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Race and the American Vote

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BBC Radio 4 - Race and the American Vote

Monica Campbell explores how race and identity are shaping the American election.

In a diverse and racially divided country, the relationship between race and elections in America is often misunderstood. Monica Campbell goes behind the headlines to unravel how the ways in which race became such an intensely partisan issue, and its role in politics, is transforming in the age of Trump. 

Talking to a diverse array of voters from both sides of the aisle, she hears how concerns over racial disparities, tensions and discrimination run far deeper than any one election can solve, but also why many see this vote as one with exceptionally high stakes for non-white voters. Trump's divisive language has helped embolden those who embrace white identity politics in America - but he retains loyal support from some Latinos and Black conservatives.

Meanwhile, the Democrats face a long-term battle to maintain the stability of their own increasingly diverse coalition, with divides along lines of ideology, gender and generation playing out in defiance of assumptions of monolithic party support.

Presenter: Monica Campbell
Producer: Robert Nicholson

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