AUSTRALIA PERSPECTIVE

The Sydney Morning Herald dedicates two articles to the phenomenon. The first headline uses a framing that speaks to Australia: "Millions of Americans rally against Trump — even in small town West Virginia." The "even" is the key word — even in deep America, the MAGA heartland, people are marching. The second headline raises the stakes: "Fresh wave of No Kings protests across America."

The Australian framing is that of the democratic mirror. Australia, an Anglo-Saxon democracy and US ally, watches the demonstrations with a mix of fascination and anxiety. If American democracy is wavering, what is the value of the AUKUS guarantee? If Americans themselves turn against their president, how can Australia trust him?

The SMH is the only media outlet in the panel to insist on "small towns." This is an editorial choice that resonates in Australia — a country where rural regions vote conservatively. Seeing small American towns marching against their own political camp is a fact that troubles the rural Australian voter.