On this day, November 5th 2024, a new era of American politics will be decided in the most important election of the past 50 years. Regardless of the candidate who becomes President-elect, once the votes are tallied and the election effectively called, I caution my fellow Americans to lean not on their feelings of impulsivity and hostility, but rather, those of understanding and empathy. Our country, the United States of America, is the most powerful, sophisticated, and important country in the world. The presidential election does matter, but less because of the candidate we elect and more because of the impact they are able to bring. The United States of America has been thriving since 1776, and despite what you may think - it will be around to thrive long after the 2024 election.
Let's discuss.
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The Candidates
Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president of the United States, made history in 2021 as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris is the daughter of immigrants—her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald Harris, was an economist from Jamaica. Raised in a multicultural household, Harris developed a deep appreciation for diversity and justice from an early age. She graduated from Howard University, a historically Black college, and later earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Harris began her career in law, eventually serving as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, and later as the District Attorney of San Francisco. Her success as a prosecutor, known for her tough stance on crime and her work on criminal justice reform, led to her election as California's Attorney General in 2010.
Harris’s political career advanced rapidly, and she was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, becoming only the second Black woman to ever serve in the Senate. During her time in the Senate, she became known for her incisive questioning on the Senate Judiciary Committee, particularly in her challenges to Trump administration officials and Supreme Court nominees. In 2020, Harris was chosen by Joe Biden as his running mate, and their successful bid for the presidency culminated in her making history as vice president. Throughout her career, Harris has championed issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and civil rights, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and trailblazing leader. Her election as vice president was a watershed moment in American history, reflecting the nation's evolving commitment to diversity and equality in its leadership.
Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, to a family of real estate developers. He followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the family business and eventually taking over the Trump Organization in the 1970s. Trump’s career in real estate is marked by the development of high-profile properties, including Trump Tower in Manhattan, and his involvement in casinos, hotels, and golf courses. His brand became synonymous with luxury, and his wealth and larger-than-life persona were amplified through his role as the host of the popular reality TV show The Apprentice. Throughout his career, Trump faced both successes and setbacks in business, including multiple bankruptcies, but his name and image remained strong in the public eye. His financial dealings and business practices were often the subject of scrutiny, but they also contributed to his celebrity status, which ultimately propelled him into politics.
In 2016, Trump shocked the political world by winning the Republican nomination and then defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in a contentious election to become the 45th president of the United States. His campaign focused on themes like "America First," immigration reform, deregulation, and economic nationalism, and he won despite losing the popular vote, securing the presidency through the Electoral College. During his time in office, Trump implemented controversial policies, including tax cuts, immigration restrictions, and withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. His administration was characterized by polarizing rhetoric and (what I believe to be warranted) disagreements with the media, the Democratic Party, and various global leaders. Trump’s tenure ended with a contentious 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Trump remains a powerful figure in American politics, with a significant influence on the Republican Party.
Important Issues
Some of the most pressing issues in the 2024 election include the economy, healthcare, and climate change. With that being said, economic concerns still reside at the forefront, with inflation, job security, and income inequality being major points of debate. As I'm sure many of you can attest, most Americans are worried about rising costs, particularly for essentials like food, housing, and healthcare, and these financial pressures are influencing voters to look for the candidate with the most concrete economic plan. The national debt and federal spending are also points of contention, as voters weigh the potential impacts of these policies on future generations and overall economic stability.
Obamacare...I mean healthcare, remains a crucial issue, especially with ongoing debates about the future of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare.) Voters are divided on the role of government in healthcare, with some advocating for expanded public health programs, while others argue for a more privatized approach to improve efficiency and choice. Prescription drug costs, mental health services, and healthcare access in rural areas are also top concerns - cue the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. As medical expenses rise, voters are seeking solutions to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, and candidates’ stances on these matters will be key factors in many voters' choices.
