“If Trump wins, we flee to Europe”

Two days before the fateful deadline, we went to survey the average American shopping for the week at the nearest Walmart. Between apprehension, weariness and hope that “everything goes well”. Reporting.

marine brunner, omaha (nebraska)

The sky turns black and the wind, unusually warm for November 3, picks up electricity this Sunday evening above the Walmart parking lot in Omaha. An atmosphere that sums up these last hours of the electoral campaign. In two days, the American people will be set – or not – on the mood of the country for the next four years. A dizzying prospect for some… less so for others.

“Please don’t talk to me about this election again!”begs stay-at-home mom Nancy while tossing a pack of Kellogg's Family Size into her shopping cart. This little round and smiling brunette doesn't particularly want to be photographed. Nor to speak out about his political preferences. She doesn't have any, anyway. His main concern? Like many of his fellow citizens, ensuring that breakfast for his two children is always within reach of his wallet.

Between fear and hope

An indifference that is hardly shared by Ronald and Doris, two retirees whom we meet in the “suitcases and travel bags” section. This sparkling couple of Democrats are just about to set off for a two-week vacation with friends in England. “We will watch all this from afar,” explains Ronnie, who does not hide his apprehension two days before the general election.

“We could also try to escape to Europe,” his wife suggests ironically. Ronnie nods again, before wishing us luck in covering up “all this mess.” “You’ll really need it!”

Same concern on the part of Johnny, in his sixties, old-timer style with a biker look, bandana screwed on his head and sunglasses on his eyes. Except that he, “obviously”, will vote for Donald Trump. He hopes that “we won't steal the election from him,” Johnny mutters in an accent that can be cut with a trowel, a packet of sausages in his hand.

Others prefer to face the hours – and years – to come with hope. This is the case of Allan, in deep meditation in front of a row of Tupperware. “All I want for these elections, and beyond… is peace,” says the young man gently, while weighing his plastic bin. This country needs peace.”

Above all, Allan prays for a return to calm.watson

Same hope on the part of Driss, a young employee who, between filling shelves, confides to us his optimism for the first presidential election in which he will be able to participate. “For this country? I have hope. A little love between people, some unity, that would be cool.”

This will be the first election in which Driss will be able to vote.watson

“Basically, Harris, Trump, whatever,” he says with a shrug and joyful indifference. The most important thing is to end these divisions. And try to move forward for a better future.”

As for Jenny, his colleague, who passes by at the time of our conversation, her main concern is the crucial question of abortion. “I will not let an old guy decide what I can or cannot do with my body,” assures the young woman, hardly reassured – especially since the protection of the right to abortion in the Constitution is at stake, in his home state of Nebraska.

In the cheese section, we exchange three words with two young women, in their twenties, neither of whom wish to give their names – and even less to have their photo taken. After repeating the word “journalist” and “Switzerland” over and over with a certain suspicion, one is surprised: “Are you really writing about our elections, here?”, as if this possibility surprised her.

And when we try with great difficulty to extract their feelings, two days before the presidential election, the answer comes. Clean and sharp.

They will not be the only ones to refuse to be immortalized. Between shopping and kids on your feet, your head on the shopping list or your nose on your iPhone, your head is elsewhere. This is the case of Jennifer, in her thirties, and her mother, crossed in the middle of a debate at the stand selling Christmas chocolates and Advent calendars. Both will vote on Tuesday – and they did not agree. “I'm thinking of voting for Kamala, mom will vote for Trump,” Jennifer sums up for us.

Our tour will end in the frozen section, where a Latino couple, Rodrigo and Marabella, are reviewing the ice creams. They will vote for Kamala Harris. Like a lot of Omaha residents, a discreet Democratic spot in the middle of a red tide. “I think we just want to move on,” admits the father. And move forward.” A desire that most of his fellow citizens undoubtedly share.

For more reports made in US