Trump

When we criticise America for electing Trump, aren’t we overlooking the fact that Americans voted with full knowledge of who he was? His persona, policies, and flaws were well-documented, and they knew exactly what they were getting. It was their right to make an informed decision based on that transparency. In contrast, we often fail to appreciate the value of such clarity in our own political choices.

Can we truly stand in judgement of the American people, especially when we look at our own recent choices for prime minister, both under the Conservatives and, more notably, with Keir Starmer? Starmer has hardly turned out to be a paragon of virtue. His leadership has been marked by decisions many find difficult to defend, and it’s clear that our own political gamble hasn’t panned out as some had hoped.

Voting requires trust and optimism, no matter where it takes place. Instead of hastily criticising American voters, perhaps we’d be wiser to reflect on our own voting history and acknowledge that, at times, our own choices have been far from satisfactory.

I understand your perspective, and I agree that Trump’s actions raise serious moral questions. It's hard to reconcile voting for someone with such a problematic history, and his supporters must take responsibility.

That said, we can’t reduce Trump voters to a single explanation. Some supported him for his policies, others out of frustration with the establishment, and some overlooked his flaws for what they believed was the greater good.

The "convicted criminal and sex offender" aspect is troubling, but we must also address the deeper issues, like economic hardship and disenfranchisement, that fuelled his rise to popularity. I'm not defending him or his supporters, but the more pressing question must be how someone like him could even get close to the corridors of power.

When I look at our own political system, I see how much the standards of statesmanship have eroded. In July, when I saw the list of candidates for prime minister, I couldn’t help but think: Is this really the best they can offer Uk voters?

Given that, I don’t think we’re in any position to criticise other countries. I fear we’re heading in the same direction, and it won’t end well. When people are angry, they don’t always make the best choices.