- Messages
- 2,405
- Reaction score
- 1,432
- Points
- 113
Politics is often a realm of surprises and unexpected turns, where candidates rise against all odds to claim victory. Throughout history, there have been instances where certain politicians defied conventional wisdom and emerged triumphant, much to the astonishment of the public and political pundits. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five politicians who were considered underdogs or long shots, but against all expectations, managed to secure victory. So, grab a seat, and let's dive into the world of politics' most unexpected winners.
1. Donald Trump
Starting off our list is Donald Trump, the businessman turned reality TV star turned 45th President of the United States. When Trump announced his candidacy in the 2016 presidential race, many viewed it as a publicity stunt or a long shot at best. His controversial statements, unorthodox campaign style, and lack of political experience led most political analysts to dismiss his chances of winning the nomination, let alone the presidency. However, Trump's campaign struck a chord with a significant portion of the American electorate who felt disillusioned with the political establishment. His blunt rhetoric, promises of economic revitalization, and populist appeal resonated with many voters, particularly in Rust Belt states. Despite facing intense opposition and controversies along the way, Trump defied expectations, winning the Republican nomination and ultimately securing an electoral victory that shocked the world.
2. Jacinda Ardern
Next on our list is Jacinda Ardern, the current Prime Minister of New Zealand. When Ardern assumed leadership of the New Zealand Labour Party just seven weeks before the 2017 general election, she faced an uphill battle. The party had been struggling in the polls, and Ardern herself was relatively unknown on the national political stage. Many pundits wrote off her chances and predicted a comfortable win for the incumbent National Party. However, Ardern's charisma, authentic leadership style, and focus on issues such as social justice and climate change struck a chord with voters. She brought a fresh perspective and a sense of hope, particularly among young voters. In a stunning turn of events, the Labour Party experienced a surge in popularity, and Ardern became the youngest-ever Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her unexpected rise to power demonstrated the power of effective messaging and connecting with the concerns of the electorate.
3. Emmanuel Macron
Moving across the globe, we come to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. Macron's political journey began with the formation of his own centrist party, En Marche!, in 2016. When he announced his candidacy for the 2017 French presidential election, many regarded him as a political outsider with slim chances of success. Traditional parties on both the left and right were considered the frontrunners, and Macron was initially viewed as a minor contender. However, Macron's campaign gained momentum as he positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist, appealing to voters disillusioned with the traditional party system. His youthful energy, charisma, and promise of political renewal resonated with a significant portion of the French electorate. In a surprising turn of events, Macron emerged victorious, defeating his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen and becoming the youngest President in French history.
4. Aung San Suu Kyi
Shifting our focus to Myanmar, we encounter Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). For years, Suu Kyi fought against the military junta that ruled Myanmar, enduring house arrest and becoming a symbol of democracy and human rights. In 2015, as Myanmar transitioned towards a more democratic system, Suu Kyi's NLD participated in the general election. Although there was widespread international support for her and her party, many doubted their chances of winning against the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). However, the NLD's message of democratic reform, justice, and national reconciliation resonated with the people of Myanmar. In a stunning victory, the NLD secured a majority in both houses of parliament, paving the way for Suu Kyi to assume the position of State Counsellor. While her tenure has been marred by controversy and criticism, Suu Kyi's unexpected ascent to power highlighted the power of perseverance and the yearning for democracy among the people of Myanmar.
5. Justin Trudeau
Our final entry takes us to Canada, where Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party, captured the imagination of the Canadian electorate. When Trudeau announced his candidacy for the 2015 federal election, many regarded him as a political lightweight who rode on the coattails of his father's legacy, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The Conservative Party, led by then-incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was seen as the frontrunner, and Trudeau faced skepticism about his experience and ability to lead. However, Trudeau's youthful energy, progressive policies, and commitment to diversity struck a chord with voters across the country. His charisma and relatability, coupled with promises of change and a more inclusive government, appealed to a wide spectrum of Canadians. In a surprising turn of events, the Liberal Party emerged victorious, and Trudeau became the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada.
1. Donald Trump
Starting off our list is Donald Trump, the businessman turned reality TV star turned 45th President of the United States. When Trump announced his candidacy in the 2016 presidential race, many viewed it as a publicity stunt or a long shot at best. His controversial statements, unorthodox campaign style, and lack of political experience led most political analysts to dismiss his chances of winning the nomination, let alone the presidency. However, Trump's campaign struck a chord with a significant portion of the American electorate who felt disillusioned with the political establishment. His blunt rhetoric, promises of economic revitalization, and populist appeal resonated with many voters, particularly in Rust Belt states. Despite facing intense opposition and controversies along the way, Trump defied expectations, winning the Republican nomination and ultimately securing an electoral victory that shocked the world.
2. Jacinda Ardern
Next on our list is Jacinda Ardern, the current Prime Minister of New Zealand. When Ardern assumed leadership of the New Zealand Labour Party just seven weeks before the 2017 general election, she faced an uphill battle. The party had been struggling in the polls, and Ardern herself was relatively unknown on the national political stage. Many pundits wrote off her chances and predicted a comfortable win for the incumbent National Party. However, Ardern's charisma, authentic leadership style, and focus on issues such as social justice and climate change struck a chord with voters. She brought a fresh perspective and a sense of hope, particularly among young voters. In a stunning turn of events, the Labour Party experienced a surge in popularity, and Ardern became the youngest-ever Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her unexpected rise to power demonstrated the power of effective messaging and connecting with the concerns of the electorate.
3. Emmanuel Macron
Moving across the globe, we come to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. Macron's political journey began with the formation of his own centrist party, En Marche!, in 2016. When he announced his candidacy for the 2017 French presidential election, many regarded him as a political outsider with slim chances of success. Traditional parties on both the left and right were considered the frontrunners, and Macron was initially viewed as a minor contender. However, Macron's campaign gained momentum as he positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist, appealing to voters disillusioned with the traditional party system. His youthful energy, charisma, and promise of political renewal resonated with a significant portion of the French electorate. In a surprising turn of events, Macron emerged victorious, defeating his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen and becoming the youngest President in French history.
4. Aung San Suu Kyi
Shifting our focus to Myanmar, we encounter Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). For years, Suu Kyi fought against the military junta that ruled Myanmar, enduring house arrest and becoming a symbol of democracy and human rights. In 2015, as Myanmar transitioned towards a more democratic system, Suu Kyi's NLD participated in the general election. Although there was widespread international support for her and her party, many doubted their chances of winning against the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). However, the NLD's message of democratic reform, justice, and national reconciliation resonated with the people of Myanmar. In a stunning victory, the NLD secured a majority in both houses of parliament, paving the way for Suu Kyi to assume the position of State Counsellor. While her tenure has been marred by controversy and criticism, Suu Kyi's unexpected ascent to power highlighted the power of perseverance and the yearning for democracy among the people of Myanmar.
5. Justin Trudeau
Our final entry takes us to Canada, where Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party, captured the imagination of the Canadian electorate. When Trudeau announced his candidacy for the 2015 federal election, many regarded him as a political lightweight who rode on the coattails of his father's legacy, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The Conservative Party, led by then-incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was seen as the frontrunner, and Trudeau faced skepticism about his experience and ability to lead. However, Trudeau's youthful energy, progressive policies, and commitment to diversity struck a chord with voters across the country. His charisma and relatability, coupled with promises of change and a more inclusive government, appealed to a wide spectrum of Canadians. In a surprising turn of events, the Liberal Party emerged victorious, and Trudeau became the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada.