Is Trump faking it?

 

Rulers who are not truthful about their health are not a new phenomenon. It is not only personal vanity, sometimes it is also about survival. Information about a ruler’s malaise can accelerate predators in their attempts to remove him. And yet, especially in extreme situations, such as war, one now expects to be reassured that the person leading the executive branch of the government is physically fit to do the job. This rarely works, as the immediate circle surrounding a ruler is very normally in awe of the person they are serving, and often more loyal to the person than to the institution. Hence, the annual ritual of the White House’s report on the results of the President’s medical tests, is probably more ritual than reliable information.

 

After four years of White House disregard for the truth, the question that begs to be asked in connection with Trump’s covid hospitalisation, is are we getting fake news yet again? Is Trump sicker than we are told? Or, perhaps, is he not sick at all? (other than in his head, which is not new).

 

Faking covid could be a brilliant move. After a period of having been “ill”, Trump would “recover”, thereby proving to the US electorate what a fit man he is – a man who, despite his age, has overcome the virus, is fit to handle any enemy and every problem.   

 

Most Americans vote for the same political party, throughout their lives. The main purpose of election campaigns is to convince the small percentage of the waverers. This year, there are unlikely to be many Democrats who can be convinced by Trumps past four years to vote for him. But there are Republicans, who are wavering. Trump needs to prevent any haemorrhaging of the traditional voters for Republican nominees. This might be achieved with such a show of physical strength.