American psychosis

Trump’s victory will surely be a bleak day whose dire consequences will be felt chiefly by the people who handed it to him. Perhaps they’ll be shielded by their delusions. For the rest of us internationally the worst outcome will be the effects of his anti-environmental stance, abrogating any responsibility for nature or climate change. Any hope of leadership there is dashed. His isolationism may have some bonuses if it means a reluctance to engage in overseas wars. Zelensky may have something to worry about. And given Trump’s protectionist instincts, any hope of a UK post-Brexit free trade deal with the US has probably shrunk to zero, or if one does emerge it will be heavily slanted in the US’s favour.
 
Netanyahu will be dancing in the aisles with this result, so it’s bad news for Palestinians. Elsewhere, two countries with elections in the next eighteen months may show whether the turn to the right continues. In October 2025 (at the latest) Canadians will almost certainly replace Trudeau’s Liberals with Conservatives; and round about the same time Germany’s AFD will be hoping for a breakthrough. In April 2027 France will elect a new president. That may be hard to call, but Le Pen is getting perilously close to the main prize. Trump will be an encouragement to them all.
 
One depressing aspect of Trump’s victory must be the thought that our lives for the next four years will be soiled by the presence of this vulgar misogynistic criminal of a man. Everyday will be invaded by yet more revelations of the depths the human spirit can sink to. Our only hope must be that his advancing dementia quickly disbars him from presidential office. Although I’m sure JD Vance wouldn’t be any better.
 
n.b. As I write all the results are not yet in. Let’s clasp our hands together and pray for a miracle!