Toorak/South Yarra Library
340 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Two months ago, the US election polls were predicting a narrow win for Donald Trump and his MAGA- manifestoed Republican Party. Fast-forward to the excitement and optimism of August’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago where Kamala Harris became the anointed candidate. Suddenly a tight race became tighter, and a country which has non-compulsory voting was engaged.  

In Melbourne during this time, Don Watson was working on the September Quarterly Essay for publisher Schwartz Publishing. The brief: to discuss and dissect the forthcoming presidential election. While Don crafted his story, an extraordinary series of events unfolded in the US. Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt and appeared at the Republican convention with a bandaged ear and a sure path to the White House.  

Don Watson felt sure he knew how this story would end. But then Joe Biden announced he would not contest November’s election and nominated Kamala Harris as his candidate of choice. The Harris PR and fundraising machine swung into action and a lacklustre Democrat base was energised and excited. Add to the mix Coach Tim Walz, the Obamas, Oprah and Stevie Wonder, and it now seems a Democrat win might be achievable. 

There is still a lot to play out between now and November 5. Don Watson’s piece is with its editors and ready for a late September release.  It will be a fascinating analysis and we look forward to our first event with Don – an “in conversation” at the South Yarra Library, 6pm-7pm on Tuesday October 8. We invite you for what is certain to be an enthralling discission.  

Historian, speechwriter and award-winning author Don Watson will discuss  his new Quarterly Essay – to be published late September – on America’s forthcoming presidential election.