November 6th 2024, Hong Kong

Today marks the day for the United States people and those worldwide to eagerly await the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election of the United States of America, the preeminent global superpower at present.

This year, Americans witnessed numerous significant events pertaining to the recent election, including the previous competition between President Biden and former President Trump, as well as the change of Democratic nomination for President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite the Republican Party’s support for former President Trump, the Democratic Party underwent a division of ideologies, leading to the change of their nominee. Vice President Harris successfully united the Democratic Party when she assumed the nomination from the party and raised substantial funds for her campaign. However, this momentum waned before the election day, as she experienced a decline in support due to various reasons, including her inability to present practical and detailed policies to the American people. Her potential to win has become very impossible.

On November 5th, following the nationwide voting, Kamala Harris maintained a close race with Donald Trump. Trump effortlessly secured the red states and swiftly swept the most competitive states, including Pennsylvania, within the following hours. While Harris exhibited initial momentum in Pennsylvania during the early stages of vote counting, she was ultimately overtaken. In addition to the presidency, Democrats are also facing challenges in retaining control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. Trump delivered his victory speech shortly after securing Pennsylvania. This time, Trump’s speech was more conciliatory, in which he expressed gratitude to his family and team members in a celebratory tone.

Reasons for the Democratic Party’s significant loss in this election encompass various factors, including their campaign style, policy focus, and numerous other aspects. Personally and among my acquaintances, there is a strong perception that the Democratic Party has exhibited an elitist stance throughout the campaign. Given the state of disarray in many aspects of American society, the American people require a president who embodies a more down-to-earth demeanor, demonstrates a willingness to address their genuine concerns, and places greater emphasis on economic issues rather than the diversity, equality, and inclusion issues that were previously the party’s defining strengths. Furthermore, this campaign has significantly contributed to the deepening divisions within the United States. The internal conflict has the potential to escalate, with liberal factions potentially becoming more unified and adopting more radical positions on various issues, such as the Palestinian conflict and abortion rights. While President Trump has been expected to address these challenges, it is crucial to maintain skepticism regarding his ability and willingness to effectively resolve these matters.

Regarding the international spillover effects of this campaign result, the implications are substantial. The resurgence of fearful Trumpism is poised to reclaim its central position on the global stage. Consequently, the US’s allies worldwide must now take immediate and serious action to address the unilateralism, protectionism, and nationalism associated with Trump’s character. China has garnered valuable lessons from Trumpism, encompassing the trade war, escalating diplomatic confrontations at various levels, and the Biden-inherited Trumpism policies. In response, China has developed systematic strategies to prepare for Trump’s potential re-election while simultaneously maintaining open avenues for engagement with the United States while adhering to its red lines regarding Taiwan and South China Sea affairs. The European populace should be particularly concerned about this election outcome, as they have endured the challenges posed by Biden and harbored hostility towards China in various aspects. Now, they must re-evaluate their “alliance relations” with Trump’s United States, which has provided challenges more than opportunities to Europe. Europe is currently grappling with a multitude of pressing issues, including economic challenges, trade imbalances, refugee crises, and numerous other pressing matters that require immediate attention. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Gaza war have also become significant obstacles for Europe. A “tough-guy alliance” comprising the US and China is not a challenge that Europe can address alone; rather, it necessitates wisdom and resilience. China is increasingly seeking partnerships with the Global South, while abandoning the European and the United States under their hostile “aggressiveness” to the China’s rapid growth in power and global impact. Consequently, the European Union has found itself isolated, with Japan and South Korea remaining in the same positions as the abandoned ones of the US. Consequently, the United States’ allies must devise strategies to adapt to the leadership of new but old president of the United States over the next four years. This adaptation will ensure that their interests are not marginalized in global affairs. The Global South holds immense potential and power.

Given the outcome of the election, why not join the Americans in congratulating Mr. Donald Trump on his second presidential victory and expressing hope that he will perform better than his previous term? Let’s wait and see the next four Trump years!