When it comes to political melodrama, America is still the undisputed world leader. Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election as president came just days after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
But while the plot twists of the US election continue to shock and bewilder, in other respects this year’s presidential race is following a predictable script. Even before Biden bowed to the inevitable and stepped down, it was clear that both the Republicans and the Democrats will run campaigns based on fear.
That will not change, whoever becomes the Democratic candidate. Indeed, if vice-president Kamala Harris is the nominee, as seems probable, the Republicans will redouble the fear-mongering venom of their campaign.