'tough' in this instance means - was hard to beat and is still hard to beat
I think the words that should bring a lot of caution here are
'never underestimate your enemy'
Trump - however it happened IS President ------------ that should never be overlooked
that he's a total buffoon is worthy of note - but, it would and is deadly to think - 'oh, look, the bloke is an idiot and now weak - so, he's easy to beat'
I agree with jetrodder in this ------------- he IS tougher than many or most thought
to deny this is to just pretend that he's not here ---------------- the fact is ------------ he is
never underestimate the enemy - in the case of a sitting president going for a second term - remember - that's about the equivalent of holding the high ground - and, to knock him off - you have to fight your way uphill
