a documentary describes the deep fractures in American society, as the presidential election approaches

Never has an American election seemed so decisive, as there are so many geopolitical and societal issues in a world in the grip of major crises and where new balances are emerging. The possible return of Donald Trump at the head of the White House, following this uncertain election, could shake up relations between Europe and its historic ally.

The special program “C dans l’air”, presented by Caroline Roux, offers an in-depth investigation, entitled United States-Europe, I love you, me neither, directed by Romain Besnainou and broadcast at 9:05 p.m. Sunday October 13 on France 5. The documentary reviews the various sticking points between the two powers: defense, trade, ideological battles, democratic foundations… It also illustrates the rise of populism in the United States, the questioning of feminist struggles and its repercussions in Europe, and relays fears of a potential civil war in an America more fractured than ever.

“I’m certainly not calling for war, but if there was ever a time to be strong and principled and return blow for blow to those who are destroying our country, it’s now.” launches Lauren Boebert, Republican elected official from the state of Colorado, in a meeting. A convinced conspirator and close to the QAnon movement, she actively campaigns for Donald Trump and does not hesitate to call for an insurrection if the Democratic camp were to win the presidential election. A speech that excites the majority of his supporters, ready to fight to defend their values.

“Those who support the current fascist regime have no idea what awaits them in the event of a second term.”

A supporter of Donald Trump

In the documentary “United States-Europe, I love you, me neither”

The state of mind of certain supporters of Donald Trump raises the threat of recourse to violence in the event of Kamala Harris’ victory, as was the case during the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the election of Joe Biden. An attack that some Republican voters are now questioning. “I think it was a set upsays a Trumpist in the documentary. There are numerous reports that the FBI was involved in planning this event and provoking the protesters.”

Her friends share this belief, maintaining that the aim of this plot was to steal the election. They also raise the possibility of a civil war. “You have people who are white-hot by the absolute rejection of the adversary who has become an enemy,” analysis, in the film, the political scientist And specialist from the United States Nicole Bacharan.

Former Republican elected official from Illinois, Adam Kinzinger was inside the Capitol during the January 2021 attack. Deeply marked by this event, this politician from the moderate movement of the party did not hesitate, like ten other conservative elected officials, to vote in favor of the impeachment of Donald Trump. A position that cost him his career. Interviewed in the documentary, he is particularly worried about the increasingly conservative evolution of some of his former colleagues.

“January 6 shattered the sacred boundaries of saying ‘we can fight politically, over ideas, but we will never go as far as violence.’ This milestone has been reached. The worst has happened.”

Adam Kinzinger, former Republican elected official

In the documentary “United States-Europe – I love you, me neither”

The politician fears that if Donald Trump is re-elected as head of the country, he will ensure that his hands are completely free, trample the Constitution and endanger not only the United States, but also Western democracies. “A leader must be surrounded by safeguards, there were some in 2020, that’s what saved us. (…) If [Donald Trump] wins in November, he will ensure that no one can oppose him”, worries Adam Kinzinger.

But his greatest fear is that the European powers will also be affected by this extremist current which calls into question the democratic foundations, and will be plunged into chaos. “American conservative movements set the tone for European movements, the chosen one is alarmed. In Europe, we are already witnessing the rise of this far-right fascism. This worries me for Europe. Particularly for this continent which has been at peace for eighty years, but which is also capable of the worst.”

The documentary United States-Europe, I love you neither, directed by Romain Besnainou, is broadcast Sunday October 13 at 9:05 p.m. on France 5 and on the france.tv platform.