<p>➀ The author discusses the US Veep's speech to Europe's elite, highlighting the disconnect between the elite's views and those of the common people.</p><p>➁ The Veep's comments on the European elite ignoring the needs of their own citizens and the preference for globalization over domestic concerns are mentioned.</p><p>➂ The author emphasizes the importance of democracy and the disregard for it by the European elite, suggesting a potential erosion of the trans-Atlantic alliance's values.</p>