The phrase describes a situation where an individual, Donald Trump in this context, achieves a victory that is exceptionally narrow. This suggests the outcome was uncertain until the very end, and the margin of victory was remarkably small. For example, a political analyst might state that a candidate won “by a whisker” if they secured just a few more votes than their opponent.
Such close outcomes carry significant implications. They highlight the deeply divided nature of the electorate and underscore the potential for recounts or legal challenges. A narrow victory can also weaken the perceived mandate of the victor, making it more difficult to enact policy changes. Historically, such close races have led to increased political polarization and challenges to the legitimacy of the electoral process. The impact is further magnified in high-stakes elections where the outcome can significantly alter the direction of a nation.
