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Trump got more votes than even Obama in 2008, and that poses a headache for the US democratic system, here's why

Supporters of the political outsider are only emboldened by the level of support he has garnered since he became the leader of the 'free world'

It isn't a far-fetched idea that the GOP would remain "mired in the Trump era" even if the Republican incumbent loses his re-election bid. No matter one's political leanings, it's worth noting that President Donald Trump has amassed over 69 million votes in this election cycle — already more than what any US president has received while running for office. The former real estate mogul's unmatched popularity will likely have serious repercussions on the future of both Democrats and Republicans, or it might even motivate him to launch his own party.

Fans of the political outsider are only emboldened by the level of support he has garnered since he became the leader of the 'free world' in 2016. In fact, one can argue that being an ally of Trump may be requisite for aspiring GOPers looking to lead in the future.

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden appears closer to an Electoral College victory than Trump as ballots continue to be counted across major cities. While Biden also leads in the popular vote, Trump has still claimed more than 69 million ballots — which is more than any candidate in history save for Biden's apparent turnout this year. "It probably isn't the thorough repudiation that people like me were hoping for," Sarah Longwell, founder of Republican Voters Against Trump, told Newsweek of state of play in the election. She said that a Biden win looks more likely, but that Trump's groundbreaking performance posed valid questions for the Republican party in terms of its future, should he lose this election. "There are a lot of people who are going to want to stay mired in the Trump era," she told the magazine.

But beyond the GOP, Trump has a grassroots movement that could become a problem for the Democratic party to deal with. They would not be left in a position to ignore the president's vociferous base and would eventually have to find a way to engage with them in order to ensure stability in a politically-divided America.

As Trump continues to sound the alarm on alleged voter fraud as ballots are counted in key battlegrounds, his allies have suggested that Republicans hoping to succeed in 2024 should be backing the president in his time of crisis — or risk losing the support of his base. "Losing fair and square is one thing but in the face of all of this video evidence, lack of transparency, boarding up of windows, fighting to prevent poll watching etc etc... for GOPers to not stand up now shows your true colors," Donald Trump Jr. tweeted. "Will make the 2024 primary process a lot easier." Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, has been speculated to make a run in 2024 himself, but has previously responded by saying "let's get through 2020 with a big win first." 

Aside from the president's mass acclaim and idolization, there is also the issue of what sensitive knowledge he may have become privy to in his four years at the White House. Considering, the Republican party may have to protect Trump's personal interests for years to come. On the other hand, the Democratic party would have no choice but to placate his base if they are looking to secure more than a one-term presidency.

“He’s taken over the Republican Party,” political commentator Stephen Conroy told Sky News. “If you’re a Democrat supporter you will look at the fact Donald Trump has got 68-69 million Americans to vote for his brand of politics. That, frankly, is a terrifying thought.”

Conroy noted that with almost 70 million votes this election, Trump had highlighted the failures of pollsters once again. “The polls have really struggled, they have not worked out when someone doesn’t want to talk to you, when someone literally lies to you,” he explained. “They have no way of fact-checking this, they have missed again the massive silent Trump voter. This silent Trump voter must terrify pollsters, they should almost hand in their business cards and find another occupation because they keep getting it dramatically and badly wrong.”

Were Trump to attempt to form a third party today, he would certainly enjoy the unique advantage of the presidency. Coupled with the enthusiasm amongst his base as witnessed in this election cycle, the president could easily build a Trumpist third party. Nonetheless, Trump has shown no signs of giving up despite trailing behind Biden in a number of key states and it could take several more days for the vote count to conclude and a clear winner to be declared. Biden has already received more than 72 million votes — the most in U.S. history — with millions of ballots yet to be tabulated.