A fight for the future of America is ensuing between the Democratic and Republican party. After four years, the presidential election rolls around, and the two completely opposed candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, compete fiercely for the people’s votes.
This election is seemingly closer than the previous 2020 election. The polls recently taken show Kamala Harris in the lead. A recent NPR article states, “She has now not only made up ground in public polls in the swing states in her campaign for president but has now actually taken narrow leads in three critical states that would put her at just enough electoral votes to win the White House, according to polling averages.”
It’s important to remember that voters are all individuals with their own beliefs, perspectives, preferences, and lives, and it’s vital to respect everyone’s opinions. Some might be indifferent to politics, others are strongly passionate about the state of the nation. Politics affects society and is a very clear and important aspect of the average day-to-day life. Commissioner of Weld County Colorado, Kevin Ross is deeply involved in politics, as well as his wife, Amy Ross. Eaton language arts teacher, Mrs. Ross said, “I think the state of America is a hot mess. We don’t do a good job as a society of disagreeing without pointing fingers or getting angry. We have become a society of ‘if you don’t agree with me, I hate you.’” And it seems this perspective is common. Hence why this election is so important. People are hoping that the presidential winner brings about change. Sirius Landwehr (26), said, “I would have to say it’s not great right now, but hoping that by January it will be better.” How could this problem within America be resolved? It’s best put by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, “That government is best which governs the least.” This election gives America a chance to change the way it governs themselves, and many people are depending on the new president to revive the spirit of the people and by extension, the American dream. But how did America become this way?
Back to the last election, almost four years ago, the United States was in a very different place. This happened during the covid-pandemic and quarantine, and America was hoping for a solution, so Biden was elected to bring about change. Interestingly, Biden dropped out of this year’s presidential race. According to The New York Times, reasoning for this decision stretches from wanting to focus more on his remaining term, to stepping down because he was being severely pressured to do so. Filling his role as the leading Democratic Party representative, Kamala Harris has shown her political prowess by surpassing Trump in the polls. Meanwhile, the republic party celebrates with the recent news of Robert F. Kennedy backing Trump. Blaming democrats for his recent drop in votes, Nephew of John F. Kennedy, RFK comes out to openly support Trump in his presidential race.
This election might be one of the most important in American history. It is the deciding factor of the future of America, whether we progress as a nation, or stumble forward. This decision will affect every American, good or bad, helpful or harmful. The responsibility lies with every citizen who can vote, to use that vote responsibly and wisely, and to remember that the ability to vote is a privilege and a right, one that not everyone has.
Montanaro, Domenico. “Harris’ Momentum Continues as She Ties with Trump in These Swing States.” NPR, MORNING EDITION, 26 Aug. 2024, www.npr.org/2024/08/26/nx-s1-5088061/harris-trump-swing-states-electoral-map.
Kim, J., Migliozzi, B., & Rebecca, K. K. (2024, July 3). How the pressure grew for Biden to drop out. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/elections/biden-drop-out-democrats.html
