Donald Trump's rhetoric before the US midterm elections

“Cheat like hell, like they do.” Translated, this means: “Cheat as much as you can, like they (meaning the Democrats) do.” That's what Donald Trump called out to his supporters three weeks ago at a Republican party conference in Dallas in the run-up to the US midterm elections. The US President then portrayed his words as a joke. But with such statements he repeatedly deliberately undermines trust in election results and democratic institutions.

Even before November 3rd, Trump was creating the basis for a narrative in which a possible defeat for the Republicans could not be traced back to him personally, but to an allegedly manipulated electoral system. And it actually looks like a defeat at the moment. Most polls point to a “blue wave” – that is, a clear electoral victory for the Democrats, which could currently give them a majority in the House of Representatives. The Democrats may even be able to take over the Senate. To do this, they would not only have to successfully defend all of their seats, but also win at least four seats that are currently held by Republicans.