Defying the odds, but antics a disgrace

US President Donald Trump. Picture: AFP

Donald Trump’s “victory” speech in the middle of the night was extraordinary. Allegations of voter fraud, false claims that he’d already won an election still up for grabs, signs that if the votes yet to be counted don’t go his way he’ll refuse to leave the White House.

It was one of his most un-presidential speeches — which is saying something.

Let’s be clear: Trump outperformed statistical expectations based on the polls. He also defied the predictions of most commentators. He may win this election.

But claims of voter fraud and arguments that the remaining votes don’t need to be counted in the Midwest states he is ahead in are ridiculous. Which is what the courts will surely find if they are required to issue an adjudication.

Consider for a moment how inconsistent Trump is. He argues one minute that there is no need to count remaining votes in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, yet shortly after that claims that we need to wait for the further votes to be counted before analysts can claim Arizona as a win for Joe Biden. Not that consistently has ever been a hallmark of Trump’s presidency.

In contrast, Biden was measured in his speech. He projected confidence without arrogance. The pathway to 270 is narrow but achievable.

The Democrat win in Arizona, coupled with grabbing an electoral college vote in Nebraska, will give Biden the 270 college votes he needs as long as he only drops Pennsylvania, which on the numbers appears likely.

Whoever wins this election, the impact of Cindy McCain — wife of late Republican presidential candidate John McCain — has been profound. Her strong campaigning for Biden, in part because of the disgraceful way Trump has treated her husband, may yet cost Trump another four years.

Whether Trump wins or loses this election, one thing is clear: despite his disgraceful antics and attitude he has exceeded expectations.

Enough Americans have voted for him to cast a dark shadow over the world’s most powerful democracy. Truth no longer matters. The political stage is a reality TV show, and institutions that have long underpinned the US are crumbling.

Despite more than 232,000 deaths from COVID-19, Trump has been rewarded with a close election. One he could yet win. Another four years of the vile Trump in charge will cement the decline of the USA. But let’s count all the votes before we make that conclusion. If Trump and the courts let that happen.