A few days before a presidential election preceded by twists and turns, on which very serious international issues hang, tension is rising in New York. In this Democratic bastion, where there is a large Breton community, the majority fear a re-election of Trump. Almost more than we believe in Kamala Harris at this point. “What is happening is very serious,” says Anne, 45, originally from Nantes and responsible for sales of a sparkling wine on the East coast. I have always considered the United States as a country of freedoms but, with a candidate like Trump, whose discourse has become considerably radicalized since 2016, we are moving towards a worrying fascism. »
Trump and Bardella, the same thing?
The current climate reminds several expatriates interviewed of that of the last legislative elections in France. “Like the RN, Trump feeds on people's despair to support a program which suggests that he will save them,” observes Théo, 26, originally from Perros-Guirec (22) and management controller at Ladurée in New York . There is an obvious lack of education and he uses it to create limited thought patterns, telling them, for example, that if we stop immigration, their salaries will increase. »
Many wonder how the Trump threat can still hang over the country after a first term considered unsuccessful, ongoing legal cases and a speech as mendacious as it is scandalous. But, according to Anne, it is above all a question of semantics: “Trump's speech is easy to understand. He uses simple wording that voters who have not studied can understand. Like Bardella, in France, who has a more accessible speech than Macron and Glucksmann, Trump plays the proximity card by talking about everyday life and telling people what they want to hear.
The international, the great forgotten of the American campaign
Because international issues, three years after the start of the war in Ukraine and the recent escalation in the Middle East, are not among the primary concerns of the Americans. While Europe is closely scrutinizing the possible election of a candidate who is a major blow to NATO, the Americans are more interested in inflation, health and immigration. “Living in the world's leading power, Americans do not really feel in danger from what is happening in the world, unlike us who are geographically closer to the conflicts and who know European history,” analyzes Joslin, 31 years old, big data expert from Plabennec (29). “It’s a bit annoying. I spoke with “Trumpists” in Texas and found them hyper-focused on themselves and oblivious to what their vote could cause on a global scale. »
“Kamala has played her role”
Never before have the polls been so close in the run-up to the “big day”, Tuesday November 5, which also makes this election somewhat anxiety-inducing. “It’s going to come to nothing, especially in the pivotal states,” analyzes Théo. Kamala played her role during the debate but it seems complicated for her to win. I think it's more natural in the collective unconscious here to elect a white man. » To which are added the workings of the American electoral process: “She can win the popular vote and lose the election, it is very destabilizing”.
The uncertain future of expatriates under visa
Of course, a re-election of Trump would (again) have repercussions on the country's immigration policy and on the future of our Breton expatriates. “When Trump was elected, the first time, the deadlines for obtaining my “green card” (the resident card, editor's note) had gone from six to 18 months and he had frozen certain visas,” says Anne, who is worried also risks for his profession. “Customs tariffs have been very high on French wine since his first election. All the wine exporters and distributors I know in the United States fear another 10% increase, which would lead some to go out of business. » Recently naturalized, the Nantes woman will vote for the first time this year. “Before, I suffered. There, I have the right to say something. » So, to make good use of her vote, Anne registered to vote on Long Island, a Republican island in New York State where she previously lived. “My husband thinks our Democratic votes will count more in Republican territory. »
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