By Tony Bruce and Ben Emos | Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 5 min read
The phrase “Trump is falling apart; his center can no longer hold” evokes a reference to W.B. Yeats’ famous poem The Second Coming, where he writes: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.” In the context of Donald Trump, this could refer to various ongoing challenges he’s facing politically, legally, or personally, suggesting that the core of his support, power, or stability is unraveling.
Donald Trump, once seen as an unstoppable force in American politics, is now facing a series of blows that have left his campaign—and his legacy—on shaky ground. From mounting legal battles to his recent debate defeat by Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the center of Trump’s political machine can no longer hold.
Trump’s legal troubles are compounding at an alarming rate, making it harder for him to focus on his 2024 presidential campaign. His ongoing cases range from charges related to the January 6 Capitol insurrection, fraud allegations involving his family business, to a myriad of other legal issues that continue to unfold across multiple states.
In a case that could severely weaken his financial base, a New York judge found Trump liable for fraud in a civil suit brought by the state attorney general. This ruling, which accused Trump of inflating the value of his assets to secure loans and insurance deals, threatens not only his personal wealth but also his image as a successful businessman. His response—angry rants and claims of witch hunts—has done little to deflect the damage, and each new development piles more pressure on his already beleaguered campaign.
Meanwhile, his criminal cases continue to swirl. Federal indictments tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election are looming, and special counsel investigations into his mishandling of classified documents could further erode his standing with voters. While Trump has always played up his legal battles as badges of honor in the eyes of his base, the sheer volume of cases threatens to drown his message as the election approaches.
Debate Defeat by Kamala Harris
If the legal challenges weren’t enough, Trump’s performance in the recent Philadelphia debate against Vice President Kamala Harris only underscored his unraveling political fortunes. Harris, known for her sharp debating skills, delivered a calm and commanding performance that left Trump floundering.
Trump’s strategy seemed to be more focused on stirring up controversy than delivering a coherent message. At one point, he revived a bizarre, xenophobic claim that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating people’s pets—an outrageous and wholly unfounded statement that only served to make him appear unhinged. Harris, by contrast, focused on policy, highlighting her record and calling for unity in a nation deeply divided by years of Trump’s incendiary rhetoric.
The post-debate polls reflected the damage. Voters overwhelmingly viewed Harris as the victor, with many citing Trump’s erratic behavior and reliance on conspiracy theories as a key factor in his defeat. What was once his political strength—dominating media coverage with shocking statements—now seems to be backfiring, alienating the moderates and independents who are crucial to winning a general election.
The Swift Endorsement Blow
Adding insult to injury, pop superstar Taylor Swift—a cultural force with millions of devoted followers—publicly endorsed Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, driving a stake into Trump’s campaign. Swift’s endorsement was thoughtful and respectful, encouraging people to make informed decisions. In contrast, Trump’s ally Elon Musk responded with a bizarre and creepy comment, telling Swift, “Fine Taylor… you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.”
Musk’s outlandish behavior only highlighted the absurdity surrounding Trump’s circle of surrogates. It’s hard to take a campaign seriously when its most high-profile supporters resort to cringeworthy, sexist remarks aimed at one of the world’s most beloved figures. Swift’s endorsement, combined with Harris’ debate win, served as a stark reminder of just how out of touch Trump’s team has become with the mainstream American electorate.
A Campaign in Freefall
For Trump, these events are symptomatic of a larger problem: a campaign spiraling out of control. His attempts to rally his base with fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric aren’t landing the way they did in 2016. The electorate is fatigued, the scandals are piling up, and his political missteps are becoming harder to ignore.
What’s more, Republicans themselves are showing signs of distancing from him. His running mate, JD Vance, hasn’t helped matters, doubling down on Trump’s most outrageous claims and driving home a message that appears increasingly detached from reality. With growing discontent in Republican circles and a lack of fresh ideas, the campaign is veering into a downward spiral that may be impossible to recover from.
The Center Cannot Hold
Trump’s political center is no longer holding, and the cracks are becoming too deep to ignore. His legal battles, debate losses, and erratic behavior suggest a man and a campaign losing their grip. What was once a carefully constructed image of invincibility has been eroded by scandal, incompetence, and desperation. As the 2024 election draws nearer, it’s clear that Trump is no longer the dominant force he once was. His political decline may be slow and messy, but the writing is on the wall: the Trump era is unraveling.
Copyright 2024 FN, NewsRoom.
