From November 5th to 6th, the final day of voting in the US presidential election, the Chinese public's attention was captivated by the election, especially among the middle class, retired seniors, and the highly educated. They engaged in almost nonstop discussion, so enthusiastic that at first glance it seemed as if the election were being held in China.
For the Chinese public, who were virtually watching the election live for the first time, rather than being invited inside the US Embassy as usual, the US election was a lively carnival, a democratic exercise that made the Chinese middle class envious. For many of these people, Trump's image as a successful businessman in politics was the only familiar symbol. His challenge to identity politics, his disdain for all political correctness, and his contempt for liberal values all represented a reflection of their own values, making him even more captivating than their own national leaders, and a distinct contrast to the adoration of leaders held by the Chinese grassroots.
