He strengthens himself by weakening supporters, rivals, and the United States.
There are 19 mugshots of alleged co-conspirators involved in the effort to overthrow the 2020 US election in Georgia, but only one will be remembered: Donald Trump’s. In his mugshot, his hair gleams in a L’Oreal moment – “because I’m worth it” – and his eyes glower menacingly at the sheriff’s camera.
At the first Republican presidential primary debate on 23 August in Milwaukee, eight preening politicians stood on stage, but only one emerged as the victor — the one who was absent. Meanwhile, nearly 300 individuals have been jailed for their role in the US Capitol riot on 6 January 2021, but the fate of only one person truly matters. As the late author Gore Vidal once said, “It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.”
Trump’s ability to remain at the center of attention and command the narrative, despite numerous controversies, speaks to his unique power. In a political landscape where every other figure seems to fade into the background, Trump thrives by creating chaos, not only among his opponents but within his own base. His strength lies in his ability to weaken everyone around him, ensuring that their failures bolster his personal ascendancy.
While other figures from the 2020 election cycle may rise and fall, it is Trump who continues to dominate the stage. His presence in the debate, despite his absence, speaks volumes about how he has redefined what it means to win in modern American politics. The mere act of his name being invoked sends ripples through the media and his competitors, cementing his place as a figure that cannot be ignored.
It is not simply about policy or leadership but about positioning oneself as the only game in town. Trump’s strategy hinges on the idea that his survival depends not on his success alone, but on the failure of all others. Whether through legal battles or public humiliation, Trump has created a narrative where only his own rise is significant.
Trump’s political trajectory has become a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity, and his ability to thrive off the chaos he creates. By manipulating his supporters and rivals, he has become a force that no one can afford to overlook. In the fractured world of American politics, Donald Trump continues to be the figure who stands above it all, because in his world, failure is just another step toward dominance.
