This week might leave most with a sense of dread, whether abroad or at home.

Thursday night’s US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was a hard one to sit through. The former, full of his characteristic lies, bombastic statements, and generally loathsome demeanor. The latter, a rather pitiful picture of a man far too old to be running the world’s most powerful country, let alone looking for a four-year renewal on his contract.

The dread emerges in that Trump this weekend has never looked more favourable to secure the presidency he lost in 2020. For non-Americans,  his views on foreign policy should send cold shivers down your spine.

The last free American election may be looming large at this rate, and with Biden’s performance, it’s difficult to see him coming out on top this November.

Daily Maverick’s own tamed US diplomat, Brooks Spector, has a full rundown of the horror show. He watched, so you don’t have to.

At home, the GNU continued to shamble along without a cabinet announcement. A major stumbling block emerged with the DA accusing the ANC of making last-minute changes to original agreements, and the ANC criticising the DA’s airing of dirty laundry to the public.

Things are precarious, to say the least.

If you have not yet fortified yourself against the rest of 2024, now might be a good time to find that girder, liquid or otherwise.