As Americans boarded flights home from Heathrow Airport in London, many found themselves reflecting on the future of their country amid the intense anticipation surrounding the presidential election. The mood among US citizens heading back to the States was one of nervousness, hope, and uncertainty, as they braced for what could be one of the most consequential elections in modern history.
The day started with a long 12-hour delay for passengers on a morning flight to New York. On a dreary morning, with no clear end in sight for their wait, politics soon became the topic of conversation among the group of travelers, many of whom were returning home to cast their vote or to await the outcome of the election.
“It’s just a weird space to be in, just being on edge all the time,” said 30-year-old Tiffany, a former middle school civics teacher from southern Florida. “We just want some sense of normalcy, so we’re not just being looked at as the crazy country,” she added, expressing frustration over the polarized state of American politics.
Tiffany, who moved to Florida from Jamaica at the age of 12, has already voted by mail, along with her mother Brinetta, and both are anxiously awaiting the election results. Tiffany fears the aftermath of the election could lead to chaos, potentially even a repeat of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. “I think it will be chaos,” she said. “Maybe even another January 6th, fueled by right-wing media outlets.”
Nearby, Patrick, an IT technician from Georgia, the crucial swing state, echoed concerns about post-election unrest, particularly if Trump wins. “If Trump wins, there’s going to be riots in the streets,” he warned. “I think a lot of it is fearmongering from the left, but I do worry about what happens next.”
As the election approaches its final stages, Americans remain deeply divided. With polls showing a razor-thin margin in several key battleground states, the nation is divided over who should lead it. A recent poll revealed that half of voters believe the opposing party is “evil,” reflecting the intense animosity between the political camps. Many voters are anxiously awaiting the result, with some experiencing dread over the potential outcome.
However, not everyone shares this sense of foreboding. Leo, a 40-something US citizen who lives in the UK, was traveling to a wedding on the eve of the election. “It’s going to be amazing. I feel like I’ll be with the whole country,” he said, expressing optimism about the future regardless of the outcome.
Economic Concerns and the State of the Nation
As passengers sipped coffee and waited for their delayed flight, the conversation turned to the issues shaping their votes. Economic concerns, a cornerstone of past US presidential campaigns, continue to be a major factor. In 1992, Bill Clinton famously ran on the slogan “It’s the economy, stupid,” and in 2024, Donald Trump is campaigning on the same issue, despite the economy’s recovery under the Biden administration.
Patrick explained he was voting for Trump because he believes the economic situation under Biden has been poor. “The price of eggs was $2, now it’s $4. A can of Pringles was $1, now it’s $2.50,” he said. For Patrick, Trump’s promises of tax cuts and a crackdown on immigration are key reasons why he believes the former president is the right choice for America’s economic future.
Leo also supports Trump, citing the former president’s foreign policy stances, particularly in the Middle East. However, he expressed concern over the way some people idolize Trump. “I love Trump, but I still put God on top of him,” Leo said, suggesting that some of his supporters’ devotion to Trump has crossed into dangerous territory.
Divisions Over Social Issues and Foreign Policy
Tiffany and her mother Brinetta, on the other hand, have different priorities. For Brinetta, a nurse in her 60s, reproductive rights are paramount. She is deeply concerned about the potential for abortion restrictions under a second Trump administration. Tiffany believes that Muslim and Arab-American voters, who form a critical demographic in swing states like Michigan, may feel alienated by Harris’ position on the Middle East and will regret their decision if Trump is reelected.
Meanwhile, social issues have been a key factor for many voters. Tiffany and her family are also critical of the rhetoric coming from Trump and his allies, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. “Vance said if you’re a smart gay guy, you’d vote for Trump,” said Mike, another passenger, referring to Trump’s running mate JD Vance, who has faced backlash for his comments on LGBTQ+ issues. “They’re using the dialogue around trans rights as fuel, and I think it’s dangerous,” Tom added.
As discussions around the issues continued, it became clear that distrust of the political system was widespread. Some passengers expressed the belief that both major candidates were merely puppets controlled by larger, more powerful forces. One individual even suggested that the recent hurricanes in the southeastern U.S. were orchestrated by Trump’s allies to undermine the current administration. This kind of misinformation highlights the deep skepticism many Americans have toward their political system.
A Global Perspective on US Politics
For Alina, a German national who lived in the U.S. during Trump’s first term, the situation feels eerily familiar. “I’m hoping really that the Americans will wake up and just realize Donald Trump is just going to tell you what you want to hear,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Although she worries about the rise of the far right in her home country, she believes that Trump represents something far more dangerous for the U.S.
“I don’t think it’s as crazy as what’s happening in America,” she said, highlighting the stark difference between European and American politics. Alina is not alone in her concern. Several European travelers expressed fears about potential civil unrest in the U.S. following the election, with some even worrying about their own safety once they return home.
As the United States approaches the moment of decision, voters both at home and abroad are bracing for what comes next. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing was clear among the passengers at Heathrow: regardless of the outcome, many will turn to a familiar coping mechanism. “We’ll be drinking on election night,” they said in unison, as they tried to find solace in the face of a deeply divided and uncertain future.