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By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER – Donald Trump’s second term as president kicks in today

Feb 5, 2020 | 5:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — THE AMERICAN BULLY is let off the impeachment hook today, the day after he spent an hour and a half bragging about himself in the annual State of the Union speech. And, as has become our habit, Canadians watched that speech, on CBC, CTV, even CPAC. We’re so caught up in the train wreck of American politics we can’t stay away.

Miraculously, Donald Trump stuck to his script and resisted the temptation to wander into the impeachment mess. Instead, he wisely stuck to talking about the economy, healthcare and terrorism.

There were fringe moments as well, as he vowed to end late-term abortions, finish his wall, expand rural Internet and put men and women on Mars.

He saved time for comparing his self-professed successes to the alleged failures of past Democratic administrations, and making frequent references to “socialism,” a term he equates to Democrats.

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The partisan state of U.S. politics was highlighted by Trump’s refusal to shake House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s hand, and Pelosi returning the favour by tearing up his speech.

Today effectively marks the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term. He brags, he lies, he bullies, he insults and he is invulnerable. His public approval rating is higher than ever. Even impeachment can’t touch him, thanks to the blind obedience of Republican senators and his blindly faithful base.

The hapless Democrats, meanwhile, find new ways to screw up, unable to even run a primary, and unable to find a candidate with any chance of unseating Trump.

So, folks, buckle up — as Republicans chanted during his speech last night, we’re in for “four more years” after his current term stumbles toward its sorry conclusion.

And we in the north hold on for dear life.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He writes five commentaries a week for CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.