A real frenzy grips the air, everyone holding their breath awaiting the results of a presidential election which will reach its climax this week. The people will decide, without appeal, further widening the gap that divides hundreds of millions of Americans.
This election, closer than ever, is of unprecedented importance. It pits, symbolically, a prosecutor against a criminal. It places democracy in the face of the art of insult. It questions Americans’ attachment to their political ideals and raises doubts about their international reputation.
Trump has already won
Donald Trump, whether we like him or not, has already won a victory: maintaining such unwavering popularity, such fervent mobilization and such a level of passion, despite a speech in which he pushes the boundaries of indecency. A decade ago, a candidacy like his would have been unthinkable, incapable of generating such enthusiasm. But Trump knew how to strike where others failed: he recognized, listened to and absorbed the fatigue, pessimism, and despair of an America that has not had an easy time in recent years.
The rise of populism is therefore not the work of the Trumps of this world, but of those who, through their disconnection and indifference to the daily realities of the middle class, paved the way for it. Populist politicians have only harvested the anger sown by their predecessors and turned that rage against them.
America is at a time of choice
The verdict of the American people goes beyond a simple electoral decision; it is the reflection of a state of mind. Is the anger burning enough that they are willing to risk everything by entrusting the White House to a man with stained hands? Or has the time come to turn the page and return to a more traditional discourse, more in line with institutions?
The choice will have serious consequences. What is at stake is not just a president, but the very soul of a nation.
