The US elections are coming up in eight months. It’s very far. In theory, nothing is decided yet. However, in practice, thanks to his influence, Donald Trump already reigns over Republican elected officials as if he were president. From the economy to foreign policy and the environment, Trump is already imposing his political line. Republican elected officials do not dare to oppose him because they fear a cabal against them during the next elections. What’s more, several judges tremble (the term is not too strong) before Trump’s supporters. Judges are even recommending that members of juries who rendered decisions unfavorable to Trump remain incognito. Terror is the trademark of dictators.
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1) Does Joe Biden understand the nature of Trump’s campaign?
Biden, in his State of the Union address, clearly did not understand the nature of Trump’s campaign. He failed to understand how fear plays a significant role in this election. Fear of Trump, of course, but also fear of all sorts of serious issues. Americans fear immigration, guns, urban violence, economic uncertainties, China, Russia, etc. This fear is not new, Michael Moore has denounced it in several of his films, but today it has reached gigantic proportions.
- Listen to international politics expert Loïc Tassé on Benoit Dutrizac’s show via QUB :
2) What does Trump say to calm Americans’ fears?
Trump promises simple solutions, most often simplistic. Are there too many immigrants? Let’s close the border. Those who worry about guns and violence just need to arm themselves more. For him, the solution to economic problems is to lower taxes. Russia? He will talk to Putin and get along with him. Same thing for China. And above all, Trump projects an image of irresistible force. And then, Trump is banking on religious movements. There is nothing like religion to calm fears.
3) Will Biden be able to reassure Americans?
Biden seems very frail compared to Trump. His speech to the nation was articulate and, coming from an 81-year-old man, it was well delivered. But there is something contradictory for a president to say that the United States is stronger than ever, when he himself is a frail old man. Especially since it is false, particularly in the face of China. In purchasing power parity, China’s economy is about 25% larger than that of the United States. The Chinese military fleet is larger and more modern than that of the Americans. China’s scientific capacity surpasses that of the United States, as indicated by China’s ranking as the number one holder of new patents. Biden will have difficulty convincing the electorate. He is no match for reassuring the Americans.
4) Can Biden bring Americans together?
Probably not. During Biden’s speech, Republican elected officials chewed gum, looked at their cell phones or pointedly disagreed with him. Conversely, Democrats stood up so many times they looked like an aerobics class. These caricatured reactions illustrate the division of the population. Biden is trying to explain to Americans that they should fear a Trump dictatorship more than anything. The argument does not work, among other things because many are deluded into believing that such a dictatorship would solve their problems.
5) What could Biden do to help himself?
Biden should choose as his running mate a charismatic person who projects an image of strength.
