The undying power of Donald Trump

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Donald Trump has had a terrible few months – and is still leading the national polls for the Republican nomination.

Almost everything he’s done lately — really, everything since he left office — should have disheartened him, but he still remains in a pretty strong position.

That he could play a big hand in blowing the 2022 midterms, follow that up with a weak campaign announcement, immerse himself in weird and unnecessary controversies (pass the ketchup, Kanye), attack an incoming Republican governor in rough terms, and not only living to tell the tale, but remaining at the head of the pack may be the most impressive testament to the power of his political brand.

Of course, it’s still very early in a late-developing race, and there’s no doubt that Trump has taken water. That said, unless Trump’s support in the polls is a complete mirage, he will continue to have a formidable grip on the GOP. It’s one thing to think that Trump will be replaced as he slides away, defeating himself with his own obsessions and hatreds; it was another that made a way to bring him down.

Since he first entered the race in 2015, Trump has benefited from a natural sense of command. What he lacked in depth of policy or in dignity, he made up for in great personal force and authority. In the 2016 primary debates, he was the tall, orange man who stood center stage, silencing the other candidates when necessary.

In the current developing field, he is the only one with a winning (and losing) track record at the national level. He created a movement that everyone wanted to embrace or, at the very least, embrace. He is the dominant force — the one whose career status affects everyone, and, crucially, the one everyone fears.

The latter quality is an important part of the Trump phenomenon. Other national figures can attract their competition (Barack Obama in 2008) or overwhelm them with resources (George W. Bush in 2000, Hillary Clinton in 2016). Trump’s MO is to hit them with very personal and inflammatory attacks.

Nikki Haley had a great launch a few weeks ago, but among her weakest moments was when she was clearly afraid to say anything about Trump, including mentioning a policy difference or two.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been more outspoken, though he has voiced criticism of the bias.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, the target of initial blows from Trump, shrugged them off or parried with very subtle counter punches.

If the current situation remains, there is no way around Trump – only through – and that will require a case against him.

To be “The Man” (or “The Lady”), as the immortal Ric Flair once said, you have to beat “The Man.” Trump may actually lose, but the latest polls show him exactly the way anyone wants to take over the party he’s led for years.

Rich Lowry is editor-in-chief of National Review

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