High Noon

Is the United States disintegrating?

Don Watson offers a report from the United States that catches the madness and theatre of an election like no other.

This is a historically informed, mordant account of Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and a country approaching democratic high noon. From Los Angeles to New York, from Detroit to Kalamazoo, Watson observes America in all its diversity and conflict, reality and unreality. Above all, he sees the threat posed by Trump and his movement, with its blend of menace and glee, Great Replacement theory and electoral malpractice. Do Harris and the Democrats have what it takes? Can America mend its divisions? Do enough of its voters even want to?

An essential essay about a crucial moment of choice.

"The fact that half the voters in a country that never stops calling itself the world's greatest democracy are cheering on a man with contempt for the law and unashamed autocratic ambitions may be explained by the man's charisma, or by his supporters' derangement. Take your pick. Maybe they all just want to have a good time."
Don Watson, High Noon

This essay contains correspondence relating to Quarterly Essay 94 Highway to Hell from Lesley Hughes, Clive Hamilton, David Pocock, Polly Hemming, James Bowen, and Lesley Head

About the Author

Don Watson is the author of two previous Quarterly Essays and many acclaimed books, including Caledonia Australis, Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, American Journeys, The Bush, Watsonia, The Story of Australia and The Passion of Private White.