jordan pulse -

Dr. Izzat Jaradat

I’m not entirely sure why I find myself so drawn to two major democratic events whenever they come around: the British elections, which see Conservatives and Labour clash, and the American presidential elections, with Democrats and Republicans going head-to-head. Both are the world’s foremost democratic contests, sparking intense media coverage and opinion polls. Despite their importance, though, media commentators in these countries don’t rush to brand them as a "democratic festival," as is sometimes seen elsewhere. When suspicious election results emerge, this so-called festival often loses its celebratory meaning altogether.

Turning to the 2024 American presidential election, it’s been one of the fiercest contests in terms of both verbal sparring and sheer displays of popular strength, reflecting what Henry Kissinger once described as the "cowboy spirit" within the American psyche. The slogan "America First" stood in contrast to "Democracy First," echoing the underlying tug-of-war in American political culture.

Both candidates aimed to ensure a truly democratic electoral process, burdened with promises and focused on significant domestic and global issues, like abortion and immigration. Trump’s campaign emphasized "America First," while his opponent, Kamala Harris, championed "Democracy First." If Trump returns to power, he is expected to pursue a strong, internally focused American role aimed at "repairing Biden’s damage," as Trump frames it. Externally, he might adopt a case-by-case approach to international issues: treating the Ukraine-Russia conflict with one set of criteria, and handling relations with China, the European Union, and North Korea each on its own terms.

As for the Middle East—or the so-called Israeli-Palestinian conflict—it’s likely to remain shrouded in ambiguity, with no clear resolution in sight. Trump is bound by his convictions, which include defending Israel’s right to self-defense against the Palestinian people’s suffering under occupation. His beliefs are reinforced by past milestones, like relocating the American embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, despite the failure of his "Deal of the Century" peace plan. Yet, he also faces mixed feelings due to the disappointment he experienced with the Jewish lobby during his campaign. Will Trump persist in his uncompromising stance, or could he finally heed the voice of reason, reaching a stage of wisdom and maturity?