US Elections 2020 in America – Interview with Professor Dr. Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet

On 13.11.2020, 10:00

M: Good morning Prof. Dr. Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet and thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me. My name is Mirjam and I'm delighted that we can discuss today the topic that has been on everyone's lips for weeks – the US presidential elections. For months, the whole world has been watching developments in the 2020 election campaign. Finally, there is at least a preliminary result. Joe Biden is regarded as the new President of the United States of America. What could still stand in the way of Biden's victory?
MBB: Although Biden has won, it is remarkable how close it actually was. We Europeans would have expected more of a "landslide" victory for Biden, but that did not happen. We have partly misjudged the situation. The country is more divided than feared. That must first be noted. Of course, it is unpleasant that a US President is unwilling to accept his defeat. On the other hand, through the court-ordered recounts of votes, one can undermine a "stab-in-the-back" narrative. If Trump's suspicions of electoral fraud were to take hold, the further division of the country would be unstoppable. Even though the recounts will most likely not change Biden's clear victory. However, it is worth mentioning here the responsibility of the Republican Party, which has allowed much to happen over the last four years. One can certainly say that supporters of the conservative party have failed in this regard, as they have not taken action against Trump.
M: We are all curious to see what will unfold in America over the coming time. But what can we now expect from Biden?
MBB: The question first arises whether Biden, at 77 years old, is really the right candidate to reunite this divided country. With his decades of experience in politics and his role as Vice President under Barack Obama, he certainly brings important elements to the presidency. Is
Biden the right candidate? Here one could say on the one hand: No, because he is not only too old but also too established. He brings no new momentum to politics. On the other hand, he represents a centre in the USA and also within the Democratic Party, which has been lost in recent years. There was strong polarisation between Democrats
and Republicans. In this situation, his position, which can be described as moderate, can actually "heal" the division and bring society together. In addition, and this must be highly valued, his extraordinarily extensive experience can bring structure and organisation to the White House, after Trump caused great chaos.
M: I agree with you there. The very fact that he shows such patience in dealing with Trump proves that, precisely through his experience in politics, he can be the right person for the office. What impact does his victory now have on international relations?

MBB: Scientists and the press have given this a lot of thought over the last few weeks. Starting with Europe and transatlantic relations.
These will probably become more pleasant, as the tone will change significantly. However, some fundamental conflicts or opposing positions between the USA and the EU will not change much. For example, demands from the USA that Europe should do more for its defence will remain. The same applies to the general distancing of the USA from Europe and the shift towards the Pacific. This trend already developed under Obama, due to the shift in global political power. Biden will take a critical course towards China. Europeans will need to position themselves more strongly compared to the past. Although it must be noted that China has been described as a "systemic rival" of the EU for years. In order
to revive transatlantic relations, we must now coordinate very closely with the USA to avoid falling into a crude protectionist China course. At the same time, however, the EU must be less naïve. That is what lies ahead for us.
Otherwise, the great expectation remains that Biden will reactivate all the multilateral agreements that Trump terminated. The climate agreement is the most important example to mention. This could mean a fresh start for international relations. I am very optimistic, even though there will not be complete harmony.
M: Since we're already on the subject of a fresh start, I would have one last question. There has been speculation for a while now that Biden was planning to hand over power to his Vice President Kamala Harris over time. Do you think that is possible? What is your view on this?
MBB: I do not have insider knowledge in this debate, but Biden will build up his Vice President from the start and give her a secure place in politics. Presumably also with the aim of preparing her for a candidacy in the next election. Should he actually hand over his office to her prematurely, that would
relativise the argument that he is too old. It would give her the time, and this is very important, to establish an international profile, which is necessary in order to change something in the world.
Overall, the EU can look somewhat more optimistically at the coming years and relations with the USA. Because what was frightening about Trump's presidency was the chaos he caused in the country and in international politics. Biden's politics will definitely look more professional. That is a very important point.
M: I think we agree that Biden can achieve what Trump wanted to achieve according to his campaign slogan "Make America great again". In this sense, I would like to thank you once again very warmly for taking the time to discuss this important topic.