Some weak applause and discreet cries of joy. The night from Tuesday to Wednesday did not unleash the crowds at the stamm of the French-speaking Democrats in Geneva. Gathered at the Cercle des Bains, members of the Democrats Abroad association saw Donald Trump helplessly take the lead in the race. While around a hundred people were present at the height of the evening, the crowd quickly dwindled.
Many young people were nevertheless present to support Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. This is the case of Nidhi, Pim, Sophie and Sarah, all aged 20, who came “for the atmosphere and to share their impressions with other voters”. Also a way to relax the atmosphere. “I feel less stressed here surrounded by people,” confides Sarah.
Emmanuelle and Stéphanie came with their children. Originally from Indiana, the second wants her son to “become aware of the responsibility that voting entails. Democracy is not guaranteed. We must fight for her. In four years, he will be able to vote. I want him to understand what that means.” For Emmanuelle’s daughter, Maëlis, 15, “this election is a key moment. It will have consequences well beyond the United States. Even if we can’t vote, we must support what we think is right.
While there was hope at the start of the evening, in the early morning, fatigue and the results in favor of Trump got the better of the smiles.
Despite everything, shortly before 5 a.m., the remaining French-speaking democrats (around twenty) gave themselves courage with a distribution of donuts and coffee. “I’m very nervous. If Trump passes, that’s not good. But there are still pivotal states that must fall. We must continue to hope,” reassures Courtney, who spent the night up. A student in Nyon, this young American will go to class on Wednesday, with a lot of “redbull” support.
On the Republican side, no gathering took place at the end of the lake.
