US Midterms 2022 grip the world, but why now? – ‘Mood is dark in America’
The midterm elections don’t usually interest anyone outside of the United States. Across the pond, we only show real interest in American politics when they have their presidential election – but these 2022 midterm elections are important to the US and the wider world.
“The mood is dark in America. There is a sense of dread about the future. And if Americans are fearful, we should be too,” says Sky news.
This midterm election is big because there’s plenty at stake for the US – from abortion rights to climate action. Then there’s the case of election deniers – what will happen if the Republicans lose? They’ve already started hinting at fraud. Will we see a repeat of the attack on the Capitol if the results don’t go their way?
This isn’t a presidential election, but if Republicans sweep the floor this midterm election – it’s expected Donald Trump will announce his 2024 presidential bid not long after. According to recent polls, the return of Donald Trump to the White House looks more and more likely.
If Republicans take the House and the Senate – they’ll be serious questions as to whether Joe Biden should run for re-election in 2024.
Democracy is at stake
Democrats are worried that US democracy itself is at stake this midterm – people who claim the electoral system is rigged are running for key positions.
Not only will losing control of Congress make it impossible for Joe Biden to pass laws for his final two years as president but it could effectively bring US politics to a standstill until the next presidential election.
That in itself could pave the way for a Republican president in 2024.
Many Americans feel uneasiness – there are fears of unrest and violence on the horizon.
One mother, speaking to Sky News, from New York said: “It’s divided and angry and hostile and corrupt, and it’s on the brink of disaster, I think.
“I think it’s incredibly discouraging. People believe what they want to believe and there’s no changing minds, and I don’t know how we’ll ever turn back from it either.”
Americans are in their polarised corners and treading the waters lightly – suspicious of each other and full of fear about what comes next.
