The US presidential election was upended when Kamala Harris replaced president Joe Biden as the Democratic Party nominee. Harris and her deputy, Tim Walz have brought an unexpected vibe and positivity to the Party’s chances at election. But will this be enough? The race remains close which raises the question: why does Trump remain popular with a large segment of American society, given his criminal and civil convictions, his role in the 6th January insurrection, and the further charges he faces? The lecture will examine the key issues driving the election and the performance of both the Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance teams. It will examine where the election will be won and lost and the consequences for both America and the world from whichever candidate wins.
About the Speaker
Professor Quentin Beresford had a 30 year career teaching politics at Edith Cowan University in Perth, including courses on American politics. He has lived in the US for several extended periods. After retiring in 2019, Quentin moved to Noosa for nearly three years and was a tutor at Noosa U3A. He and his wife moved to Brisbane to be closer to their granddaughter and he now tutors at Brisbane U3A. Quentin is also an author. His most recent books are: Wounded Country. The Murray Darling Basin A Contested History which won the 2022 Queensland Premier’s Book Award; and Rogue Corporations. Inside Australia’s Biggest Business Scandals (2023).