World
10 reasons Donald Trump might not be all that bad after all
The prospect of President Trump has struck fear into the hearts of people across the world – but he can’t be as bad as they think, can he?
Donald Trump has been elected as the next US President.
And for many, the bad news is that it wasn’t just a bad dream.
Having defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the most controversial US election in history, the billionaire businessman will become Leader of the Free World.
It’s fair to say the prospect of President Trump has struck fear into the hearts of many people across the world, especially in Britain.
Who can blame them? His campaign was built on promises, including a 1,900-mile wall along to US-Mexico border to keep out illegal migrants.
Let’s not forget the tapes in which he’s heard bragging about groping and kissing women or accusations of casual racism and xenophobia.
Here are 10 reasons why you shouldn’t worry too much:
1. He’s not really a Republican
Trump has swung from Republican to Democrat and back again over 20 years, so he may not be a right-wing maniac.
2. He’s a deal-maker
Trump is used to making big deals. And be it dealing with Congress or Vladimir Putin, in politics that is how you get things done.
3. He’s half-British
OK, so he didn’t get round to ringing Theresa May for a while. But his mother is Scottish. He has many business interests in the UK. And he’s a big fan of Brexit . He will probably want to hug us close.
4. He promised us a trade deal
Unlike Obama, he said we’d be “at the front of the queue”.
5. He could actually boost Nato
Trump’s ambivalence on Nato sparked fear in Europe. But he was making a valid point that many member states are not meeting their commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence. If they fall in line, it could make Nato stronger.
6. He could reform Washington
His vow to “drain the swamp” was popular – although lacking in detail. If Trump is serious about reforming DC politics, it would be long overdue.
7. A fresh start with Russia
Trump vowed to “get along” with Russia and a realpolitik approach could achieve more than the West’s current hard line.
8. People change in the White House
It’s one thing ranting about Mexicans when you’re trying to be nominated by the Republican grassroots. It’s quite another once you’re given the awesome responsibility of being president.
9. It’s only four years. Probably
More people voted for Hillary. A better candidate would have beaten him. So if he’s as bad as feared, he’s out in 2020.
10. He wants to be a success
The most important one. Trump is not in this for ideological reasons, fame or cash – but ego. Starting WW3 or making the US go bust is not in his interests.
