A few weeks ago, I witnessed my first and possibly last U.S. presidential election in person. Donald Trump visited my college, Georgia Tech, for an election rally, and I was fortunate enough to gain entry through the press gate, which faced directly at the podium. This gave me a front-row experience of the excitement and energy of this U.S. election campaign.
Having also voted for the first time in India, I couldn’t help but compare the election processes and leaders of both countries. Following both Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I noticed some striking similarities in their approaches.
- Mr. Trump: “Make America Great Again”
- Mr. Modi: “Make in India”
Both conservative leaders addressed similar issues, seeking to position their countries as global powerhouses.
While I remain neutral on U.S. election issues, the campaigns were fascinating to observe. Both Mr. Trump and PM Modi were clearly extraordinary crowd-pullers. Their audiences are fervent and loyal, and both leaders possess remarkable oratory skills. They know how to make an impact and project their strong-headed personalities. I hope they can align their interests, as this seems to be a pivotal moment for both nations.
Georgia, being a swing state, played a critical role in this election, second only to Pennsylvania in importance. From Mr. Trump’s speech, these were the key issues he aimed to address:
- Fixing the budget.
- Reducing the $35 trillion national debt.
- Tackling unemployment.
- Addressing legal and illegal immigration.
- Combating the high cost of living.
The promises he made painted a picture of a brighter future for U.S. citizens, but as the saying goes, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
I followed the vote counting until 3 a.m., despite having an important exam the next morning. One thing I find puzzling is why the U.S., a global leader in technology, still relies on ballot papers for elections and lacks a uniform voter ID system.
When the final tally was announced, the results were an unexpected landslide. Even Trump might not have anticipated such a decisive mandate. The victory was historic as it included:
- The presidency.
- Popular vote (a rarity for Republicans in recent decades).
- Senate majority.
- House majority.
- State governor majority.
- State legislature majority.
This makes Mr. Trump the second U.S. president in history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland, who held office in 1885-1889 and 1893-1897. Such a mandate grants significant power to enact policies and shape governance.
In his victory speech, Trump declared: “Promises made, promises kept.” If he follows through, the next four years could be an intense and transformative period for the U.S. and the world.
Interestingly, as analysts pointed out, many voters who supported Mr. Trump belong to groups he has criticized:
- He opposes migration, yet Latinos voted for him.
- He condemns Hamas and Muslim violence, yet Philadelphia County supported him.
- In one rally, he referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating garbage island,” yet they still voted for him.
Mr. Trump’s first tenure was unconventional. He’s known for midnight Twitter firings and unorthodox leadership. Now, he also has the backing of influential figures like Elon Musk, a man known for taking risks and making bold decisions. Aligning himself with Mr. Trump could prove to be one of Musk’s biggest risks yet.
In his previous term, Mr. Trump built a border wall with Mexico. This time, I wonder what measures he will implement to further address immigration. During his campaign, he also criticized political protests on college campuses, a stance I support. Educational institutions, in my view, should focus on academics and not become political battlegrounds.
Many students who protest seem to have limited knowledge of global conflicts. Their understanding of history and geography is often shallow, and they are easily influenced by biased social media narratives. This bias was evident in the election coverage, where most media outlets projected a Kamala Harris victory, except for platforms like Twitter and Fox News.
The mandate given to Mr. Trump by the American public is absolute. While such power can be transformative, it must be wielded responsibly. Across the globe, nations like Russia, China, and countries in the Middle East show the effectiveness of centralized power, free from the distractions of social media-fuelled controversies.
As Winston Churchill once said: “Democracy is the worst form of government…”
And as Abraham Lincoln described it: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Neither statement feels entirely right or wrong in today’s political climate. But one thing is certain: mandates like the one given to Mr. Trump provide a rare opportunity. Now, it’s up to him to deliver on his promises, as this may be his last chance to do so.
