James K. Polk had four goals in mind when he was elected in 1844. He wanted to bring Texas into the Union, resolve the Oregon dispute with Great Britain, take California from Mexico, and bring order to the government’s finances. He got them all done, and did not run for a second term. There was no point.
At the end of his first term, Trump will have:
- Appointed at least two solid conservatives to the Supreme Court, giving a majority to constitutional conservatives for the first time in 80 years.
- Through tax and regulatory policy, ignited an economic boom to equal, if not surpass, the Roaring 20’s.
- Restored sanity to our immigration policy for the first time in 50 years, secured the border, and built the wall.
- Virtually singlehandedly, he will have reestablished “America First” as the touchstone of all trade agreements, now and in the future.
- Reasserted American leadership across the globe, and reversed the drift toward world government. American national self interest is once again the basis of all foreign policy.
The next three years may see additions to this list, such as revitalizing the military, an infrastructure program, separate strategic accommodations made with China and Russia, dunuclearization of North Korea, overthrow of the mullahs in Iran, passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment through Article V, and countless others.
So what’s Trump planning for his second term? Whatever he’s got in mind, it can’t top the successes listed above. It can’t come close.
Second terms are never as good as the first. If Trump runs again he’ll be 79 when he leaves office. I say he goes out in a cloud of glory, having remade the Republican Party in his image, and having done more positive good for the country than any President since James K. Polk.
There’s glory for you. And a long life ahead to enjoy it.
reaganproject.com 