Divided between the two camps is the Greek-American community, which throughout the years financially supports the candidates for American presidents with large sums. This time two people stand out for the passion with which they support one or the other candidate. On the one hand, the billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis, A staunch Republican and personal friend of Donald Trump, he believes the former president “is the only one tough enough to make a difference.” On the contrary, the lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate of California Eleni Tsakopoulou-Kounalaki supports Harris with all her might. The two, daughters of immigrants who found themselves in the US chasing the American dream, are linked by a close friendship and reports say that Harris’s Greek friend influenced Biden to choose her as his vice president in 2020.
His farewell “Baidenopoulos”
Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw his candidacy has sent shockwaves through the community, a large part of which has supported him since he was elected senator in Delaware and nicknamed him Baidenopoulos, for his close relations with the Greeks. “Joe Biden, with his brave and patriotic decision not to seek a second term, follows in the footsteps of Lyndon Johnson since the 1960s. This decision, which comes at a critical time in American politics, shows the depth of of his love for his country and his willingness to put the good of the country above his personal interests”, he tells “ET” the publisher of the “National Herald” Herakles Diamataris and continues: “Biden, knowing the challenges and difficulties facing America, realizes the need for a new generation of leadership, as he also officially recognized by endorsing Harris. His decision to retire from the political arena and make way for new leaders reflects his belief that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youth. This act is not only a sign of humility, but also a symbol of commitment to leave behind a legacy based on unity and progress. The bravery required to take such a step should not be underestimated. At a time when politics is often driven by egos and ambitions, Biden shows that real leadership requires courage and foresight,” notes Mr. Diamataris. But also Biden’s neighbor in Delaware Dimitris Halakos, who is active in real estate, applauds his decision, especially after the debate that caused frustration in the Democratic camp. “President Biden, after 50 years in politics, I think he made the right choice to retire. I think that the nomination of a new person gives new life to the Democrats who for a while, after the debate, were in confusion” says Mr. Halakos to Sunday’s Free Press. As for who the Greek-American community will financially support, he believes that the funds will be divided “Omogenia will certainly help financially in these elections as well. There are rich Greek-Americans in both camps,” he points out.
THE DIFFERENCES OF THE TWO CANDIDATES
“Progressive Harris against moody Trump”
Whoever the next president is, Greece-US cooperation will continue to be an important key, as explained by Mr Panagiotis Kontis, professor of Business Administration at Northwestern University in Boston and vice president of the energy giant Ameresco. “The Greece-US relationship is critical for geopolitical stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and international cooperation on security and economic issues. A Greek audience may prefer Harris for her commitment to multilateral cooperation and human rights, while others may see Trump as a strong leader who can maintain stability through his decisiveness. The outcome of the election is uncertain and depends on many factors, such as the course of the economy and especially inflation, the unprecedented polarization in the American political scene and international developments, such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Regardless of the outcome, Greek-American strategic cooperation will continue to be key to promoting peace and prosperity in the region,” Mr. Kontis emphasizes. At the same time, it codifies the presidential candidate’s policies on key issues. “Harris, the first woman, first black and first Asian vice president of the United States, represents progress and change in the political landscape. As vice president, he has supported policies that focus on improving the economy for the middle class, promoting human rights, and fighting climate change. It should be noted that he was the attorney general as well as a senator of California, whose economy ranks it in the 7th position of the world’s economies. Therefore, the lack of experience is obviously not true. Key points of her policy are that in the economy she supports the increase of the minimum wage, the promotion of the green economy and the strengthening of small businesses. In Health, he intends to expand access to health care by strengthening the Affordable Care Act, while in international politics he supports multilateral collaborations and the strengthening of alliances with Europe and NATO.”
Climate change denier
As pointed out by Mr. ContisTrump is seeking to return to the White House with the support of a large portion of Americans who see him as a defender of traditional American identity and economic prosperity. “His moody behavior and frequent bypassing of official American policy only cause concern at the global level,” he notes, summarizing the key points of his policy: “On the economy, he focuses on reducing taxes and regulating businesses, promoting economic growth through of the free market. In immigration policy he supports stricter border controls and restrictions on immigration, while in international politics he has a more isolationist approach, promoting the doctrine of America first and maintaining a tough stance towards countries such as China and Iran” notes Mr. Contis, pointing out that Trump is a climate change denier. “Trump’s refusal to acknowledge the existence of climate change and his opposition to pro-renewable energy and energy conservation policies are a blow to the US effort to lead the global effort in the energy transition towards a zero carbon footprint. During his election campaign he has announced that he will reverse all of President Biden’s initiatives to protect the planet from rapid climate change. And all this while tens of thousands of American families are affected by devastating fires, terrifying floods and new record high temperatures of all time” notes Panagiotis Kontis.
“Elections without favorites”
The president of the consulting company Global Strategies sees Harris’s shared strengths but also an upward trend Miltos Goudamanis, from California. “Although Trump is running a strong campaign, he has chosen a vice president who has not added anything to the coffers. However, the former president has significant support in the agricultural world, industry, which he particularly supported in his previous term, as well as in the security forces” says Mr. Goudamanis and continues. “On the other hand, Harris, whose candidacy was not a surprise, has made a good start and I think she will move up. After all, it has on its side the colored community and also the immigrants who believe that it will significantly help in the integration process of their families. This is a clash between deep-left liberals and traditional American conservatives. However, these are elections without favourites”, concludes Miltos Goudamanis.
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