The Guardian view on the US presidential election 2024: a Democratic government is the one we need

This election presents a critical choice. Do we embrace a hopeful future or retreat to a reactionary past? We’re backing Kamala Harris. She will unlock democracy’s potential, not give in to its flawsIt is hard to imagine a worse candidate for the American presidency in 2024 than Donald J Trump. His history of dishonesty, hypocrisy and greed makes him wholly unfit for the office. A second Trump term would erode the rule of law, diminish America’s global standing and deepen racial and cultural divides. Even if he loses, Mr Trump has shown that he will undermine the election process, with allies spreading unfounded conspiracy theories to delegitimise the results.There are prominent Republicans – such as the former vice-president Dick Cheney – who refused to support Mr Trump owing to the threat he poses. Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under Mr Trump, calls his former boss a “fascist”. America was founded in opposition to absolute monarchy. The Republican nominee models himself after the leader he most admires: Russia’s autocratic president, Vladimir Putin. Continue reading...
Combative past of new Tory leader

Combative past of new Tory leader

Many leading politicians are fond of talking about having been on a journey. But Kemi Badenoch's journey has been longer and more eventful than most.