American Republicans Meet: Party Convention with German Participation

German politicians are also attending the Republican convention in Milwaukee – including Spahn, vice chairman of the Union Parliamentary Committee. Task: Making connections. Because they all believe that Trump has a high chance of winning the election.

All prominent figures among American Republicans are currently at the party convention in Milwaukee. It is the perfect place for conversation and socializing. That is why the German members of Germany came to the Republican Congress. These include SPD MP and Deputy Chairman of the USA Parliamentary Committee Metin Hakverdi and Federal Transatlantic Commissioner Michael Link (FDP). But CSU politicians Thomas Silberhorn and CDU's Jens Spahn are also in Milwaukee.

Spawn arrived on Sunday evening. He is currently standing in front of the Republican Convention Hall. Spann believes that Donald Trump's election victory is very possible. Spann said Saturday's attack may have exacerbated that. The power of images also played a role. An iconic image of Trump raising his fist in the air and next to it a very frail incumbent and Democratic front-runner, Joe Biden. He believes these two films will help decide the election.

If Trump wins, Germany fears the consequences

Silberhorn, a spokesman for the union's division of transatlantic relations, sees it as well. He exchanges business cards with the Republican from Arkansas in front of the convention hall. That's what Silberhorn is here for: maintaining existing relationships — and making new ones. So he not only attends public events on the Congress grounds but also attends events like the International Republican Convention. You may occasionally hear more moderate tones, arguments that you might not notice in a somewhat heated public debate, Silberhorn explains.

Trump's second presidency and his “America First” policy will certainly have consequences for Europe and Germany, the CSU politician says. For example, the US has shied away from contradictions in foreign policy, saying “Ukraine is your problem,” Silberhorn said. Fee hikes may also come. Germany was not well prepared for this.

Spahn says Germany must meet its NATO goals. 30 billion euros by 2028 with two percent of defense not protected. “I already notice in the discussions here that Germany has not yet made a proper, binding commitment,” Spahn said.

Spahn: Sometimes we have the wrong image of America

Neither Spahn nor Silberhorn expected Trump's opponent to be anyone other than Joe Biden — despite debate within the party about his mental health. The question for Democrats: Who else is in a position to beat Trump? As things stand, Biden could do better.

Silberhorn and Spahn do not currently believe Biden will win the election. Spahn says the situation under Trump may not be as dramatic as it is sometimes portrayed in Germany. He believes Germany has a false picture of what is happening in America. Spann says he is deeply annoyed by Trump's choice of words and his bravado. But there is no dictatorship in America, and there will never be one: “We need to stop with these headlines.”