1st Look at the US Presidential Election

The U.S. presidential election will be an unpredictable and exciting race to watch. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and winner of the first debate, survived an assassination attempt, around which the Republican National Party built so much momentum that it seemed victory was within its grasp. Then, unexpectedly, the Democratic candidate and incumbent President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run for reelection after facing pressure from all sides in the wake of his disastrous debate loss. Vice President Kamala Harris took over with extensive support. Immediately, the mainstream media conducted polls that favored Harris, and Trump invested huge sums in advertising to blunt Harris’ success. Countries everywhere are paying attention to this race with an eye to their own interests because the outcome not only affects the U.S., but the whole world.

Trump, who is different from traditional Republicans, started a trade war with China. As an isolationist, he reduced America’s importance on the global stage, allowing China to reach out and strengthen its regional influence in international affairs. Trump’s anti-China policy appears to be strictly about taking back business he believes belongs to the U.S. and refusing to let China take advantage of the U.S. again. Trump’s recent comments reinforce this impression. Meanwhile, Trump has a questionable relationship with Russia. He wants to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, which puts pressure, not only on Ukraine but also on the European Union and NATO. With Trump’s resurgence, democratic nations obviously have great hopes for Harris.

It is not surprising that, given Trump’s candidacy, the Democrats moved to replace Biden, who is old and senile, speaks unclearly and lost the debate with Trump. The assassination attempt on Trump significantly enhanced his momentum, while Biden’s withdrawal gave Democrats new hope. People who were supportive now look forward with new excitement. Changing candidates has brought renewed energy and won’t only stabilize the base but grow it to include those who are worried about Trump. As a person of Asian and African heritage, and as a woman, Harris entered the race as a diverse progressive. It will be worth watching whether this will embolden the conservative, traditional forces in the U.S.

Anti-Trump and anti-Democratic parties both have considerable bases of support. In the last election, the anti-Trump movement claimed a narrow victory, one which was disputed. Now, still replete with controversy, Trump has the momentum to make a comeback. He has a great ability to resonate with voters, which highlights the direction the American people want to take. No matter who wins, the new president will have to pay attention to this. We must work hard to make Taiwan of national interest to America, one that not only both parties share, but the American people. America’s “we” includes Taiwan.