What Aussie politicians fear about a second term of Trump
Nine Political Editor Chris Uhlmann says many politicians in Canberra are "worried" about what four more years of a Donald Trump presidency could mean for Australia.
Mr Trump has turned the US Presidential contest with Democrat rival Joe Biden into a knife-edge arm-wrestle after months of trailing steadily in the polls.
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US President Donald Trump could be destructive for Australian interests, Canberra politicians fear. AP
"Australia has so far managed the mercurial Donald Trump better than most American allies," Uhlmann said tonight.
"But many (in Canberra) worry that four more years under this president (about) the permanent damage to world institutions that matter most in this country."
Uhlmann said Mr Biden would offer a return to a "more predictable presidency".
"The main question would be how he would handle Beijing," he said.
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"But one of the few things that Republicans and Democrats agree on is that China is now America's strategic rival."
Nine Political Editor Chris Uhlmann has spoken about what Canberra fears from a second term of Trump. 9News
Uhlmann said Australian politicians were worried about violence on the streets of US cities and the potential unrest sparked by a disputed election.
Following Mr Trump's speech tonight claiming the election was a "fraud" - ahead of all votes being counted - that fear might be well-founded.
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