Donald Trump is in a fix in his electioneering campaign. The bolt from the blue has come from Colorado’s Court as it ruled against the presidential candidature of the former Republican president. The 4-3 majority vote simply outlawed his campaign for Colorado primary ballot, but restrained from pronouncing a nationwide verdict. The court was convinced that Trump had his due share in insurrection for his alleged involvement in the January 2021 assault on Capitol Hill. This is for the first time in history that the 14th Amendment has been invoked, and the incumbent declared ineligible to hold the high public office again. Though this has come as a blow, it does not stall Trump for canvassing for 2024 Presidential elections, as similar petitions under the same law were dismissed in the states of New Hampshire, Minnesota and Michigan.
With the Supreme Court intervening on its own instantly, and putting the ruling on hold until January 4, the monumental case will keep presidential contestants on the edges. Nonetheless, it was no less than a shock and awe for Trump at the debut of his primaries. Keeping in mind his pending litigations and indictments for allegedly leading a conspiracy to tamper the 2020 election, the top federal court is once again in the limelight and has a critical decision to make impacting civil emancipation versus constitutional writ. Likewise, it is a déjà vu for the electorate as they compare this hearing to the landmark Bush v. Gore verdict in 2000. But a quarter century down the line, the US is too mature and would not like to see a potential aspirant knocked down on the premise of a judicial review.
Though Trump’s candidature is in hot waters, he still is way ahead than any of the Democratic nominees for the fateful contest. President Biden’s confused foreign policy, especially in the wale of the Gaza crisis, and the Republicans enjoying popularity with urban voters has brought in new dimensions. Trump in the dock will be a jury on his own.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2023.
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