President number 45 is now President number 47. Donald Trump is now officially the President Designate and will officially begin his second stint in the White House in January 2025 as the President of the United States.
As I have done for many US elections, I stayed up all night watching the news, refreshing my feed and conversing with my friends. Somehow, with much more foreboding and much less hope than anytime before. I was still hoping that I could bring positivity despite my low expectations to this week’s newsletter – but it felt almost inevitable that this would not be a memorable night.
Whenever I write about political events, I try hard to keep my personal bias in check, so please forgive me if a little seep out now and again.
Here was a stark choice between something new and different but unproven and someone known only too well for what he stands for, and he had lost last time around whilst being the incumbent. In the interim he had criminal charges held up against him, and still had more criminal charges to face. Somehow, this hardly appeared to figure or even matter.
Trump’s re-election has been fuelled, as is always the case in the US by an economy that has stuttered and failed to light up during the presidency of Joe Biden – this arguably gave Harris an unfortunate disadvantage, it would be very difficult for any Democratic candidate to overcome this, especially when taking over so late in the proceedings.
It appeared to take forever and also happened so quickly, the not so prominent VP, Kamala Harris suddenly took over Biden’s position of running for Presidency once he eventually accepted that he just didn’t have what it takes anymore. Understandably, this being the biggest and most powerful post in the world, it took some strong persuading from some of his closest and most influential backers.
As with most big leadership roles, there’s little relevant training or development. Again, very similar to many other ‘deputy’ roles, the job title feels appropriate but in reality, there is little if any opportunity to ‘fly the plane’. She went from Vice President to courageously stepping up to an even bigger, life-changing challenge. Harris has outstanding credentials, but nothing prepares you for what was about to transform her life and very being in a flash. This is the biggest and most watched job in the world.
Most presidential candidates have had time to work it all out, build the necessary electoral machine, make the learning mistakes, build the team, get the narrative sorted – I could go on. She had it thrust upon her and obviously she was going to give it everything.
With hindsight, she was really up against it from the very late get go. Trump on the other hand had seen it all before – twice! The big question was could she give this newly inherited support and her own base the level of confidence that Trump did with his own, and vitally could she connect with those who were unsure.
I’ve spoken before about charisma being overrated. There is no denying that Trump has an ability to just himself in headlines, he is the headline. He speaks his mind, thinks out loud and for all his flaws, no matter how damaging it may appear to be, he tramples conventional wisdom and dominates all coverage. The most horrific and damaging news just fires up his base to roar that the establishment are attacking him again.
For many, this gives them someone to believe in, someone who gives them a journey to join – it seemed that Kamala Harris lacked those characteristics that could have edged her over the line – no fault of her own, every leader is different. Trump played to the recognised rhythm of his supporters, and he made his name known to those who were still on the fence, ultimately giving him an unbeatable edge against any ‘newcomer’ to the fight. And he always makes it a bare-knuckle brawl.
So, we must ask the awkward question, would she had been successful if she were male? Is America ready for such a big change in electing a female leader? We are not saying the only reason Kamala Harris was unsuccessful was because of her gender, but it certainly plays a huge part, the rest of the world have accepted and taken on female leaders, and many have reaped the benefits. It is still untested territory for the nation that has been the incumbent leader of the west. It is not a good look.
Harris’ ethnicity has also been made an obnoxious issue. With some who should know far better questioning whether she was indeed Black. She was certainly up against it. Many groups that had been loyal Democrats forever now felt ignored or taken for granted by the party. This would become very damaging on election night.
Trump had already been voted out of office, and his re-election demonstrates that America went for familiarity over the unknown and unproven, despite his many deep flaws.
Wherever we go, we remind leaders about the importance of setting examples and taking care of their people. As a leader, you must strive to be the best version of yourself to demonstrate what it takes to be a successful and well-respected leader. Donald Trump’s well documented track record and well-known illegal activities go against everything a leader should be. It was a surprise to many that he was allowed to run again in the first place, but maybe that tells us enough about the variety, or lack of, when it comes to choice of leaders – more specifically, leaders prepared to stand against such a maverick and reckless opponent, especially in the Republican party.
Discussing the difference in policy between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris which feels like a conversation for another day but it’s important to highlight the unfortunate and damaging potential changes coming to vital topics such as abortion, immigration and the stance towards climate change.
By now, leaders and societies should be adopting a mindset that accepts difference, includes everyone and keeps those around them safe. It’s disturbing that parts of America are struggling to continue upholding inclusive mindsets and attitudes.
Leadership is no easy task, and being the President of USA might just be the toughest of them all, which is why this decision reverberates around the world like no other. The global attention gives more reason to why there needs to be careful consideration during the electoral stage. Trump has clearly earned the support from the majority who voted, but America is maybe even more polarised than before the election. America needs to heal itself, and sure have different views and stances, but without the hostility and partisanship which threatens its ability to remain the world’s most powerful nation.
It now needs leadership and inclusive leadership at that.
There is one thing we all have in common – our diversity – its high time to cease trying to exploit it and start to celebrate it.
Thought for the week:
Give your team a reason to believe.
Tips for becoming an A player:
- Assemble a band of believers
- Always be prepared to change
- Be results driven, not status driven
- Fix the environment not the people
- Always keep an open mind
