Britain's ominous portents for US Democrats

Johnson's thumping election win points to dangers in current strategies against Trump

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson in jubilant mood following his general election victory. Mr Johnson's political strategies are similar to those of US President Donald Trump, says the writer, adding that Democrats should focus on winning the ne
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson in jubilant mood following his general election victory. Mr Johnson's political strategies are similar to those of US President Donald Trump, says the writer, adding that Democrats should focus on winning the next election and not relitigate the past. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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When Britain flummoxed and flabbergasted the world by voting in 2016 to leave the European Union, it seemed like a one-off: An unexpected gamble by a normally prudent country, but nothing that signified a profound shift beyond the United Kingdom and Europe.

The election of Mr Donald Trump in the US a few months later proved otherwise. Brexit was a portent, not a fluke. The British electorate may have been incautious, but it was ahead of the trend.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 20, 2019, with the headline Britain's ominous portents for US Democrats. Subscribe