INTERVIEW
Criticized even in his camp for his reaction to Covid-19, Donald Trump is left behind in the polls by his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. "He is in difficulty, but will the American electorate go all the way and make him leave? For the moment it is not obvious," said Philippe Labro, journalist and writer, guest of 'Europe 1 Tuesday.
Before the health crisis, the president's economic record was "pretty good", he said, with declining unemployment and rising growth. But in three months, the ballot will take place in an America divided and weakened by the pandemic, which has killed more than 140,000 there. The result of the election, scheduled for November 3, 2020, however, remains closely linked to the development of the country's economic situation, he explains. "If the economy picks up and unemployment goes down, Trump can rebound."
"The construction site left by Trump would be gigantic"
Known for his gossip, the president is used to shattering and sometimes risky statements. "Trump is capable of wanting to turn the situation around. To shout from the rooftops that if there have been 'only' 140,000 dead it is thanks to him, that if he had not been in office there would have had a lot more. "
>> Find Your big evening newspaper in replay and podcast here
If, however, Joe Biden wins, the site left by Trump would be "gigantic" and long to clear, points out Philippe Labro. "First we will have to calm the country: some factions will not accept defeat. Then we will have to reconnect with the media, the allies, Europe, from which Trump wanted to stay away." He concludes: "The question is also whether he is able to cope with all of this."