Trump vs. the Vacuum – WSJ

magine a different universe. Under any other Trump arc, even one where he was still elected twice, imagine if his presidency had faced only lawful and responsible pushback, minimally respectful of the voters who put him in office. Imagine if institutions from the press and universities to the FBI, legal profession and Democratic Party hadn t so discredited themselves that they flounder uselessly now.

Mr. Trump might well have faded away after one term. Mr. Biden certainly wouldn t have considered a second term even possible if the press had held him to account over Hunter Biden, the laptop hoax, and his demonstrable senility.

Instead President Trump, though a lame duck, now enjoys exceptional scope to maneuver because he lacks a credible opposition. Until now, Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans did more damage to themselves and the very notion of a loyal opposition than they ever did to Mr. Trump. They remain unable today to channel a plethora of American interests and voting blocs to influence Trump policy in action.

Luckily, the basic Newtonianism of American politics still works. Pushback will come (and benefit Mr. Trump himself) to inform his coalition when some of his initiatives are miscalculated. The great centering force of American life will resume its rightful place (i.e., the answer won t be Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez).

Expect it to happen in record time if the effects of Mr. Trump s trade theories start to hit home around America s kitchen tables.

via www.wsj.com

Holman Jenkins.