Americans Have A Tough Call To Make - Part Three

With the U.S. election thankfully, just days away I want to offer a prediction and thoughts on what comes next. 

As someone who likes substance over style, I usually end up supporting the loser and believe this will be no different in 2024. 

While I have said the decision was not an easy one for me, with some soul searching I would support Harris over Trump. I have made no secret that the candidate I wanted to win was Nikki Haley. She continues to endorse Trump, so while she has to do that for her political future, I do not. 

My concerns with Harris have not been addressed and I believe I am like many on both sides who will hold their nose when voting for the POTUS. I am motivated like many democrats by fear of the alternative rather than voting for the ambiguity of her policies. It’s worth remembering that a President can’t do much without help from the two other branches of government. While nothing is certain, I do find it more likely that Republicans run the table and win both the House and Senate, than the Democrats doing the same. So if you’re concerned with either Trump or Harris having full control, then supporting Harris gives the best chance of avoiding any party or President being unchecked. 

I’ve already given my Trump criticisms, so no need to repeat them here, but I will add that from living under the leadership of a narcissist up here in Canada, I am leery of what another four years of that toxic leadership can do to a country. Speaking of the country where I live, it also factors in my decision to vote Harris. Trump tariffs will have a negative impact on Canada’s economy as we rely heavily on access to the U.S. market. The only positive I can see for this dual citizen, is Trump will get Canada to stop free loading on the backs of other NATO nations and finally kick in to our alliance defense spending commitments. More concerning however, is remembering what happened last time Trump was President and knowing the vulnerability of our own border. Trump is planning to go full deportation mode if he wins. Canada is already stretched, where do you think many illegals will head?

From what I am reading, it does look like Canada and the world should brace for a Trump win next month. Early voting normally is a Democrat thing, but Trump supporters have followed his plea to get out and vote early themselves. The significant numbers of registered Republicans voting early does have Democrats rightfully worried. I am getting the sense that the only way Harris wins is by a nose, while Trump can win a close race and win convincingly as well. The polls do predict a cliffhanger, but with the media making Trump voters feel like social pariahs, I do believe public polling favors Harris, while Trump does better in the final count of a secret ballot.

If Trump does win it won’t cause me great consternation for America - it will endure. I do hope a monumental loss would cause the Democrats to do some soul searching to redefine themselves. It can’t run another election on fear and a woman’s right to choose. People want to know what they’re voting for and not a constant serving of what they’re voting against. If Harris does lose, it will be interesting to see what constituency lets her down. I suspect the college kids wanting a more radical shift are the ones that stay home. Have to wait and see, but that would certainly give the Democratic Party a major headache choosing a path going forward.  A Trump win, hell even a Trump loss, will bend America momentarily, but it won’t break. Age last time I checked, is still undefeated. 

Whatever the result, it will be another record voter turnout, so American Democracy can claim victory once again. I am betting, but still praying that it won’t be its last.

Written By 100% Human Content of Gregory Cawsey