By Matt Underwood David Axelrod’s assessment that Donald Trump learned during his previous term that he could “get away with anything” rings profoundly true. It’s a chilling realization, but one supported by a multitude of observations from the past several years. His actions, or rather, his lack of consequences for his actions, suggest a deeply ingrained belief that the rules simply don’t apply to him.
This wasn’t a sudden realization born from his time in office; it’s more accurately described as a confirmation of a pre-existing belief. His past behaviors, even before his presidential campaign, displayed a consistent pattern of disregard for norms and conventions. The presidency, however, provided a grand stage upon which to test the limits of this audacious belief.
The almost complete absence of meaningful consequences for Trump’s actions during his first term seems to have solidified this conviction. Whether it was controversial statements, questionable business dealings, or even alleged serious crimes, a sense of impunity seemed to permeate his actions. This created a dangerous precedent, not only for him personally but for the entire political landscape.
This emboldenment wasn’t solely a product of Trump’s own psychology; it was fueled, in part, by the political climate and the responses of various institutions. The actions, or lack thereof, from certain branches of government, as well as the reactions within the broader political spectrum, seemingly validated Trump’s perception of his own invincibility.
The Republican party’s response, or lack thereof, to his actions played a significant role in this. A considerable portion of the party seemed more concerned with maintaining power than holding their own leader accountable, thereby inadvertently reinforcing the message that consequences were not inevitable. This dynamic fostered a culture of permissiveness that allowed Trump’s actions to go largely unchecked.
The reaction, or lack of forceful reaction, from the Democratic party also contributed significantly. While condemnation was often voiced, the lack of effective, swift, and decisive action to hold Trump accountable appears to have reinforced his belief in his invulnerability. This inaction appeared to many as a weakness that further encouraged bolder, more brazen behavior.
The widespread perception that powerful individuals, irrespective of their actions, often escape accountability is a serious concern. This erosion of faith in the justice system creates a climate where the rules are perceived as applying selectively, leading to feelings of disillusionment and frustration. It’s a dangerous trend that affects not only individual politicians, but also the broader public’s trust in democratic processes.
Trump’s assertion that he could “stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and still retain supporters is, in hindsight, a frighteningly accurate assessment of the situation. It highlights the profound polarization of American politics and the difficulty in establishing common ground. His apparent inability to be held accountable for his words and actions contributes to the sense of disillusionment that prevails amongst many.
The fact that the lack of meaningful repercussions for his behavior did not result in an electoral defeat only further cemented his belief in his ability to escape accountability. It sent a powerful message, one that seems to resonate profoundly with many, and raises considerable concerns about the future of American politics and its ability to hold its leaders accountable.
Ultimately, the notion that Trump believed he could get away with anything is not merely a provocative statement; it’s a sobering reflection of a political climate where accountability is increasingly challenged and where the very foundations of democratic processes seem vulnerable to manipulation. The implications of this are far-reaching and demand a serious and comprehensive reevaluation of our political systems and the processes used to enforce the rule of law.