America’s presidential election process is well underway. As always, it is wise to take much of what is said by the candidates during this primary season with a pinch of salt. Nevertheless, the level of debate this year has reached new lows and there could be long-term consequences to what has been said. Is it time for America’s allies to be worried?
This period is often described as the ‘silly season’ in the United States. The long, drawn out primary period that starts at the beginning of the election year and runs through to the Republican and Democratic conventions in the summer is the culmination of a process that now lasts some 18 months, with less visible preparations happening even farther in advance. This process has two main characteristics.
