In days of yore — also known as pre-2016 — a US presidential candidate being indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents would have dealt a fatal blow to their campaign. But this is Donald Trump, a man who was recently found liable by a jury for sexually abusing the writer E Jean Carroll in 1996.
Consequently, it is difficult to imagine any eventuality that prevents Mr Trump from winning the Republican Party nomination and securing at least 200 electoral votes, with the presidency of a deeply polarised nation hinging on swing states. In response to the charges, Mr Trump posted a four-minute video in which he described the allegations as a “hoax” — a favourite word of his — adding: “I will fight this, just like we’ve been fighting for several years.” No doubt he will, a master practitioner of grievance politics.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden will be cautiously optimistic about his prospects. Despite small majorities in Congress in his first two years and now grappling with a Republican House of Representatives, he has enjoyed a productive period in office, recently negotiating a successful debt ceiling deal.
Yet he will know that if the US economy cannot find a soft landing and falls into recession, his chances of re-election may go with it. The rest of the world, with an interest but no say in the matter, watches on with a combination of grim fascination and dread.
PM’s plate is full here
For any British Prime Minister fresh from the reflective glory of an Oval Office visit, returning to the quotidian troubles of domestic politics feels like a comedown. Rishi Sunak is no different. Following a productive trip to Washington DC — in which he unveiled the “Atlantic Declaration”, far from a comprehensive free trade deal but an attempt to deepen economic ties between the UK and US — the Prime Minister faces multiple challenges.
First, the political. Boris Johnson has a potentially explosive resignation honours list which, even if it does not precipitate parliamentary by-elections, will cause headlines — while the partygate investigation is edging closer to a conclusion. Second, the economy is providing little respite. Mortgage rates continue to rise, while interest rates and the tax burden are still travelling in only one direction. The “Stanford Man”, as Sunak would probably prefer Mr Biden stop calling him, has plenty to focus on at home.
Manchester’s move
“You only live round the corner, live round the corner!” That’s the chant you often hear when Manchester United play in London, based on an only semi-mythical belief that most of its fans live in the capital.
Fair or not, there will be many Londoners hopeful that United’s treble remains unmatched when Man City face Inter Milan in tomorrow’s Champions League Final. Still, thanks to the Hammers the capital already has a European trophy this season. Your move, Manchester.
