In just under two weeks, we’ll know how the American people feel about Donald Trump’s bid for a second term. The harshness of this campaign – combined with last week’s shocking attack on Australian MP Helen Haines – should prompt us to take a moment and consider where our politics are headed.
In the US, Democrats are feeling optimistic. “Republicans’ chances of retaining control of the House have almost disappeared,” said the independent, non-partisan Cook Political Report. Additionally, polling site Race to the WH, which has accurately forecasted Senate races in the past three elections, estimates a 72 percent likelihood that Democrats could gain control of the Senate as well.
The main concern remains the same issue that helped Mr. Trump secure his first presidency – rising living costs. Central to this is fuel pricing, which has surged to pandemic-era highs during Biden’s administration due to Trump’s conflict in Iran, initiated despite his vow against starting “Forever Wars”.
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October is set to break records for being the most expensive month for petrol prices in the US ever. This record was also established over the last two months.
Not surprisingly, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Mr. Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 31 percent, with his disapproval rating climbing to 66 percent from 41 percent at his inauguration.
If midterm results are unfavorable for Republicans, Mr. Trump will likely try spinning it in his favor. But so far he seems able to have it both ways. He claims he isn’t on the ballot but has invested considerable effort into energizing MAGA supporters for turnout by hosting rallies in key states and backing crucial candidates.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump campaign in Ohio. Credit: Jessica Phelps/Bloomberg
One notable candidate is Vivek Ramaswamy who, out of desperation within Republican ranks, has taken US politics’ polarization and personal attacks even lower. His campaign ad featured his Democratic opponent’s mother calling her daughter Amy Acton a liar.
However, this wasn’t exactly political gold mine material. Amy Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody at age 12 when their stepfather Cledith Arthur was charged with raping her. The last time Amy saw her mother was during her stepfather’s court proceedings when he was arrested back in 1978; he later fled prosecution before passing away in 2004.
Amy Acton described this platforming of her mother as “despicable” and “exploitative.”
That doesn’t even cover it all.
It’s worth taking a step back to see what Mr. Ramaswamy did here.
He attempted to paint his political rival as dishonest by exploiting family trauma related to allegations of abuse by her stepfather that were serious enough back then for authorities to remove Amy and her brother from their mother’s care leading up to a grand jury indictment.
“>Pitting family issues against each other politically is gross on its own level; knowing it involves allegations of abuse makes it utterly unacceptable-especially considering MAGA supporters who pushed for Epstein Files’ release should be appalled.
Not that Ramaswamy or influential Republicans seem remorseful at all-what came next was even worse. Instead of acknowledging their severe lapse in judgment or basic humanity , Vivek Ramaswamy claimed ownership while stating he’d spend $US 4 million airing it.</code>></url> Source linkа>
