Even if US democracy can be salvaged from Trump, Europe is moving on | Rafael Behr
Summary
The article argues that Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has exposed weaknesses in U.S. democratic norms, even though elections continue to take place. It says European leaders have reason to doubt the durability of U.S. commitments and that Democrats may gain support by focusing on voters’ economic concerns, but that electoral gains alone would not address the deeper political causes of Trump’s conduct.Key Facts
- The article recalls that Joe Biden said in 2021 that America and the transatlantic alliance were back.
- It says Trump’s supporters tried to block the transfer of power after his 2020 election defeat and that Trump returned to the presidency within four years.
- At the time the article was written, congressional midterm voting was under way and pre-election polls favored Democrats.
- The article questions whether election results would be completed peacefully and counted fairly, citing Trump’s history of rejecting results he dislikes.
- It says Trump’s policies and priorities have left some voters dissatisfied, including over everyday costs and his proposed White House ballroom.
- The article says Trump’s war against Iran and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz raised costs for voters and alienated some America First supporters.
- The author argues that Democrats should address both economic concerns and what he sees as the deeper threat Trump poses to U.S. democratic principles.
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