US Elections: Brussels Democrats and Republicans go head-to-head

While the world waits to see who will become the 45th president, Republicans Abroad Belgium chair Michael Kulbickas and Democrats Abroad Belgium chair Pauline Manos replicate the tussle taking place across the Atlantic.

What does the choice come down to?
MK: Either you want to beat Hillary or you don’t. I’ll vote for Trump because I’m against Hillary Clinton. But no matter who wins, the US will be a worse country.

But there’s worse and then there’s worse
MK: Trump’s bad, Hillary’s a criminal. Trump is an unattractive figure, but he’s not committed crimes. What would she have to do to lose her supporters?

What would Trump have to do to lose his?
MK: If he’d committed criminal acts, abused security clearance, lied to win an election…

Didn’t he lie when he denied having assaulted women?
MK: You have to take those allegations with a huge grain of salt. Why did they come out weeks before the election? Besides, it didn’t disqualify Bill Clinton, why should it Trump? The media’s out to destroy him.

Doesn’t he destroy himself by flip-flopping?
MK: It’s not flip-flopping. It’s thinking out loud. Big difference. For example, his refusing entry to Muslims—which is asinine—has evolved to emphasize fixing a flawed refugee vetting process that terrorists could exploit. Many think that’s prudent. Regarding immigration, he says he’ll build a wall with a big door. People forget that second part. This guy’s a negotiator, it’s how he approaches the issues. Trump’s rise poses a bigger question. Why have people lost so much faith in the system? It’s Benghazi, the emails, Obamacare, it’s lie after lie after lie.

And what’s the Democrat view?
PM: For eight years we’ve had clear policies. Now voters have to decide if they want to continue them.

It took a while for Hillary to have a clear position on her emails
PM: Were emails handled well? No. Did Colin Powell do the same thing? Yes. Did George W Bush delete emails? Yes. For Hillary to deal with this double standard day in, day out, it must be draining. American politics is still very male-dominated, and the negativity of this campaign has made it so difficult to discuss policy. Do you want a Roe v Wade or a Citizens United Supreme Court? Do you want common-sense gun control and affordable healthcare?

What about immigration?
PM: The immigration debate is the victim of extreme misinformation. The US is one of the most difficult places to get into. It takes two-and-a-half to three years for Syrian refugees to get in—and we’ve taken so few. Getting a green card is no easy task. I find claims on the other side a little extreme.

Is Hillary’s free-flowing immigration policy position prudent?
PM: Hillary believes in a pathway to citizenship. I’d be hard-pressed to say the country’s greatness didn’t owe something to its immigrants.

What are the key message for Democrats Abroad Belgium?
PM: Vote. Just vote. Brexit proved nothing is to be taken for granted.

What are the campaign takeaways?
MK: Why did a loudmouth wipe out 17 respectable Republican primary candidates? The party’s lost faith in its leaders. I hope conservatism survives but Trumpism is a whole new ball game.

PM: Those 17 were fairly diverse—black, Latino, a woman. Trump’s nomination is a wake-up call. A vocal part of the population isn’t happy with internationalization and globalization. The Republican Party has soul-searching to do, but we also cannot ignore this.

Come 9 November, says Kulbickas, “people will be glad it’s over.” Manos: “It’ll be a relief, but hopefully a happy one.”

Essential information

The US election night party in Brussels is sold out and the waiting list is closed. If you have a ticket to the party, don’t forget that you will need to show your entrance ticket at the door along with matching valid ID. Bags will be searched, so make sure you are not carrying anything that could be used as a weapon. Promotional material is also not allowed. Backpacks are prohibited.

For security reasons, Brussels police want to avoid lengthy queues outside the hotel. Partygoers are advised to arrive after 22.00.

Didn't get a ticket in time? Follow the party online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TheBulletin.be

8 November, 20.00 until 3.00
Brussels Marriott Hotel, 3-7 Rue Auguste Orts  
www.uselections.be