politics
Donald Trump can’t beat Iran and Nigel Farage can only beat a bin. When it counts, these populists are just losers
The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them
TL;DR
- Nigel Farage's return as MP for Clacton is described as a political stunt, an exercise in performance rather than substantive work.
- Farage's absence from the byelection announcement is attributed to security concerns, a claim questioned due to past statements about needing money for security.
- An investigation into Farage's financial dealings has resumed, potentially leading to another byelection.
- Donald Trump's political success is compared to Farage's, focusing on their shared populist style of railing against an establishment.
- Trump's presidency is characterized by a disastrous record, with inflation higher than when he took office and petrol prices leaping up.
- Trump is described as being "bored by economic policy" and not actively trying to improve the economic fortunes of his voters.
- The war on Iran, initiated by Trump, is called a calamity that has failed to achieve its goals and has strengthened Iran's position.
- Trump is portrayed as a maestro of political performance but useless at governing, lacking patience for detailed diplomatic work.
- Nationalist populists who follow Trump's lead are seen as good at expressing anger but incapable of making things better.