On a cold Wednesday evening, curious minds from 10 different countries, and 3 different continents, gathered to discuss the US Election.

Unlike in previous sessions, for this one we didn't have a debate (debates about the 2020 US Election don't have a great track record).

Instead we had a civilised discussion about what happened, why it happened, what it means, and what might the future hold.

The format went a little like this:

• 15 minutes: Welcome & introduction
• 25 minutes: Split into small groups 
• 25 minutes: Everyone comes together. Let’s share thoughts and interesting ideas.
• 10 minutes: Wrap up

It was great to see a lot of new faces, as well as so many returning curious minds from all over the world.

Alexey (a member from Russia/Ireland) pointed out that he had been discussing the election with friends for hours on end for the past 2 weeks, so 1 hour wasn't much time at all.

Very true, and there is only so much we can cover in a 60 minute period.

That being said, here are some of the points we discussed:

What is going to happen between now and 20th January?

Did Biden win or did Trump lose?

What has been the reception to the election in your country?

What has this election taught you about the USA?

What will Trump do next?

What do you think of the American voting system (electoral college)?

How is it different to the system in your country?

What are some consequences of this election for the USA?

What are some consequences of this election for the world?

For me these sessions always go by very quickly.

I learn a lot, there are some really interesting points of view proposed, and I leave full of ideas and inspiration.

While I don't think we left with 'the answers', it was certainly fascinating to hear different points of view and some interesting predictions.

• Will Trump run for office again?
• Will any of his legal efforts actually pay off?
• Did the election drive the US further apart or just expose how divided it already was?
• Are there implications for the integrity of non-US elections?
• Will Melania divorce Trump?

Only time will tell whether any of the predictions made last night will end up coming true.

I guess we'll need to do another session on the subject in 4 years time.

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Our members-only sessions happen every month, and are a great way to exchange ideas and practice English in a friendly, interesting environment. If you would like to attend the next one, you should consider becoming a member of Leonardo English.