The world is watching today as American voters decide who will lead their country – the strongest economic and military power on Earth – for the next four years. These elections will determine the political future of the US and the result will have consequences for America’s allies and opponents alike. However, the electoral process itself is arguably just as important.
The last race for the White House is often remembered for all the wrong reasons. An angry mob, incensed by what they regarded as an attempt to steal the election from then president Donald Trump, stormed the US Capitol building. In scenes that were beamed around the world, hundreds of rioters fought with police and ransacked offices inside this bastion of American democracy. One of Mr Trump’s supporters was shot dead in the chaos.
January 6, 2021 was a manifestation of deeper issues that had been plaguing American society for several years. Conspiratorial thinking and political polarisation were joined by a refusal to accept the outcome of the vote. The result was an explosion of deadly and transgressive violence. Although some of the issues that fuelled the unrest are still present – there have been several ugly and divisive moments in this year’s campaigning – many in America and beyond will be hoping for a smooth and rapid transfer of power this time.
This must mean more than US law enforcement acting to prevent or counter street disorder. Already there are signs that there will be tooth-and-nail legal challenges to the results in states that, owing to America’s political system, could decide who will sit in the Oval Office next year. Although calling for recounts or querying instances of suspected fraud are legitimate measures, they must be accompanied by a willingness to accept defeat once it is clearly established who has won. Dragging the election result through the courts unnecessarily is in no one’s interest. Winning the White House while further damaging America’s image as a stable democracy is equally troubling.
Indeed, the many challenges facing the US in the coming years require a return to bipartisanship not further polarisation. Internal stability and economic prosperity should be prioritised. The wars raging in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the alarming military exchanges between Israel and Iran require America’s contribution to stop. The political distraction posed by the presidential race must be soon dispensed with if peace is to return to the Middle East.
Winning the White House while damaging America’s image as a stable democracy would be no victory at all
For committed supporters of Mr Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris, a victory by their opponent is a worst-case scenario. However, despite the dire predictions that accompanied Mr Trump’s 2016 victory and Republican fears of a US led by President Joe Biden, it is wiser to remember the achievements of both administrations.
Under Mr Trump, the US economy performed well until the Covid-19 pandemic. The Trump administration faced no major foreign-policy crises and even achieved some gains, such as helping to broker the Abraham Accords and begin a talks process with North Korea. For his part, Mr Biden helped steer the country out of the Covid crisis and oversaw a period of US economic growth. Although legitimate criticisms of both presidents could be made, those going to the polls today should reflect on the fact that one electoral outcome or another does not spell the end of American democracy, influence or relevance, but violence and undermining electoral systems could.
RESULTS
5pm: Rated Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Abubakar Daud
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Tair, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner: Son Of Normandy, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
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Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
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Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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