Inside the U.S. Election: An American Journalist’s Unfiltered Take on Politics, Power, and Global Impact

Kaswar Klasra: Welcome to another episode of The Kaswar Klasra  Show! Today, I’m joined by one of America’s respected journalists, Ms. Jennylyn Pace Gleave. Ms. Gleave has covered international politics extensively, from the U.S. to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Jennylyn, thank you for joining us today. Where are you calling in from?

Jennylyn Pace Gleave: Good morning, Kaswar! I’m in New York right now, and it’s a pleasure to be here.

Kaswar: New York must be buzzing with the upcoming elections, right? Across the U.S.—from California to New York—it feels like there’s an intense energy. Are you feeling that excitement too?

Jennylyn: Absolutely, Kaswar. There’s a definite buzz across the country. People are eager, hopeful, but, speaking personally, I feel anxious too. This election is particularly high-stakes, and everyone seems to sense that.

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Kaswar: Understandable. People around the world are watching the U.S. elections closely, hoping for a clear winner and some sense of stability. Do you think there’s a strong sentiment among Americans leaning toward a particular candidate?

Jennylyn: That’s an interesting question. It’s a bit complicated. On one hand, we vote and engage in the democratic process, but on the other hand, there’s a prevailing sentiment among many Americans that our votes only have so much influence. There’s a growing feeling that certain outcomes may already be established behind the scenes. This isn’t the popular view, perhaps, but it’s something I’ve sensed. Personally, I have my doubts about how much our votes can genuinely shape the outcome.

Kaswar: That’s a fascinating perspective, and I think it resonates with some people globally. Shifting gears a bit—do you think either party has an edge right now? Are the Democrats or Republicans capturing the public’s attention more effectively?

Jennylyn, American Journalist: Well, Kaswar, it really depends on where you’re getting your information. Mainstream media often highlights certain narratives, while independent research might paint a different picture. According to some sources, Kamala Harris is a frontrunner, which would be historic in so many ways. Meanwhile, other reports show that Trump still has a strong base. Personally, I don’t lean towards either party, but I will say there’s a clear divide in public perception. Some Americans see Harris as a pathbreaker, while others still see Trump as a champion of traditional values.

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Kaswar: That’s very interesting. And speaking of Trump’s base, his past relationships with leaders like India’s Modi were popular across Asia. How do you think a Trump reelection might influence U.S. foreign relations, especially with nations like Russia, India, and countries in the Middle East?

Jennylyn: If Trump is reelected, my prediction is that things will mostly remain the same on the foreign relations front. U.S. presidents are often restricted by various internal and external forces, making it challenging to fulfill campaign promises entirely. Trump’s relationship with Modi and certain Middle Eastern leaders did strengthen during his first term, and that trend might continue, but I don’t expect any drastic changes. There may be an intention to shake things up, but actual, substantial change may be more limited than people expect.

Kaswar: It sounds like you’re suggesting that external expectations might be higher than what’s realistically possible. What’s the mood like in some of the swing states—places like Georgia or California?

Jennylyn: The country is deeply divided, Kaswar. I think it’s crucial to remember that. Swing states are a microcosm of the larger division across the country. Mainstream media consumers might see Kamala Harris as a landmark candidate if she wins, representing history in the making. But for those who look to alternative sources, opinions may differ. Personally, I’ve been disappointed with aspects of the current administration’s track record, and I believe many voters feel similarly disillusioned. This discontent may push people to reconsider who they support, particularly in the swing states.

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Kaswar: Interesting. Let’s talk about the Biden administration. How would you assess their handling of recent conflicts, especially when we consider situations like Afghanistan, the tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing issues in the Middle East?

Jennylyn, American Journalist

: Well, Kaswar, my assessment is mixed. When we look back at Trump’s term, there were fewer military engagements. Many Americans would prefer to see less conflict overall. Under the current administration, however, there’s been renewed involvement in several areas. Democratic administrations historically tend to be more associated with military action, whether that’s deserved or not. Personally, I’m hoping that whoever takes office next will focus on peace and stability. The Afghan pullout, for example, was chaotic and left a lasting impression on the public. Many of us feel that greater efforts toward diplomacy could save countless lives.

Kaswar: I think many share that sentiment. Should Trump be reelected, do you believe he would have the capability to handle these rising global tensions effectively?

Jennylyn: That’s a big question, and it’s difficult to say with certainty. Presidents, no matter their campaign promises, often face constraints from within the government and external pressure from allied nations. Many things are simply out of their hands. If Trump does get reelected, I’d hope to see positive changes, especially a focus on reducing military engagements and promoting unity. But again, his ability to bring about real change would be limited by factors beyond his control.

Kaswar: There’s certainly a lot at stake globally. Speaking of the U.S.’s global presence, America has military bases worldwide. Do you think the average American citizen is supportive of this?

Jennylyn: Generally, Americans want peace, and many of us are skeptical of these bases if they’re not serving a clear, genuine purpose. If they’re providing security and support to host countries, there’s a sense of acceptance. But if they’re used for hidden agendas or exerting control, people have strong reservations. There’s a sentiment here that resources should be used to better the lives of Americans rather than maintaining an extensive global presence that doesn’t always yield positive outcomes.

Kaswar: Do you personally support Mr. Trump?

Jennylyn: To be honest, I don’t personally know him or any political leader, for that matter. Based on my experiences as a journalist, I’ve learned to be cautious. I struggle to place full trust in politicians, regardless of their platform. However, I do hope that whoever is elected will bring about policies focused on humanitarian goals, both domestically and internationally.

Kaswar: That makes sense. What do you think are the main issues that candidates are emphasizing in this election?

Jennylyn: Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” still resonates with some people, but America remains deeply divided. To truly “make America great,” we need unity, and that’s one thing I believe is sorely lacking at the moment. People have varying interpretations of what “great” means, and that’s fueling the divide.

Kaswar: With such a divided climate, do you think Americans consider foreign policy issues, like the situation in the Middle East, when choosing their leader?

Jennylyn: I think most Americans base their decisions on what they see in the mainstream media. However, some of us who dig deeper and seek other perspectives find ourselves marginalized or labeled as “conspiracy theorists.” This labeling only deepens the division. It’s challenging to have genuine, open conversations about foreign policy or anything else without the risk of being misunderstood or dismissed. But for those who do care about foreign policy, there’s a growing awareness of how our leaders’ decisions affect the world.

Kaswar: Thank you for sharing these perspectives, Jennylyn. Before we wrap up, is there a final message you’d like to convey to our audience?

Jennylyn: Absolutely. I just want people around the world to understand that many Americans genuinely care about global issues and people in other nations. We all hope for a world that’s more peaceful, stable, and supportive of humanitarian values. It’s easy to feel divided, but I think, deep down, most of us want the same things. Thank you for this opportunity to share these views, Kaswar.

Kaswar: Thank you, Jennylyn. And to our viewers, as the U.S. prepares to elect a new president, we all share the hope that whoever takes office will be a force for peace and stability worldwide. Thank you, and goodbye.