In a riveting turn in the ongoing drama of the US election, rock legend Bruce Springsteen has labelled President Donald Trump a ‘tyrant,’ sparking a social media frenzy. Meanwhile, British bookies are bucking the trend, favouring Trump to snatch victory in the upcoming election.
The renowned American singer-songwriter and anti-establishment icon joined the growing chorus against Trump, holding no punches in his critique. The star famously accentuates themes of American life in his music, offering his listeners raw insights into politics, economy, and society. Therefore, his critique has stirred a considerable wave of national and international reaction, setting social media ablaze with discussions over his remarks against Trump.
Springsteen’s denouncement came on the heels of The New York Times’ release of audio clips featuring comments made by former Homeland Security Chief of Staff, Miles Taylor, and Olivia Troye, ex-counselor to Vice President Mike Pence. Both offered scathing reports about the Trump Administration, echoing Springsteen’s sentiments that Trump is “unhinged.”
The Harris campaign has lost no time capitalizing on these revelations. The comments are now featuring prominently in an ad campaign running on both television and digital platforms in several battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Interestingly, these are some of the key states that brought Trump to power in 2016.
Embroidered with the biting line – “Donald Trump is unhinged,” the text on these ads does not mince words, reflecting the intensity of the battle for the White House. These scathing revelations and the unflinching condemnation it has drawn fully illustrates the political tempest swirling around Trump.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the British bookmakers are placing their bets, favouring Trump to win the forthcoming election. This may seem surprising considering the widespread discontent against Trump and a series of unfavourable polls. However, the bookies’ odds are not reflection of a poll, rather a dynamic market where odds are influenced by money placed. Despite negative polls, they are influenced by the number of punters putting their money behind Trump.
Remember the last election in 2016, pollsters predicted a smooth Clinton victory; however, Trump defied odds and opinion polls, ultimately proving the pundits wrong. This, coupled with the still-potent support base of Trump, provides a glimmer of hope to the Trump camp as many believe an upset could be yet in the making.
Thus, the confluence of events surrounding the US election has added fuel to an already inferno-like atmosphere. The criticism from famous quarters such as Springsteen is undoubtedly a morale booster for the Democrats. However, it remains uncertain if this will translate into a definitive victory at the polls, given that bookmakers are painting a different picture.
As the election day approaches, the American political scenario seems to be caught between a rock(et) man who labels Trump a “tyrant” and the compelling figures of British bookmakers who consider Trump the favoured candidate. Such a contrasting picture serves to underscore not only the tumultuous nature of this election but also the polarized state of American politics today. In an environment shrouded in controversy and uncertainty, one thing is clear – the 2020 US election is about nothing if not unpredictability.
