Last year, in a conversation with writer Dame Fiona Kidman, I suggested Donald Trump would have a path to selection as the Republican nominee for the 2024 US presidential election. Her response was typical of most sane and decent folk: a wince of consternation and words to the effect of, "Surely not!"
Many of us have gone on thinking "surely not", as Trump has continued to commit crimes. To add to the January 6 insurrection and associated wrongdoing, we now learn he has taken classified documents, including nuclear secrets, and been indicted on multiple federal criminal counts. There's the recent finding of liability in court for sexual assault, and all the further indictments expected to be laid this year. His best chance of staying out of prison is to run for president, to delay his trials, to quash investigations if he is elected.
As he ages, he looks crazier and even more flagrantly criminal, but his core followers do not waver. This is the puzzle for those of us who think, sanely and sensibly, surely not. The question goes on being asked, "Why support a candidate who is delusional, predatory and lawless?"
Esta historia es de la edición July 8 - 14, 2023 de New Zealand Listener.
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Esta historia es de la edición July 8 - 14, 2023 de New Zealand Listener.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
