Global Reactions Pour In: Non-Americans Weigh In on Harris-Trump Debate
Strong Support for Harris
Topic:
Politics
by MPeriod
Posted 1 year ago
As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10 sparked global reactions, with viewers outside the U.S. sharing their candid thoughts on the face-off. The debate wasn’t just an American event—its effects reverberated around the world. Non-Americans are paying close attention, especially as U.S. politics influence global dynamics. Here’s what international spectators had to say about the debate:
Strong Support for Harris
Many foreign observers expressed concern about Trump and viewed Kamala Harris as the more stable choice for the U.S. presidency.
- "It’s embarrassing she even has to debate this child. There are so many people globally who are hoping Americans vote for Kamala because, as the U.S.’s closest allied country, we are f***ing terrified of Trump getting in," said a respondent from Canada.
- A viewer from India observed, "It was no contest between a courageous, articulate, and compassionate candidate and a delusional, chaotic, and obnoxious one." They added that Harris’s potential win would still leave her with the monumental task of healing America's divisions.
- "Kamala definitely won. No doubt. Trump seemed unprepared and uncomfortable. He was comfortable telling lies, though," shared another respondent.
Mixed Reactions on Debate Performance
Not everyone saw the debate as a clear win for Harris. Some international viewers expressed disappointment in both candidates, offering more nuanced views on their debate skills.
- A Canadian viewer expressed bewilderment that Trump even made it to this stage again, noting his controversial past: "How do people not see that he is a greasy, failed, silver-spoon-fed slob of a bad businessman that is a train wreck?"
- From India, a 27-year-old commenter said, "I think they both came out of it on equal footing... but from where I’m standing, Harris is not who you guys want representing you on the international stage."
- An 88-year-old from Canada offered a more pointed take: "It was a battle between sanity and insanity, and thank God sanity won. Well done, Kamala."
Trump’s Performance Sparks Global Criticism
While some acknowledged that Harris struggled at the beginning of the debate, many non-Americans were far more critical of Trump’s demeanor, calling out his off-topic remarks and use of misinformation.
- "Trump looks stupid with nonsense comments and lies, as we are used to seeing from him," said one observer.
- A viewer from New Zealand noted the sheer disbelief: "The fact that Trump is even there makes me see Americans being as stupid as they are portrayed to be."
- An Australian spectator put it bluntly: "I struggle to believe how anyone in the U.S. could take Donald Trump seriously. Every single word out of his mouth is either hyperbole, untrue, or straight-up delusion."
Broader Implications for the U.S. and the World
For many international viewers, the debate raised broader concerns about America's role on the global stage. Trump's potential return to power is something many find alarming, not just for the U.S. but for global stability.
- A commenter from the UK was concerned about the impact of Trump’s leadership on the world stage: "Kamala was right when she said other world leaders are laughing at Trump. Does America really want a clown to lead them, or are they ready for Kamala to bring prosperity?"
- Another viewer from Wales noted: "As the rest of the world asks America not to f*** it up again, we all begin to descend into our own Trumpian nightmares."
- A Canadian said: "As your neighbor to the North, I still find it baffling and appalling that Trump is even in the running. He has made the U.S. laughable on the world stage."
Conclusion: The World Watches America’s Decision
The Harris-Trump debate hasn’t just captured the attention of Americans—it’s a global conversation. From India to Australia to Canada, international audiences are watching closely, knowing the outcome of the U.S. election will impact global politics. For many, Kamala Harris represents stability, while Donald Trump continues to raise concerns about America’s future role in international diplomacy. With less than two months until the election, these global perspectives highlight how high the stakes truly are.
