Intelligence Squared

Election Day Special: What's at Stake in Trump vs Biden?

Nov 3, 2020
Sarah Churchwell, a historian and professor at the University of London, joins Jonathan Freedland to discuss the fraught landscape of the U.S. elections. They delve into the emotional weight of Election Day and explore election anxiety, especially in battleground states. The conversation highlights 'loser's consent' and the potential ramifications of Trump's reaction to defeat. Additionally, they address the serious threat of political violence and examine the complexities of voter loyalty, emphasizing the need for leadership rooted in empathy and evidence.
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INSIGHT

A Pivotal Election

  • This US election is arguably the most consequential since 1796, when Washington stepped down.
  • This election challenges the peaceful transfer of power for the first time since then.
INSIGHT

Loser's Consent

  • Loser's consent is crucial for democracy.
  • A concession from Trump, even in a landslide Biden win, is unexpected.
ANECDOTE

Anticipating Violence

  • Nigel Farage filmed boarded-up Washington D.C. shops, anticipating potential violence following election results.
  • The Biden-Harris bus incident in Texas evoked a scene from Spielberg's Duel.
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