As the countdown to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election continues, we as CSACTU wanted to share the perspectives from both sides of the political spectrum.
In this second Part of the exclusive interview with Democrats Abroad, we continue to address key issues concerning the American electorates with a detailed look into the measures on gun safety, economic and social welfare, Trump’s legal cases and his claims on social media including the FEMA money, and finally the Project 2025.
Yagmur from CSACTU: Another concern is also called an epidemic sometimes. I refer to the gun violence in the US. What’s on the agenda for gun control for Democrats, briefly?
Amy from Democrats Abroad: We call it « gun safety » rather than « gun control, » advocating for common-sense measures to reduce gun violence. The Biden – Harris administration successfully passed the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which includes measures like expanded background checks and restrictions on firearm access for individuals with criminal records or mental health issues. Despite some progress, gun crime remains high, with more guns than people in the U.S.
Vice President Kamala Harris is a gun owner herself just like Tim Walz a hunter. Harris highlights the importance of reinforcing red flag laws that are usually ignored. We aren’t trying to take away people’s guns, we’re calling for common sense. Current laws allow individuals to buy guns without background checks or licenses in some states, contributing to the proliferation of firearms.3D printed guns are also a concern because they can’t be traceable, unlike traditional guns with an identification number to trace them.
After the 2018 Parkland shooting, Florida raised the age for purchasing AR-15s to 21, but that restriction has since been lifted. The administration aims to ban AR-15-style assault weapons since they are designed for mass casualties rather than hunting. While the challenge remains in addressing the existing stock of such weapons, the focus is on preventing future sales to enhance public safety.
Y: As you know, Kamala Harris has been in office since 2022 as Vice President. What will be the main principles and actions that differentiate her administration from Biden’s administration? On what extent can we expect a continuation of current policies?
A: I think that in general, you’ll see a continuation Of the Biden – Harris administration policies. Because they’re working. Crime rates and illegal immigration are down. The economy is booming, stock markets are at record highs. Unemployment is at historic lows, and inflation is returning to 2% which is normal levels. They have created 15 to 16 million new jobs and businesses since taking office. Harris plans to enhance support for small businesses by raising the initial tax credit from $5,000 to $50,000 for new businesses, allowing them to avoid taxes on their first $50,000 of income. She also aims to reinstate and expand the child tax credit, which was previously in place for one year until it was rejected by the Republicans. It’s $300.00 a month that people get back on their taxes to help with childcare expenses.
She wants to add an additional $6,000 in the first year of a child’s life to help cover essential costs, such as childcare equipment. This approach is designed to alleviate financial burdens on families and support new parents. In healthcare, the administration has successfully enrolled 50 million Americans in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as Obama Care, providing more coverage than ever before. Efforts to negotiate drug prices have led to reductions in medication costs, highlighting the disparity in prices compared to countries like France. Harris plans to continue these healthcare initiatives.
Y: Especially for diabetes, right?
A: In many countries, insulin costs around €7 or €8 per month, while in the US, it can reach hundreds. This situation forces people with diabetes to ration their insulin, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher overall healthcare costs. The Biden administration’s policy to cap insulin costs at $35 per month is a crucial relief for many. Additionally, starting next January, seniors will face a maximum annual medication spending of $2,000, which, while seeming high, is significantly lower than previous costs, especially for those without insurance. Harris intends to continue and improve these healthcare policies, as she has been involved in their development.
Y: I’d like to talk a bit about foreign policy.
A: I’m afraid I can’t get involved in that kind of conversation. We are the official wing of the Democratic Party and we report to the Federal Election Commission. We have a policy of not discussing foreign policy publicly to ensure the safety of our members, who reside in 190 countries, including war zones. However, information about Kamala Harris’s foreign policy positions, particularly regarding Ukraine and NATO, is available on her website.
However, your readers can read about Harriz-Walz policy on her website. Her views on Ukraine are quite well-known. She had very encouraging comments about NATO and standing with our allies. She does not have the bizarre fascination for dictators that Donald Trump seems to have. And she has made that very, very clear that DNC speech was very clear about that.
It’s interesting to observe that while Americans living abroad are acutely aware of foreign policy and its impact on their lives, most Americans in the U.S. do not prioritize these issues. For many, foreign policy ranks low on their list of concerns. As a result, U.S. elections tend to focus more on domestic issues rather than international affairs. Consequently, while Kamala Harris does discuss foreign policy, her primary emphasis is on topics like the economy, immigration, gun safety, and climate change—issues that resonate more strongly with the general U.S. electorate. It’s also important to note that although there are around 6 million Americans living abroad, they are greatly outnumbered by the 180 million voters in the U.S.
Y: I’m really sorry to hear that we’re not going to get a comment on key foreign policy issues and ho t topics. Maybe you can comment on the international concerns over the possibility of a second Trump mandate?
A: I believe that a second term for Trump would be disastrous not only for America but also for the global order. He has shown a lack of respect for NATO, the most significant alliance in history, and fails to understand its purpose and functioning. Having lived in France for 35 years and with a father who landed in Normandy in 1944, I have a deep appreciation for NATO’s significance. In contrast, Kamala Harris has publicly committed to strengthening our relationships with current allies, which is crucial. This stance is supported by over 700 national security experts who warn that Trump’s election would pose a danger to both the U.S. and the world. They are advocating for Harris and even encouraging fellow Republicans to support her.
