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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Simon Jenkins

Put yourself in the shoes of a Donald Trump voter – and understand what drives his success

Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia, on 2 March 2024.
Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia, on 2 March 2024. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Donald Trump is certain to be the Republican candidate in this year’s election for US president. He is also currently favourite to win. To most readers of the Guardian, I am sure this prospect is appalling, as it is to most Britons. The nation to which they gave birth and language, that has been their friend and protector down the ages, seems to be going mad.

Britons who know the US are amazed that, however reluctantly, enough of its voters might again choose Trump to rule over them after the experience of 2017 to 2021. Who are these Americans? How can they be so blind to his faults, with the law hounding him, gossip ridiculing him and commentators pouring scorn and derision on his every word?

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