(DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca)

OPINION

It’s doubtful a Las Vegas oddsmaker would give better than even odds on who will be the next president of the United States. That’s just how crazy things are right now south of the border.

Normally, anyone above a double-digit IQ should be able to predict with confidence that Joe Biden - former two-term vice-president and Senator from Delaware for 36 years - would be elected president in a landslide on Nov. 3. But these are far from normal times.

Remember, it was Americans and Russians that elected Donald Trump in 2016. The United States and most of the world have suffered immeasurably the past three-and-a-half years. Trump was impeached and should have been removed from office...except for a Senate of immoral and corrupt Republicans.

Of course, Russians are helping Trump again this year...why wouldn’t they? Nothing has been done to stop them by the Trump Administration and Putin now knows there will be no punishment for his interference as long as Trump and Republicans rule. So, Republicans...all stalwart Americans...what perversity will we see from you in the next 99 days...other than siding with Russians over other Americans...real Americans.

Biden’s lead in every poll doesn’t mean much. Hillary led Trump in 2016. People lie to pollsters. Racists don’t like to self-identify...so they say one thing to pollsters...and do the opposite at the ballot box. And if you doubt...Trump heads the party that includes racists and white supremacists.

Of course, you need not be a scholar to know that Trump should be in prison...along with members of his family and dozens of Republicans who either violated their oaths to the U.S. Constitution...or enriched themselves at the expense of taxpayers...or both.

Trump and his minions break laws and violate the Constitution daily. It’s almost impossible to keep up. Last week we found out that in 2018 he ordered the American Ambassador to the United Kingdom to get Scotland to name his Turnberry Golf Club as the site for The Open...golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament.

It is impossible to list all the things Trump and the idiots he has appointed have done wrong...there simply isn’t space. Their most recent disasters are notable...the worst handling of the COVID-19 pandemic of any nation worldwide...mishandling every racial situation since taking office...and doing their best - even now - to start cultural and race wars in America.

Oh, and there’s the whole fascist thing two weeks ago when unnamed, unidentified Federal thugs invaded Portland, OR - not invited by the governor or mayor - who terrorized protesters by literally kidnapping them from public streets and carting them off in unmarked vehicles...no reading of rights. Just fascist, jack-booted storm-trooper tactics.

It makes me sick to my stomach to admit that so many Americans - Trump supporters - are so stupid. Millions of ignorant people...who refuse to wear masks...who cheer a president who answers to Russia’s Vladimir Putin...who look the other way on moral issues but seem blissful as long as judges are Conservatives. You can’t be that stupid! Wake the f*** up!

At some point...and if there is a merciful God it won’t be long...Trump supporters will be embarrassed to admit they are or ever were in his camp. Will they burn those ridiculous racist red MAGA caps...and start living lives that reflect an aspirational America...one that heretofore has not existed...largely because of people like them? Don’t bet on it.

These Americans dull my usual optimism. Even so, I’ll stop short of an actual prediction on the outcome of the election. There is, after all, only one righteous, decent and true choice. But allow me to wonder...what if?

Trump is desperate...as desperate as any man can get. He doesn’t think most people - most Americans - love him. That kind of thinking from him alone is a sign of some peculiar mental illness. The fact is, more people hate him...not just dislike...than like him. Forget love...Melania can’t even fake that...who gets a prenup...right, those without trust? Remember, even from day one the majority of Americans didn’t support him...and now they despise him!

So, desperate times call for desperate measures...and here are just a few things that could very well happen before and after the election in November.

Trump’s total incompetence is driving his approval rating down...the lowest of any president...ever. So, in scenario one look for Trump to possibly pull out of the race...even as late as October. In fact, waiting to the last minute fits with his vindictive nature...get even with Republicans who he sees as having failed him. Very Trump-like...such a decision gives no time for anyone to even build a write-in campaign.

Remember, he never takes the blame for anything...he has never been accountable. Here, too, he will blame others...and in a huff...quit. I must admit...I like this option.

What other scenarios might transpire? Well, he could get just an incredible ass whupping if he stays in the race. Biden might be confirmed the winner before polls close in the Eastern Time Zone. Again, I must admit...I like this one...a lot. Americans reclaiming America.

Another scenario that’s just as likely given Trump’s mental instability and the corrupt nature of those around him is that he loses the election...and refuses to leave office. You know, that he’s going to claim fraud where there is none.

He will file some bogus lawsuit - don’t forget Attorney General Bill Barr is his stooge - and seek relief from a Supreme Court that he and other Republicans have loaded with Conservatives. See how sickening this can get...and based on past behaviour...you shouldn’t dismiss this. It won’t work...but Trump is just that mad...America’s “Mad King Ludwig.”

Another scenario has Trump winning. This one requires that everything happen exactly as in 2016...you know, with Republicans cheating, lying and stealing the election through voter suppression and intimidation and getting the Russian block vote. There are plenty of stupid Americans to make this work. Being a real American, I have trouble with this outcome. It would - in my mind - signal the loss of America forever...the end of American democracy.

That is why so many Americans - an overwhelming number - will vote in this election. I see this as 2020’s saving grace. I simply can’t believe Democrats, Independents and the few smart Republicans - even if the polls say Trump can’t possibly win - still won’t turn out in droves. No one’s taking chances this time. Hmmm...I guess I made a prediction after all.

— Don Thompson, an American awaiting Canadian citizenship, lives in Vernon and in Florida. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Don has been a working journalist, a speechwriter and the CEO of an advertising and public relations firm. A passionate and compassionate man, he loves the written word as much as fine dinners with great wines. His essays are a blend of news reporting and opinion.

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