Y: How about domestically? What do you think will be the top domestic concern for Americans in the case where Donald Trump gets re-elected,
A: First, we would see a national abortion ban, followed by restrictions on contraception. There are even concerns about monitoring women’s cycles and tracking their travel outside their state, which paints a very dystopian and anti-freedom picture. Trump has indicated that he would target his political opponents and imprison them without trial, undermining the rule of law. He plans to replace civil servants with loyalists and eliminate departments like the Department of Education and NOAA, which tracks hurricanes—especially concerning given the current events.
The agenda outlined in « Project 2025, » which would be implemented by any Republican administration, is alarming. It promotes a Christian nationalist ideology that seems to prioritize white men. They define a family as a man who works and a woman who stays at home with the children. So first of all, it’s a man and woman right there, so that’s one thing. They just want women to become subservient. They want us out of the workforce. It’s just the Christian indoctrination of school children and dismantling the foundations of American democracy from within.
They aim to eliminate voting altogether, with Trump suggesting that if elected, people would « never have to vote again, » which should raise red flags. The plan includes dismantling the education system, the FDA, and the EPA, resulting in chaos through deregulation and a lack of oversight on clean air and water. This is why when she says that democracy is on the ballot, we wholeheartedly agree.
Y: I’d like to talk about some of the controversies surrounding Donald Trump again. He had 4 criminal probes against him on election interference, classified documents, and Hush Money Case. He has been the first U.S. President to become a convicted felon. So, if he is re-elected, he could pardon himself for the charges of federal election interference case. Do you think one of the reasons why he’s running again for the presidency is partly caused by this possibility of pardoning himself?
A: I think it is the only reason he is running for Presidency again. He hated being president, except for flying around in Air Force One. He didn’t pay attention to what was happening, didn’t read his national security briefings, and hated living in Washington. He already owes 1.5 billion dollars to New York State and he Owes $100 million to the woman he sexually assaulted.
It’s shocking that the Republican Party, which claims to support law and order, would nominate a convicted felon. They talk about backing the police, even after January 6th, when many officers were injured. They’ve completely abandoned their principles and are now just following Trump, who leaves destruction in his way. Take Tina Peters, for example—she got nine years in prison for trying to mess with voting machines because Trump told her to. He won’t face consequences, but she will.
Y: Speaking of Trumpism, we all remember this, this tragedy in Capitol Hill following Trump’s allegations of election fraud. Given this current division between blue states, and red states, and the existence of the MAGA movement, how concerning is this polarisation between the two political sides for the future of the country especially after January 6th? Do you fear of a further rise in political violence, especially after the upcoming election?
A: First of all, it’s clear that there’s only one side dividing the country, and that’s the Trump side. They’re the ones calling for violence, not the Democrats. The Democrats are not trying to divide anyone; they’ve never incited anyone to take to the streets with guns, which is just insane. As President Biden mentioned recently, we are genuinely concerned about ensuring a peaceful transition of power, especially if Kamala Harris wins. The Capitol will be well protected on January 6; we won’t see a repeat of the chaos we had in 2021 because security measures have been tightened.
However, there’s no telling what Trump might encourage his followers to do. Thousands of those who stormed the Capitol are still in jail, and you’d think that would deter others from similar actions. Yet, those supporters seem to be deeply invested in their allegiance to him, almost like they’re in a cult. It’s hard for them to admit they’ve been wrong all this time, which is why they continue to double down on their beliefs.
The reality is that many people in the U.S. have guns, and we really can’t predict what Trump will incite them to do. He’s been a proven liar; the Washington Post reported that he lied around 30,000 times during his presidency—an average of about 20 lies per day. His rhetoric is only getting more outrageous, claiming things like Democrats are killing babies.
Y: Or the claims that migrants are eating cats and dogs?
A: That’s even more insane. In a recent debate, a Republican candidate claimed that Democrats are putting immigrants up in hotels and giving them bank cards. I had to question where he got that idea because it’s simply not true—these are just fabrications.
So yes, I’m personally worried, and so is President Biden. There’s a real concern about what people might do in this charged atmosphere. It’s one-sided; there are no Democrats causing chaos in the streets, but there are Neo-Nazis marching openly in major U.S. cities. It’s incredibly disturbing to witness the kind of extremism the MAGA movement has unleashed.
Y: We talked about this division. So do you fully or partly agree with these claims over the declining influence of the US on the world stage? You told me that you cannot comment on foreign policy, but there are claims, especially for the possible Trump presidency. So do you partly agree with that?
A: I’ve seen a study on how the U.S. was viewed by leaders of other countries during the Trump administration, and it was very low. Once Biden took office, that opinion drastically improved. Biden’s long career in foreign policy and his personal relationships with many world leaders contributed to that recovery. During Trump’s time in office, America’s standing was severely diminished, and I remember moments where I felt the need to pretend that I was not American. But with Biden, that has been restored.
