There is a paradox that is often forgotten: As the United States’ share of the global economy continues to grow, its tech giants rule the world, its culture reaches the whole planet, even where dictators try to put up firewalls. So is this the best its democracy can do? In these volatile times, citizens in the US have the choice between two aging men, one who stands charged with trying to overturn the 2020 election result, and the other whose fitness is doubted by many within his own camp.  

We will ask about Joe Biden’s insistence on staying in the race and why it’s proving so hard to contemplate alternate scenarios. 

Is it really too late? The last time, millions followed Donald Trump when he made good on his threat to challenge the result if he lost. What further erosion of trust in government? Here in France, snap elections with no clear winner are also testing institutions. Why do politics seem broken on both sides of the Atlantic?

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Rebecca Gnignati and Juliette Brown.