Despite polls confidently predicting a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald J. Trump stunned everyone by winning his second term. The reaction was a buffet of emotions: surprise, excitement, confusion, and in some cases, the kind of existential dread usually reserved for Monday mornings or the discovery of an unexpected tax audit. Meanwhile, others celebrated like their team finally won the Super Bowl.
Trump, never one for subtlety, hit the ground running with dramatic promises, bold threats, and an entourage of individuals who could generously be described as "colorful." From vows to make everything "great again" (again) to proclamations that sound like they came straight from a late-night reality show pitch, the next four years promise to be a roller coaster - but will it be fun, or just terrifying?
The big question now is: what does the reality of his second term actually hold? Crystal balls, tea leaves, and your friend who's "really into politics" can only offer guesses. But one thing is historically certain - no President, not even the most ambitious, has ever managed to fulfill all the lofty promises (and dire threats) they dished out on the campaign trail. The Oval Office may come with power, but it doesn't come with a magic wand, a genie lamp, or even a Costco-sized jar of political goodwill.
So, as we buckle up for this sequel - whether you're viewing it as a drama, a comedy, a horror film, or the second coming of Jesus - remember that every President faces limits. Sure, Trump may attempt to defy them with his signature bravado, but history suggests that reality, Congress, and occasionally the Constitution itself have a knack for being stubbornly unmoved. Let's just hope the next four years leave us with more laughs than tears.
Lastly, every American should remember the following
If you're afraid and angry at Trump, it probably won't be as bad as you fear.
If you're excited for Trump, it probably won't be as great as you hope.