Now, foreign leaders are deeply concerned about the possibility of Trump coming back. Biden has mentioned in speeches that leaders constantly approach him, asking for reassurance that Trump won’t win again. I hear the same concern from everyday French people—my neighbors, people who know what I do—asking me to reassure them that Trump won’t return to power. It’s a genuine fear because they understand just how dangerous it would be if Trump were to get back into office.
Y: I’d like to ask briefly about the project 2025. How will the Democratic Party tackle this Project 2025? How it can affect the lives of millions of Americans?
A: The main thing we have to do is win the election to prevent Project 2025 from being implemented. The alarming part is that they’ve laid out their entire plan for everyone to see, and it’s even more terrifying than we could have imagined. It’s about reinforcing white male patriarchy. By 2030, it’s estimated that white people will become a minority in the U.S., overtaken by a combination of other groups—Black, Latino, Asian, Native, etc. This project is a reaction to that loss of status, a desperate attempt to cling to the power white men have held for 248 years.
Instead of evolving with the U.S., which is becoming more diverse, the Republicans want to hold on to a past where white men made all the decisions. Meanwhile, Democrats believe the U.S. should be a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multiracial society. But Republicans, through things like Project 2025, are pushing for a country where white men are the only ones in control.
Y: Do you think the only way to implement this project is to win the elections?
A: It’s very clear, that even though Trump’s name is mentioned over 300 times in Project 2025, he can claim he has nothing to do with it. This blueprint isn’t just for Trump—it could be for any Republican administration. So, even if Kamala Harris wins in 2024, they’ll likely bring it back for the next election cycle, and it could become Project 2029. We need to make sure Project 2025 never gets implemented—it’s absolutely terrifying.
Y: It’s going to be quite an open question. I will characterize it to make it easier to answer. Why should a young US voter vote for Democrats?
A: Because Democrats prioritize the issues that matter most to people, especially young voters. They care about the economy and want to be able to afford homes. They’re also deeply concerned about climate change because they know they’re the ones who will face its worst effects, with more frequent and severe storms. Gun safety is another major issue—they’re tired of fearing for their lives in schools, stores, and public spaces. And reproductive freedom is crucial for both young women and men, since men also don’t want to be forced into parenthood before they’re ready. It’s not just about young people either. Republicans are pushing to dismantle programs like the federal pension system. Ultimately, Republicans are on the wrong side of almost every issue, and voting for them means voting to take away your own rights and freedoms.
So basically, if you vote for Republicans, you’re voting to take your own rights away and take your own freedoms away. And that’s why everybody should vote for Democrats who want to conserve and expand people’s freedoms and rights.
Y: Trump had some claims again on the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently. He had this claim on relief money and it’s been denied by various circles many times.
A: He’s completely wrong about FEMA, and it’s either intentional or because he doesn’t understand how it works. When he was president, he actually diverted FEMA funds to the border, so he has no place criticizing how FEMA money is handled now. Recently, Congress voted to provide more funds to FEMA, knowing that storms due to climate change are becoming more frequent. But all the Republican representatives from Florida—who are now waiting for Hurricane Milton—voted against additional FEMA funding.
Currently, FEMA has enough funds to handle this hurricane, but if another one hits in the next few weeks, they could run out of money, and Congress won’t return to vote on more until after the election. The idea that FEMA money is being redirected elsewhere is just wrong—those are separate budgets from different agencies.
With Trump, when he makes accusations, it often reflects what he has done. For example, when he claims Democrats are cheating in elections, he’s projecting what Republicans might do. When he accuses others of diverting FEMA money, it’s because he did that himself. It’s called projection in psychology.
Y: What do you think are the current ways to tackle fake news and the circulation of misinformation, especially on social media? How it can be improved actually?
A: The efforts to combat misinformation just aren’t effective enough. If they were, we wouldn’t still be seeing so much fake news and disinformation on social media every day. Facebook and Instagram both owned by Meta, and TikTok, owned by Chinese, it’s very difficult to control all that. Speaking as someone with 25 years in the tech industry, it’s frustrating to see how little is being done, especially on platforms like Twitter which is a special case, because the owner that’s running it is campaigning for Trump, so he’s very happy to have this information on his platform.
The challenge is massive, especially with the rise of podcasts and other large online platforms. It’s hard to keep track of everything, and the mainstream media isn’t doing enough to call out the lies and disinformation. People on the left watch MSNBC, and those on the right watch Fox News. They don’t hear what’s going on the other channel.
It’s overwhelming, and I’m not sure how we fully tackle it. But we have to discourage bad actors from spreading false information, whether for political gain or simply to make money. It’s a huge problem, and it’s only growing.
Y: I have one final question on if there’s anything you’d like to add particularly on the bilateral relations between France and the US.
A: Just like Foreign Relations are taboo, the number one taboo is never to make comments about your host country. Because I’m a visitor here, even though I have French nationality, we are all considered visitors in our adopted countries, so we never comment on what’s going on in our local governments.
I’d like to thank Democrats Abroad one again for accepting to have this rich conversation with CSACTU and for answering my questions!
