deserving candidate to take her place. This sense of moral obligation seems to be fading with Trump’s approach, which has even influenced the Democrats to some extent. Biden didn’t exit the race until circumstances forced him to step down, a move that only occurred after the recent bullet incident.
It’s not just Trump engaging in dirty politics; the US has seen its share of political scandals during the Bill Clinton and George Bush eras. However, this current situation feels different.
My active interest in US Politics started just after Barack Obama became President. He is sought to be one of the neat, disciplined, charming, and honest politicians of our time. It may take several decades to witness a leader of his caliber again.
Now that Biden has stepped down, let’s see how things go in the future and nevertheless, upcoming months are going to be very interesting for the US and World Politics.
References -
- Shashi Tharoor Interview — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQuL8suyEDg
- Netflix’s House of Cards — https://www.netflix.com/title/70178217
- 2024 Presidentail Debate —https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr9d79TNPfc
