National & Minnesota Report
As Donald J. Trump (R) and President Barack Obama (D) crisscross the country trying to rally their troops and boost turnout, the two surrogates differ sharply. Obama represents competence and stability, while Trump presents graft and corruption, and a bought-and-paid-for White House.
Because neither is on the ballot, which one has more impact? Clearly, Trump; he motivates the base of the other side and the independent vote. Remember Trump’s Challenge on Obama’s Citizenship and the Birther issue, which Obama brought up during the rally in Michigan for Abdul El Sayed (D-MI). Trump Factor which was affirmative factor before now just the opposite, now it’s a drag. In fact, it brings to mind The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where Silas Marner carries the unnecessary killing of an albatross as his burden, just as Trump carries the burden of his tariffs, tax cuts for the rich, and the Iran War as his own albatross around his neck. These factors have created fertile ground for Democrats.
The consequences of Donald Trump’s election in 2024 makes the 2026 election all the more consequential.