Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 7, 2024
Great Expectations and the Greatest Comeback: A Golden Age or a Gilded Illusion?
November 9, 2016 (The morning after)
The morning after Donald Trump’s election to a second term has cast a stark light across the United States and the globe. Some see it as “The Greatest Comeback of All Time”—an extraordinary return to power reminiscent of political resurrections in history. Yet, for many, this resurgence is anything but triumphant. Half the nation, joined by allies and observers worldwide, is awakening to a wave of anxiety, bracing for a period they fear will be marked by retaliation, revenge, and deepening resentment.
Trump’s campaign promises were as sweeping as they were blunt, pledging to right perceived wrongs and remake American society in line with a vision that blends nostalgia, populism, and unbridled assertiveness. Central to this vision is the promise of a “Golden Age,” echoing Reagan-era optimism, polished with the now-familiar rallying cry: “Make America Great Again.” Yet, beneath these gilded promises, questions linger about who will reap the benefits of this promised era and at what cost to unity, both domestically and abroad.
In 2008, Barack Obama inspired hope with promises of change, a message so resonant it propelled him to the presidency amidst great expectations. However, the realities of governance tempered that vision; progress met resistance, and incremental wins fell short of transformative dreams for many. Today, Trump enters his second term buoyed by similar, albeit more fervent, expectations. His supporters believe he returns armed with sharper tools and lessons learned from a first term hampered by bureaucracy and resistance.
Analysis: Trump policies: Seven things he says he will do as president
August 3, 2023
The central promise this time is not just to continue the work of his prior administration but to expand it—rapidly and unapologetically. Trump, who once lamented that “the system is rigged,” now seems intent on navigating, if not overriding, that very system. His agenda includes sweeping immigration crackdowns, aggressive economic measures like massive tariffs, deregulation, and cultural interventions that target education and reproductive rights. Such ambitions signal a fast-moving administration, determined to mold the U.S. in a new, yet familiar, image.
However, for a significant portion of the population, this victory is seen not as a dawn of renewed greatness but as an omen of retributive governance. Trump’s rhetoric has long hinted at payback, particularly against political rivals and dissenting voices. The concern now is how this posture will translate into policy, and whether the U.S. will see not just a rollback of progressive measures but an intensified campaign to reshape institutions and norms with loyalty tests and ideological litmus exams. For those on the other side of the aisle, this raises fears of marginalization and the erosion of democratic safeguards.
October 26, 2024
Trump’s pledge to end the war in Ukraine on “day one” stands as a prime example of the blurred lines between bold promise and ominous risk. The implications are severe; an abrupt shift in U.S. policy that undercuts Ukraine could embolden Russia and destabilize Europe. What Trump touts as a commitment to peace may be seen by allies as a concession that sacrifices global security for expedient resolution. The shadow of geopolitical power games looms large, and the prospect of a win for Putin—a move that reshapes alliances and recalibrates NATO’s strategic calculus—adds a layer of unpredictability to what follows.
What remains to be seen is whether Trump’s second term can genuinely deliver a “Golden Age” or if the promise is a veneer masking deep divisions and selective gains. The reality of Trump’s platform underscores that this “greatness” is likely to be exclusionary. Proposals to gut reproductive rights, restrict educational content, and shift civil rights enforcement are poised to benefit certain demographics while alienating others. The stark contrast between vision and application—between promise and who actually profits—cannot be ignored.
Analysis: The Trump agenda: Here’s what to expect from his second term
March 11, 2016
Much like Obama’s experience with sky-high expectations tempered by legislative gridlock and compromise, Trump’s anticipated bulldozing of policy may meet roadblocks of its own. The judiciary, political opposition, and international backlash stand as potential checks on his sweeping agenda. Yet, this time, the fear is less about gridlock and more about overreach: policies that accelerate not just change but potential rupture.
As America stands at this crossroads, citizens and lawmakers alike will grapple with what it means to navigate great expectations in a deeply polarized landscape. If Trump’s promises materialize without spiralling into retaliation-fuelled governance, he might indeed build an era marked by notable economic and structural shifts. However, if his actions inflame divisions and fuel selective prosperity, history may remember this as a gilded illusion rather than a Golden Age—a period where “greatness” was pursued but at a cost that left the nation more fractured than before.
The stakes are high, not just for America but for the world. Whether this moment will be a story of reclaimed glory or a cautionary tale of towering expectations met with turbulent outcomes depends on how the Trump administration chooses to wield its renewed mandate—and whether America, in all its complexity, can navigate the path ahead with resilience and unity.
Saturday Night Live kicked off with Maya Rudolph’s always-fun impression of Kamala Harris. She pulled the old “mirror” bit with the real Kamala, who gamely played along. It was a funny, upbeat moment as the two Kamalas joked about the name Kamala, and it’s hard to imagine anyone but a humuorless sourpuss not cracking a smile. A rare light moment, and maybe one of the last we’ll see as the 2024 campaign winds down.
Of the two candidates, Harris clearly enjoyed herself more during the race. She danced, laughed, and ran on positivity—a sharp contrast to her aggrieved opponent, Donald Trump. Sure, surviving two assassination attempts would shake anyone’s spirits, but Kamala’s joy shone through, making her campaign infectious in the best way.
Now that power is on its way to changing hands, it’s the moment for editorial cartoonists to turn our pens toward the victors. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work in this business, if we’re doing our job right. Trump’s win, of course, means another four years of potential material. And as a Canadian cartoonist, I’ll admit I have the freedom to look away and focus on homegrown issues—but I feel for my American friends in the field who won’t get that break from Trump’s daily drama.
One silver lining, though, is that this time, the people have spoken, and they were actually heard—loud and clear. After years of election skepticism and doubts cast on the process, this vote feels settled, with no lingering conspiracy theories muddying the waters. It’s a crucial reminder that democracy is alive, even when the results don’t please everyone.
And while it’s tempting to dump on any winner after a hotly contested election, this victory—however divisive—still reflects the people’s voice. I like to give incoming winners, even Trump a bit of a break from the ridicule with a view to an election being more a reflection of the will of the voters and less about the candidate. Some are calling it “The Greatest Comeback of All Time,” and while that’s debatable, it’s fair to say it’s one for the history books. Right now, Trump’s at the peak of his return, and for one day, at least, his critics can take a breather. There’s a lot going on closer to home to pick apart in the meantime. With Trump there’ll be plenty to pick apart soon enough.
– The Graeme Gallery
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