Needless-to-say, most readers would immediately know that I’m talking about Donald Trump, who at 78 is beginning to display certain characteristics associated with senility and cognitive decline. His recent speeches and social media commentary appear to indicate that he is ever more confused, forgetful, incoherent or disconnected from reality. I declare this not with any malice against the former president, but with a great deal of concern over his ability to fulfill presidential responsibilities. It’s also pretty bad when you have his vice-presidential candidate attempting to explain or interpret what Trump meant in his nonsensical remarks.
There is no longer anything particularly funny about the situation as it stands — despite late night talk show hosts using Trump’s commentary as fodder for comedic purposes. His campaign has refused to release medical records, instead simply pointing to a one-page letter apparently released in July by his former White House doctor reporting that Mr. Trump was “doing well”, particularly after being grazed by a bullet in an assassination attempt. I believe that that unfortunate attempt and subsequent second attempt may have indeed affected his outlook and temperament. Concerns about his age have also heightened now that he is trying to return to office, concerns that were not alleviated by his unfounded debate claim about Haitian immigrants “eating pets” in Springfield, Ohio. After his debate with Kamala Harris, his poor showing raised a number of vital questions about his cognitive capabilities.
What is also interesting and something that I have noticed in various interviews given by Trump, he has a great deal of difficulty answering specific questions directed to him. This is not just a political manoeuvre of avoidance of an issue, but also demonstrates on his part the apparent lack of ability to focus. In his speeches, he rambles on about all kinds of weird things, from talking about sharks, malaria and Hannibal Lecter: none of which makes any sense from an issue and policy point of view. As well, he’s has had some pretty noticeable moments of obvious confusion.
What does this mean for America’s allies? Right now, countries such as Canada, the U.K. and France must be wondering what is going on in the American presidential election! Out of respect for diplomacy and non-interference is another country’s elections, their leaders are not saying anything out loud. However, in private, these allies are very concerned to say the least as to Trump’s general behaviour, and especially his continuing outbursts, blatant lies and overt conspiracy theories. With a month left before the final voting in November, other countries must be holding their breath, wondering what will be the eventual outcome in what many have described as the most important election of this century. Trump’s proposed economic, defence and foreign policy positions are being studied to death with much trepidation.
We live today in volatile world where strong leadership is essential and close cooperation among democratic countries is a must. This requires forward and sensible policy and decision making on the part of all leaders. It is time for younger leadership in order to support the many current and future needs of our new century. We cannot afford to have leaders who are stuck in the past and without the necessary skills to move us forward into the future. Surely, most citizens today recognize the need to be able to effectively tackle the important issues, everything from foreign wars, new technologies and climate change. The most immediate danger however is that Donald Trump could become the next president of the United States of America!
FROLITICKS 
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