On July 17, former U.S. Ambassador Haywood Rankin visited Traunreut to give his annual talk on U.S. politics at our school. This time he also brought his son in law Spencer Sawyer to address the questions which the students from the advanced English class had prepared. These questions ranged from current U.S. politics and transatlantic relations to his personal experiences in Europe and the United States.

Addressing political polarization in the U.S., Rankin described it as deeply rooted in American society. He pointed to long-standing divisions between rural and urban communities, the North and the South, and different educational backgrounds. According to him, Donald Trump has successfully capitalized on these divisions.

When discussing relations between Europe and the United States, Rankin said their future largely depends on upcoming elections. He believes that the strained relationship during Trump’s presidency makes a quick return to close cooperation unlikely.

On voting behavior, Rankin emphasized that rising living costs remain a major concern for many Americans. He also questioned the reliability of opinion polls, arguing that they often fail to accurately reflect rural voters.

Rankin also addressed concerns about democracy in the United States. While he does not believe the country has become an autocracy, he warned that democratic backsliding is already underway. He argued that Trump’s repeated claims of election fraud have weakened trust in public institutions and that confidence in the media has also declined as social media increasingly replaces traditional journalism.

Discussing the Supreme Court, Rankin referred to decisions affecting the Voting Rights Act and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, arguing that they have contributed to a loss of legitimacy for important institutions. He also explained that while the U.S. political system is based on the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers, political reality is often more complex, especially because of the role of state governments.

Comparing the United States with Europe, Rankin highlighted several cultural differences. He argued that wealth is generally admired more in the U.S., whereas education is valued more highly in Europe. He also described racism in the United States as more systemic and deeply rooted than in Europe and mentioned Donald Trump’s use of coded language. In his view, the American two-party system encourages single-issue voting and makes it easier to influence voters.

Asked about differences in everyday life, Rankin noted that Americans often value private property, large amounts of space, and patriotism more strongly, while walking and cycling are much more common in Germany. He also argued that religion continues to play a greater role in the U.S. and that material possessions have become increasingly important in American society.

Finally, Rankin was asked whether JD Vance would be a greater threat than Donald Trump. He disagreed, arguing that Vance lacks Trump’s charisma and ability to attract public attention, making him a less effective political leader. He concluded by noting that Democratic candidates are often expected to meet much higher standards than their Republican counterparts.

The lecture gave students valuable insights into the complexity of American politics and society. It not only deepened their understanding of current political developments but also encouraged them to reflect on the differences between the United States and Europe. The opportunity to ask questions and discuss a wide range of topics with an experienced former politician made the event both informative and thought-provoking.

Amelie Bernauer and Elisa Tejada Heidenhain (Q12)