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How the Capitol siege could save American democracy

A catalyst is needed to break the Trumpian cult of personality. The more Republicans reject it, the better the odds of the US regaining a reasonable, law-abiding alternative to the Democratic Party.

Nomi Claire Lazar For The Straits Times

The storming of the United States Capitol on Wednesday by supporters of President Donald Trump could be the turning point that most Republican politicians need to separate themselves from Mr Trump and return to the centre, says the writer. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Updated

Published

Jan 09, 2021, 05:00 AM

Crises are turning points. And for America's ailing democracy, Wednesday's siege of the United States Capitol may prove to be a moment not of reckoning, but of redemption.

Since his surprise success in the Republican primaries, Mr Donald Trump's often outrageous behaviour had wedged establishment Republicans in an uncomfortable position.

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