POTUS 2024
Another moment for the USA and the World
Donald Trump or Joe Biden
The choices are stark for the US. The rhetoric from both sides is marking this as an end of times moment. The democratic West hangs in the balance, as both sides spar for control of the narrative.
The left plays out the narrative of Donald Trump becoming dictator and chief. The right cries out foul play as Donald Trump is hounded by the courts. I believe these 2 narratives are false, but either one is bad for the US and the West in general. It signals the end of democracy for either side and the ultimate decline of the US in general.
Either the system is rigged against legitimate change which Donald Trump represents OR the rise of a dictator will destroy democracy in the United States. Either way the narratives assume democracy is dead in the water. 50% of the voters on either side will be living with the idea of a failing state.
I am now clueless as to what the right approach is for America. On the one hand I think Joe Biden has brought stability to the US given the chaotic nature of Donald Trump’s first presidency; on the other hand the world itself seems less stable under Joe Biden with the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. Joe Biden was also a return to the status quo. An elite branch of politicians controlled by their party donors. A continuation of business as usual. Not the radical change I think most of the citizens are crying out for.
Trump’s MAGA is separate from the status quo. Achieving political results which are not underpinned by the backing of the usual Republican donors. The followers truly believe in what Donald Trump represents. Change. It’s not a return to centre ground politics or business as usual. Rather a continuation of the right’s provocative and anti-establishment political agenda. Populism has not gone away.
On policies we can expect contrasts as well. Joe Biden proposes tax increases on higher income families and corporations, Donald Trump proposes tax cuts in all areas. On abortion; Joe Biden is pro-choice; Donald Trump is pro-life. On immigration; Joe Biden is pro-legalisation of undocumented migrants, Donald Trump wants to secure the border with a wall and send illegal immigrants back to their country of origin. On Global Warming Donald Trump says “drill baby drill” whilst Joe Biden looks to expand Green Investments. On China Joe Biden seeks closer relations between the 2 powers whereas Trump takes a much harder line on the communist state.
Personally I believe the market has more capability than the state, I’m pro-life, I believe border security should be strong and migration should be controlled, I now believe global warming is over amplified as a problem, I believe China is a threat to the world order and I do believe the market has more capability than the state. Would I side with Donald Trump on policies then? Yes most likely, then again I still can’t get over the fact that his integrity and past are quite flawed. But then if I look in the mirror I’ve not been a Saint.
I guess this is why people like Ben Shapiro still vote for him, because biblically speaking we are all flawed individuals, yet it’s the political actions that speak louder than the words.
I’m at a loss. I want America to find its strength and unity again. I want the West to rise like a Pheonix. To spread the values of democracy and innovation throughout the world, but in current times it feels ever more doubtful.