Climate change is another significant issue, particularly for younger voters who view it as an urgent crisis. Extreme weather events, from wildfires in the West to hurricanes in the Southeast, have brought climate change to the forefront of political discourse. Many Americans are concerned about environmental policies that address renewable energy, carbon emissions, and sustainable practices. At the same time, some voters worry about the economic consequences of transitioning away from traditional energy sources, highlighting the divide on how to approach this challenge. Candidates’ environmental platforms are likely to influence the election outcome as voters assess how each leader plans to balance environmental action with economic growth.
The Great American Divide
The United States has seen a growing divide between the Democratic and Republican parties on a range of issues, each shaping today’s political landscape. One of the biggest topics has been the approach to healthcare. Democrats have generally pushed for a more expansive healthcare system, with many supporting an expansion of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) or even a single-payer healthcare system. In contrast, Republicans have often advocated for a more market-driven approach, arguing that government-run healthcare would be inefficient and too costly. The debate peaked when Republicans attempted to repeal the ACA under President Trump in 2017, which narrowly failed in the Senate - will the 2024 election prove to be different? This battle over healthcare not only highlights deep policy differences but also underscores contrasting visions for the role of government in citizens’ lives.
Immigration is another major point of contention that has deepened the divide between Democrats and Republicans. The two parties have significantly different views on border control, pathways to citizenship, and asylum policies. Democrats tend to favor comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, arguing for a more compassionate approach to handling asylum seekers and reforming the immigration system. Republicans, on the other hand, have advocated for stricter border control and policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration, with former President Trump’s proposed border wall becoming a powerful symbol of this stance. These differences came to a head during the family separation crisis at the border in 2018, which drew widespread media attention and further polarized opinions on immigration policy.
Finally, climate change has become a central issue dividing Democrats and Republicans, with both parties taking almost opposite stances on environmental regulations and energy policy. Democrats generally support aggressive climate action, advocating for policies like the Green New Deal and emphasizing the importance of transitioning to renewable energy to address global warming. Republicans, however, often argue that such policies would hurt the economy and lead to job losses in traditional energy sectors like coal and oil. In 2017, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move applauded by many Republicans who saw it as protecting American jobs, while Democrats criticized it as a setback in the fight against climate change. This divide on environmental policy reflects broader philosophical differences, with Democrats prioritizing long-term ecological sustainability and Republicans emphasizing immediate economic concerns.
Bridging the Gap
So, where do we go from here?
One of the best ways Americans can start bridging the political divide is by focusing on shared values rather than sticking strictly to party lines. Sure, we may not all agree on how to tackle healthcare or climate change, but most people can get behind common goals like wanting a safe, prosperous, and healthy country. By finding points of connection—whether it's supporting local businesses, enjoying sporting events, or getting involved in neighborhood initiatives—we can shift the conversation away from "us vs. them" to "how can we all make this better together?" Instead of viewing political opponents as enemies, seeing them as people who likely share a few core values can soften interactions. A little humor and empathy go a long way in bridging the gaps, too—think about swapping passionate debates for friendly banter or a good laugh over the quirks of both parties.
Another way to close the gap is by engaging in more community activities and cross-political discussions that foster mutual understanding. This doesn’t mean you have to dive into a full-on policy debate at every town hall, but a simple chat with a neighbor who votes differently or attending a bipartisan community event can help people see beyond party labels. When we interact with people face-to-face, we remember they’re not just caricatures of “Democrats” or “Republicans” but real folks with unique stories, families, and dreams. Participating in events where politics isn't the main focus, like charity fundraisers, neighborhood cleanups, or even sports leagues, helps us all connect in ways that bring people together, reminding everyone that we have more in common than we might think.
A New Era of American Politics
Who are you voting for? Doesn't matter.
We have a civic duty as Americans to vote for the sake of the democracy that so many lives fought and died to protect. Certainly, there will be outrage once the final curtain calls on our 2024 election, but after the political unrest subsides, and the new leader takes office, hopefully there still remains a path forward for peace. A hand across the aisle, an end to worldwide conflict, American jobs on the rise, and a new era of American politics - shaped solely by the foundation we've been building upon since 1776.
Vinny Hale
Resources: The New York Times, US Government Bookstore, The Telegraph
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