[_carbyau_]

> Trump may not force the issue if he knows he's going to lose.

That didn't play out at the end of his last term. I don't think Trump is a "I've had a good run, lets call it a day." kinda guy...

[ben_w]

While he always talks tough regardless, I think his actions depend on the nature of the loss, e.g. him being all over the place on Iran, disregarding his own ceasefire for strikes and yet also heading towards a deal that's significantly worse than if he'd done nothing; or similarly all the everything in response to his threats against Greenland.

[_carbyau_]

I interpret the same events you describe as Trump being unable to let go when he should have. Which is why he's made things worse than if he'd done nothing.

[ben_w]

No disagreement there; the point is not to excuse his foolishness, but that despite his words always being pugilistic, he can be made to back off.