Don't Worry, America, All Is Not Lost in this Election

America is famous for many reasons. It is the birthplace of rock ‘n roll, it used to build automobiles the size of a three bedroom house and, especially, it uses the very richest and rudest political language. Hence, in the current presidential epic, the “Feel The Bern” campaign has printed bumper stickers proclaiming, “Bernie or else we’re totally fucked.” I have fond memories of November, 1980. In the week following Reagan’s victory against Carter, I was in Naples, Florida. In the toilet of a restaurant, I spotted this piece of graffiti: “People of America, prepare to take your last dump. All the assholes are moving to Washington.”

It seems inevitable that this year’s election will feature a shoot-out between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Some may think of it as a contest between Nurse Ratched versus Bad Hair Day. These candidates have been clever. They have both set the expectation bar so low, anything approaching political norm from either will get praise.

I happen to believe Mrs Clinton is qualified, as far as anyone can be, for the White House. She lived there for eight years and not only watched palace intrigue at close hand but probably participated. She was a one-term US senator and will know a fair bit about the workings of Congress and its occupants. She served for four years as Secretary of State, so there is a strong possibility that she will know where the Federated States of Micronesia are located.

She is also untrustworthy. An example: when she and her husband vacated the White House in 2000, they removed several pieces of furniture and furnishings which they were forced to return. Mrs Clinton can be economical with the truth, for example, “The Benghazi probe is the longest-running congressional investigation ever.” Not by a long chalk. I consider being untruthful a characteristic every President needs in his or her locker. Just look at FDR’s track record! He was the master.

As for the Duck, he has no qualifications whatsoever as a politician. But if he makes it to the White House, he will not be the first non-political occupier. In 1953, Eisenhower took over from Truman and kept a promise to end the Korean War. Or did he? The peace talks still continue. If you don’t believe me, go to Panmunjom and watch. It is a daily event and a well-supported tourist attraction! As for Ike’s presidency, the world watched as the USSR equalled and then overtook USA in many aspects of the Cold War. However, in fairness, I should say that JFK’s campaign claim of a missile gap was pure invention.

Harry Truman told a great story about Ike, which might apply equally to Trump. He said “Ike will go to the Oval Office and on his first day, he’ll bark a host of orders. On the fourth day, he’ll find out that none of the orders have been carried out and won’t understand why!”

Like Ike, there have been other soldier presidents, Andrew Jackson and Ulysses Grant. Neither acquitted themselves well. Jackson justified his chicanery with the phrase, “to the victor the spoils.” As for Grant, he was wrapped up in so many financial and political scandals, he made Nixon look like the Gerber baby.

Remember Herbert Hoover, another non-legislator? He entered the White House when America was supposedly enjoying an era of unknown prosperity. Hoover had been Secretary of Commerce under Coolidge. On taking over, he announced: “We shall soon, with the help of God, be in sight of the day when poverty shall be banished from the nation.” Talk about open mouth, insert foot. Months later, the Great Depression began, heralding more than a decade of extreme poverty for many Americans. No non-politician president, except George Washington, have graced the position. All others failed.

If Trump wins in November, history tells us not to expect much from him. However, he is at least talking about reducing America’s $19 trillion debt whilst Mrs Clinton proposes to increase the deficit. Mind you, Trump’s proposals would do well in a culendar. He wants to sell off America’s property assets, evidently without taking into account the rents that would have to be paid! It’s known as looking at one side of the balance sheet. He also wants to give US bond holders a haircut, i.e. reduce the value of the bonds. That will hardly encourage investment into the USA.

During the period between Presidents Lincoln and Wilson, most of the chief executives, excluding Teddy Roosevelt, were hardly known outside DC and their own states. They were called ‘the postage stamp presidents’ because they were recognised only through their postage stamp image. I doubt that Trump will fall into this category!

But I have a serious point. During the latter half of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries, Congress was in the ascendant as the true powerhouse of American politics, which was exactly what the Framers intended. In that period, the executive branch had minimal influence. During the past seven years plus of Obama’s presidency, the behaviour of the Republican caucus in Congress has been deplorable, not helped by Democrats unwillingness to compromise on so many issues. Perhaps the November election might result in more moderates entering Congress with a House Speaker and a Senate Leader more willing to do the business of the nation, rather than pursuing partisan self-interest.

Look, I’m allowed to dream and pursue happiness.