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KAHNTENTIONS

KAHNTENTIONS is a blog post written by Gilbert N. Kahn, Professor of Political Science at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. Beginning in 2011 KAHNTENTIONS was hosted by the New Jersey Jewish News which recently ceased written publication. KAHNTENTIONS presents an open and intellectually honest analysis of issues facing the United States, Israel, as well as Jews world-wide.

BY GILBERT N. KAHN

"These are the times that try men's souls."

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It is Past Time to Worry


In 1971 the third Monday in February was declared to be Presidents Day and today it is observed in all but nine states in the country. February 12, which was a holiday celebrating Lincoln’s Birthday, and February 22. which was a holiday commemorating Washington’s Birthday were subsumed under a special Monday, long February holiday weekend. Sadly, considering the lives of these two great American presidents in light of recent remarks from former President and likely Republican nominee Donald Trump, demonstrates how far the office of the presidency has descended. 


The first president of the Republic in 1789 and the conductor of the nation during the Civil War in 1861 are not comparable, on the one hand, to a former president and presidential aspirant in 2024.  On the other hand, there is rightful concern, surrounding the messages that Trump is expressing in contemplation of his acceding to the presidency once again in January 2025. This has been most recently seen concerning Donald Trump’s remarks as to how he would conduct foreign policy in a second administration. What is even more alarming than Trump’s commentary is that they appear very much to be resonating with large numbers of his political base.  


To be clear, George Washington in his Farewell Address did express his concern that the conduct of American foreign policy needed to be wary of becoming embroiled in affairs and alliances of other nations. International or especially regional policy, President Washington believed, could endanger the future growth and development of this new nation. He did not, however, make clear that he feared that other nations might seek to embroil the United States in their possible global mischief.


President Lincoln recognized that there were major powers in Europe—especially France and Great Britain—which might seek potential economic gains by interfering in the rebellion occurring in the States.  He made it clear he wanted the Union preserved and that he would not look favorably if there were European efforts in support of the South that could influence “The War Between the States.”


Over the past week, President Trump has articulated a position for future U.S. foreign policy which is totally antithetical to America’s global position since America’s entry into World War II. While Trump had expressed some of his ideas during his presidency even when travelling in Europe, the former President’s remarks over the past week concerning the war in Ukraine, America’s relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and the future of the Western alliance have sent shockwaves throughout the world.


Trump appears prepared to abandon a U.S. foreign policy direction that has been entrenched for almost 80 years. He suggests that American isolationism is a better approach for U.S. interests than any form of multi-lateral alliances which have been at the core of American foreign policy since the termination of World War II. Within the Republican rank and file there has been nary a push back except from Trump’s remaining challenger for the nomination, Nikki Haley, but even her response has been rather tepid, coming one week before the South Carolina Republican primary.


The greatest concern about Trump’s bluster—outside the genuine fears being expressed by all of U.S. allies in NATO— is the absence a significant resonance from the Republican Party and his supporters. His followers appear to have little or no concern with virtually anything Trump suggests. As he wraps his ideas in the guise of making America a great power, he envisions it will be, without the burden of global allies. Trump’s supporters appear prepared to march along to his isolationist rhetoric.  


For long-time Washington insiders it is extraordinary to see that there are virtually no Republican elected officials who are prepared to challenge Trump’s outrageous assertions. Longtime GOP Members of Congress are mute at best. They continue to be so intimidated by Trump’s declarations that they are all lining up behind him either actively or tacitly. There are no Republican Members of Congress who are prepared to challenge Trump for fear of being ostracized from his circle, not supported by him for re-election, or even challenged in a primary.


The immediate indication of this Trumpian thinking has been manifested in the direction being advocated for U.S. foreign policy during the past few weeks in the House of Representatives.  To date, the House has refused even to consider President Biden’s request for a major aid package, approximately 75% of which is for Ukraine. (Given Congress’ enormous budgetary crunch when it returns from its recess at the end of February, this aid package is likely to continue to languish.)


Zelensky is seriously afraid; NATO countries are considering forming a new mutual defense alliance; countries bordering Russia and Ukraine are convinced that Putin will not hesitate to move against them if Trump is elected; China appears to be pleased, while Putin is reveling in this scenario. Whatever were Washington and Lincoln’s considerations, the future of their Republic may be facing at least as great a challenge.

 

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