Many concerns exist regarding the future of the US presidency.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University, delivered the opening remarks at the seminar.

Also attending the seminar were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, the Rector of the University, along with faculty members, lecturers, and students interested in this topic.

Professor Marie Gottschalk's presentation focused on three main themes: the reasons behind the current state of the election between billionaire Donald Trump and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; eight key indicators of a presidential campaign; and the scenarios that will unfold for the United States.

Professor Marie Gottschalk argues that when people think of the US president, they often think of their unique personality. Especially in the current context, through the media, they can connect with and promote themselves. Furthermore, they can leverage social media to reach and influence the public and society, which has led people to pay more attention to the president than to Congress.

"To the public, the president, through the media, is seen as a savior who can solve anything. This leads to a scenario where, when power is concentrated in one person, collective responsibility diminishes," said Professor Marie Gottschalk.

The negative aspect of this issue is that the president will be fundamentally weak, potentially isolated at major events, unable to mobilize the collective, and only able to rely on his small group. Professor Marie Gottschalk further emphasized: "When a president builds an image, it makes the president vulnerable."

Professor Marie Gottschalk from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, shared her perspective at the panel discussion.

From a political standpoint, political parties play a crucial role in determining the success of an election. Professor Marie Gottschalk illustrates this point with campaign fundraising. A significant amount of funding is spent on advertising, public opinion polls, party recruitment, and campaign organization. Therefore, political parties must travel extensively to seek funding.

The United States conducts a census every 10 years, and this survey influences the reallocation of "election counties" across the states. States with larger populations typically have larger counties, and winning in these states significantly impacts election success.

In addition, Professor Marie Gottschalk also offered insights into the pronounced polarization in US politics; the influence of the bicameral structure of the US Congress; the role of finance; and the issue of nepotism...

Professor Marie Gottschalk compared it to a real-life example: "Political elections in the US are like a horse race; ultimately, there will be winners and losers."

"In conclusion, regarding the political race, this year's US presidential election has similarities to the traffic situation in Vietnam, where candidate Hillary Clinton is like 'a sick person,' and Donald Trump is like 'a truck.' Ultimately, when participating in traffic, whether one can avoid the truck or not, they themselves still carry the disease," said Professor Marie Gottschalk.

Discussing which future presidential candidate would have a positive impact on the situation in the South China Sea and the ASEAN region, Professor Marie Gottschalk offered a more optimistic assessment of Hillary Clinton, but she also noted that Clinton was the one who voted in favor of the US wars in Iraq, Syria, Libya, and other countries.

Professor Marie Gottschalk poses for a commemorative photo with faculty members and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.