Among this mass of democrats, Alix Harou does not stand out. Belgian-American with Brussels roots, she will vote for Kamala Harris. “She has experience. She is vice president, she was a senator from California and attorney general. She did a lot for women of color. She fought what, she's a “fighter” (Editor's note: fighter), a leader”, she says. Having lived in the United States for more than twenty years, she also wants to see a woman come to power in her country. “In Mexico, in Europe… there are already some. It’s time we had a woman as leader and she has all the qualifications.”
If Alix Harou supports Kamala Harris, and her running mate Tim Walz she “like him very much, because all Americans can identify with him”she especially fears a return of Donald Trump. “I'm afraid with Trump”she confirms. Among his fears, the right to abortion called into question. “I have two daughters. So for me, abortion is one of women's fundamental rights. The Trump administration is really working to limit every state’s access.”
More than his politics, the Belgian-American sees in Trump a real danger for the United States. “He is sick. This gentleman could be a dictator. This is truly a threat to democracy. That’s what’s scary.”
Return to Belgium possible
Just like four years ago, the Belgian-American says she is ready to leave the United States if Trump wins. “We are really afraid. I will admit to you that once again, it is always possible that we use the privilege we have of being able to leave and make our life in Belgium, or in Europe.” But if she considers it, she recognizes that it is not an easy possibility to achieve. Especially since in Maryland, “I'm comfortable, I'm comfortable. We are with people with international and diverse origins, I am not really in deep America”where a Trump victory would be felt all the more according to her.
And before potentially packing her bags, Alix Harou wants to be rather optimistic. “I pray every morning that Harris wins. I have a little hope, but we saw with Hillary (Clinton) and Trump in 2016 that we cannot be certain.” Among the elements that allow a glimmer of hope in her, “I know quite a few Republicans who are ready to vote for Kamala.” And this, despite the strong tensions between the two camps. “It's very black and white. And it's getting worse and worse. This is why Trump can't win.”she concludes.
