[The Editors' Verdict] "There Is Dynamite Behind Every Door"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Il-kwon] "There is dynamite behind every door."

It is said that President Donald Trump made this remark when he met Bob Woodward, the former Washington Post (WP) reporter famous for the 'Watergate' scoop. Woodward introduced this statement as something Trump said during an interview in February this year in his recently published book, Rage.

The phrase "there is dynamite behind every door" is mainly used in the military. It means that during wartime, when searching house by house, one should be cautious as bombs might be hidden behind doors. President Trump made this remark to imply that he always had to be cautious while carrying out his presidential duties.

What Woodward focused on was that the person who made this statement was none other than President Trump himself. In his book, he said, "Honestly, I was surprised," and evaluated it as "the phrase that best helps understand Trump’s perception of the presidency."

Woodward’s assessment is quite relatable. Considering Trump’s usual words and actions, his statement to "be careful of every door" is rather unexpected.

He has continued a path far from the "political correctness" that politicians typically have. Through harsh remarks and divisive election campaigns, he represented the inner feelings of his supporters and seized the presidency. And he maintained the same style throughout the four years.

Even while running for re-election, President Trump’s campaign style did not change. In the past two days alone, his "high-level" remarks have been few but notable. He sharply told Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and the governor of Michigan to "put them in jail," and then fiercely criticized the Biden family as a "criminal enterprise." Regarding the health experts responding to COVID-19 in his administration, he described them as a "disaster." This leadership is far from the English etymology of "President," which means "to preside."

That is why the words he said to Woodward attract more attention. Ultimately, Trump is showing through various public statements that it is difficult to escape the image imprinted on the public. He understands the weight of the presidency, but since he gained popularity with a "strong" image, it is hard to turn back.

Earlier this month, it is said that President Trump was anxious after testing positive for COVID-19. His initial condition was not good enough to require treatment with a severe therapy. However, he tweeted "still good" and was discharged from the hospital three days after admission. He also boldly took off his mask as a performance. Medical experts expressed concerns that this was reckless, but he paid no heed. Analysis suggests this was an action to meet the expectations of his supporters.

Ivanka Trump, senior advisor at the White House, often posts photos of her father, President Trump, on her social media. Many still cuts show affectionate poses with her grandchildren in the White House office. This is intended to highlight that "the president as a father is far from the typical image."

With two weeks left until election day, President Trump is still trailing behind candidate Biden. The nationwide support gap remains stubbornly around 10%. In battleground states that will decide the election, long lines for mail-in and early voting are forming with the sentiment that "Trump must not be elected." The whole world is anxious about whether he will be re-elected. What if his public remarks had been more cautious, as he told Woodward? His unyielding strong remarks are making the path to re-election even more difficult.