Bob Woodward on... Trump, Harris and the future of democracy
Nov 5, 2024
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Bob Woodward, veteran Watergate journalist and author of ‘War’, shares his insights into the Biden administration's strategies during the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the stark political divide in America regarding foreign aid and its implications for democracy. Woodward also reflects on the recent Biden-Putin summit and its consequences for Ukraine. The podcast features poignant stories from Kyiv, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainians facing a harsh winter while grappling with ongoing conflict.
Bob Woodward emphasizes the extreme division in U.S. politics, highlighting the long-term implications of the election on foreign policy and democracy.
Ukrainians are anxiously watching the U.S. elections, fearing that a Trump presidency could threaten their ongoing support against Russian aggression.
Deep dives
U.S. Election Day Atmosphere
The U.S. election day evokes a heightened sense of anxiety and excitement in Washington, D.C., reflecting the deep divisions within the country. Signs of potential unrest, such as shops boarding up their windows, indicate fears of protests regardless of the election outcome. Discussions reveal that while issues like immigration and the economy dominate voter concerns, foreign wars, particularly Ukraine, linger in the background. Republican voters express skepticism about foreign aid, with a preference for investing domestically, contrasting with the Democratic perspective that emphasizes supporting Ukraine as a fight for democracy.
Ukrainian Perspectives on U.S. Elections
Ukrainians closely monitor the U.S. elections, understanding that the outcome will significantly impact their nation’s survival amid the ongoing war with Russia. Most Ukrainians seem to prefer a Democratic victory, fearing reduced support and aid from Donald Trump, who has suggested a withdrawal from commitments overseas. Reports from Ukrainian media indicate a dual focus: ongoing updates about Russian attacks alongside announcements regarding U.S. elections. There is a general apprehension that a Trump presidency could jeopardize their efforts against Russia’s aggression, as his rhetoric raises concerns about the potential for reduced American involvement.
Bob Woodward's Insights on U.S. Political Landscape
Bob Woodward highlights the extreme division in the U.S. political landscape as the election day unfolds, suggesting future historians will scrutinize this pivotal moment. He emphasizes the significance of understanding past interactions between President Biden and President Putin, underscoring missed opportunities that might have altered the course of conflict in Ukraine. Woodward contrasts differing views on foreign policy between Trump and Biden, suggesting a potential inclination towards isolationism in Trump's approach. He warns that regardless of the election outcome, the dangers posed by Putin remain, and responses to the Ukraine crisis could profoundly affect global stability.
America goes to the polls – but what could that mean for the future of US politics… and Ukraine?
The veteran Watergate journalist, Bob Woodward, joins us to talk about his latest book, ‘War’. He’s spent the last couple of years talking to people inside the Biden administration and shares his insights on what he learned about how they planned for and dealt with the aftermath of the full-scale invasion.
Victoria is in Washington to assess what the mood is like on election day.
And we hear from Sandra in Kyiv who’s recorded an audio diary detailing what life is like in Ukraine right now, as winter takes hold.
Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480
You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
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