Trump's Red-Baiting Playbook: A Political Strategy for the Midterms
In a July 4 speech at Mount Rushmore, former US President Donald Trump warned that 'communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,' marking one of 14 mentions of the term in a 30-minute address. This rhetorical strategy, known as 'red-baiting,' is shaping up to be a key tactic for Trump and his Republican allies as they campaign for the midterm elections. But how effective is this approach in a region where the word 'communism' still carries heavy historical baggage, and what does it mean for Southeast Asian investors watching US politics?
The Historical Context of Red-Baiting in the US
The term 'communism' has been a potent political weapon in the United States since the early 20th century, pej