Donald Trump spat with Zelensky shows exactly why he should be President

If a week was “a long time in ” for former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, in this new world dominated by the moods, moves and musings of President it seems like an eternity. This is a world leader who imposes swingeing trade tariffs, declares war or makes peace seemingly on a whim. His ability to offend and outrage — while not caring a jot — is unmatched. However, last week the behaviour of the man who is just a heartbeat from taking over in the event of Trump’s untimely demise has, for me, proved even more egregious, and that should concern the world just as much as any Trump tantrum or directive. Remember, but for the fractional wind shear or slightest of jolts that meant the would be assassin’s bullet missed Trump by a fraction in Pennsylvania last July, Trump would be in the ground, not in the White House. He’s shown by his bullish and unyielding behaviour over the last 48 days that he’s happiest taking decisions that most would either defer or dodge.

While the MAGA maniacs might cheer him on, his actions will cause equal measures of despair as delight, and security around him is already at the highest level for any sitting President EVER. But the possibility of another assassination attempt is a clear and present danger in another distinctive way: it would mean JD Vance would move to the top job. And if you’ve not woken up to that potential menace, where have you been for the last nine days?

This is someone who both shamefully and shamelessly tag-teamed with Trump as they laid into Ukrainian President in that Presidential pile-on. Demanding Zelensky heaped praise on his boss Trump, Vance’s role was akin to a Mafia leader’s second in command slapping the Godfather’s victim repeatedly around the face as the Don looked on appreciatively.

He speaks of being a US Marine, but research shows he served as a journalist. Carrying a notebook and pen into battle and filing approved copy is not really the stuff of in Saving Private Ryan, is it?

While loyalty is indeed a virtue, Vance’s is utterly unquestioning. His dismissal of the role played by our nation’s military in supporting US military operations and that of France as well showed breathtaking levels of ignorance and disrespect.

Clearly this is someone who is as dumb as he is aggressive — a truly frightening mix for a man who could be President. Whereas Trump has a brilliant marketing mind and can even employ disarming humour and flattery at times (“I’m very impressed” with Sir ’s wife and “she’s a beautiful, great woman”). Vance has all the grace and charm of a headbutt.

Throw in his stance on controversial political issues, he opposes abortion, same-sex marriage and gun control and has stated he believes childlessness is linked to sociopathy, and it’s hard to see anything ‘special’ he’d bring to our ‘Special Relationship.’

Trump got to be President because he won a substantial democratic mandate from American voters. Vance got to be Vice President thanks to his inexhaustible and slavish loyalty to his boss.

Whatever your views on the current incumbent, to keep this charisma-free, vainglorious bully from power, God Bless and protect the President of the United States.