Biden vs. Trump: How European Countries Feel

The 2020 U.S. presidential election saw a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly concerning European attitudes towards both presidential candidates. While the relief from the Trump era was universal, the emergence of Biden as the winner brought a different set of reactions across the European continent.

The Relief from Trump

After eight tumultuous years under the Obama-Biden administration, which saw the conclusion of George W. Bush's presidency, Europeans were collectively relieved. The four years under the Bush administration were marked by various global issues, from the War on Terror to economic challenges. In comparison, the relief felt during Obama's presidency was immense, as evidenced by the global acceptance of his leadership and the end of a particularly acrimonious U.S. leadership.

A Return to Relief with Biden

The relief over Biden's victory was even more profound. On the eve of his inauguration, Europeans felt an unprecedented reprieve from the chaos, corruption, and political divides that characterized Trump's presidency. Europeans witnessed firsthand the far-reaching negative impacts of Trump's policies on global institutions and the world order. Many expressed their preference for stability and international cooperation, which Biden symbolized. It is almost unimaginable that a European political community could enthusiastically embrace someone like Trump, known for his divisive rhetoric and policy decisions.

Russia: The Singleton Dissenting Voice

While most European countries seemed to share a unified view of their relief over the Biden presidency, Russia stands as an exception. Russia's political environment and its leader, Vladimir Putin, have a deep, complex relationship with the United States, including with the Trump administration. This relationship contributed to Russia's enduring tolerance of or even preference for Trump. Putin's close relationship with Trump, who often referred to him as his 'buddy,' fueled a degree of affinity towards the American leader. However, Russia's position is not solely because of their ties with Trump; it's more about their larger geopolitical interests.

The Other European Dissenters

Beyond Russia, there are a few other nations where anti-Biden sentiments exist, but these are either not widely expressed or are not as pronounced. For example, Hungary, under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is known for its authoritarian tendencies and close ties with Russia. While Orban may face increasing internal criticism due to his policies, he largely continues to maintain a warm relationship with Putin. Yet, it is unlikely that this translates into a significant anti-Biden sentiment among the broader Hungarian population.

Beyond Russia and Hungary

When considering the broader European Union, it is safe to say that there are virtually no countries that have a widespread dissent towards Biden. Countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others share a general alignment with the United States on many critical issues. Even if there are isolated cases of dissatisfaction or criticism regarding specific policies, the overall sentiment remains positive towards Biden.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is a resounding relief over the Biden presidency among most European countries, Russia stands as the main exception, largely due to its historical ties with the United States and its current leader Vladimir Putin. Hungary is the only other notable contender, but even there, the anti-Biden sentiment is not as pronounced. For the vast majority of European nations, the arrival of Biden marked a new era of hope and renewed international cooperation.