Josh Kraushaar: “Arrogance and ignorance are a toxic combination in politics. This week’s case study: The Trump administration’s inability to showcase basic competence and prudence in the middle of a pandemic has crippled the president’s already hobbled campaign, as time for a miraculous turnaround is expiring.”
“In a way, the immediate political implications will be inconsequential. Already trailing Joe Biden badly in the polls, it’s downright implausible that Trump will win any persuadable voters after this week of recklessness. Remember: The week began with news of Trump’s tax avoidance, and nearly ended with controversy over his unwillingness to forthrightly condemn white supremacism. Sandwiched in between was an embarrassing, self-destructive debate performance. Then coronavirus came to the White House.”
“Will the bottom fall out for Republicans, as it did in polling over the summer as he proved himself unable to control the pandemic? That’s a known unknown, complicated by the uncertainty of the president’s long-term prognosis. It’s possible that Trump could benefit from some obligatory bipartisan sympathy as he recovers from his illness. But for a campaign that isn’t planning to stop its negative attack ads during this national moment of crisis—even as the Biden campaign stood down, showcasing some much-needed empathy—it’s hard to see any groundswell of support boosting the incumbent.”
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