Bill Clinton is expressing deep fears about the impact of a potential Donald Trump presidency on the future of American democracy, the Democratic Party, and even his own legacy.
As he campaigns through small towns in Michigan, Clinton discusses his concerns over Trump’s influence on U.S. politics, fearing it could steer the nation into divisiveness and isolationism. In an exclusive interview with CNN on his campaign bus, Clinton reflected on the stakes of the 2024 election and the potential ramifications if Trump wins.
Clinton, who believes Vice President Kamala Harris is well-positioned to win, is adamant that the economy is poised for significant growth, largely due to President Joe Biden’s policy decisions. Clinton predicts this economic upturn will soon resonate with the public.
He praises Harris as a pragmatic problem-solver and commends her policies on price gouging and affordable housing. However, despite his hope for Harris, Clinton remains troubled by the rising appeal of Trump’s message to American voters, drawing parallels to the 1930s, when fascism gained traction in Europe. Clinton observes that many Americans agree Trump’s ideas are harmful yet still feel nostalgic about his previous term, attributing perceived successes to Trump’s leadership.
Clinton, a former president who famously connected with working-class voters in the 1990s, understands the frustration that has fueled Trump’s rise. Reflecting on his own policies like NAFTA, Clinton acknowledges how globalization, trade agreements, and job losses transformed American politics and stirred resentment in some communities.
He warns against Trump’s isolationist and protectionist policies, pointing out that they overlook the complex realities of a global economy and could lead to higher prices for Americans.
One of Clinton’s biggest concerns is the survival of American democracy under another Trump presidency. Using a metaphor of survival, Clinton explains that just as a person could be kept alive on a breathing tube without truly living, America’s democracy could endure but at the cost of its core values.
He admits to uncertainty about the future if Trump were to win, expressing a fear that Trump’s divisive politics would erode democratic norms and create lasting damage.
Clinton’s campaign speeches are sprinkled with humor, but his underlying message is clear: he believes the future of America’s democracy hangs in the balance. He has spent weeks on the road, speaking to communities that have rarely seen a presidential figure, delivering impromptu speeches that focus on unity and shared values.
His personal reflection on mortality adds a poignant dimension to his campaign stops, as he faces the reality of aging while striving to make an impact for the next generation.
Clinton emphasizes that he’s campaigning not just for the Democratic ticket but for the survival of the ideals he believes America stands for. For Clinton, Trump represents a shift away from these ideals and a potential unraveling of bipartisan cooperation.
He urges Americans to vote for Harris, saying she’s the best choice to lead the nation forward with a focus on compromise and pragmatic solutions. As he advocates for her, Clinton acknowledges the toll his years in politics have taken, expressing regret over missed opportunities and policies he now wishes he had handled differently.
In the final stretch of his campaign tour, Clinton is urging Democrats and Republicans alike to consider the future of American democracy and the importance of bipartisan governance. For Clinton, the outcome of the 2024 election is more than just a political contest; it’s a battle for the soul of the nation, one he hopes Americans are prepared to fight.
