After four years, Joe Biden’s presidency is coming to a close and with his decision to drop out of the presidential race, he joins only seven other presidents who made the decision to not run for a second term. Current Vice President Kamala Harris will run against 45th President Donald Trump, vying for presidency in what has become a polarizing election year. Due to varying mindsets and opposing opinions from each candidate, many Americans believe this election will be remembered as an extremely pivotal time in the country’s democracy.
The path to the 2024 election has been highly unpredictable. Few could have foreseen two assassination attempts on Trump, nor could anyone have expected Biden to drop out, paving the way for Harris to take his place as the Democratic presidential candidate.This uncertainty has fueled a mix of motivation and frustration among the American people. Many citizens feel compelled to become more engaged in the political process, driven by a desire for clarity and direction in the face of shifting dynamics. At the same time, there is a growing irritation over the instability and unpredictability of the political landscape, leading to feelings of disenchantment and skepticism about the future.
As the nation listens to countless speeches from the presidential candidates, attempting to impact the outlook on what is best for the American people, time is running out. November is upon the U.S. and the future of the nation is at stake. Whether voting for Harris or Trump, the time has come to decide which name you will be putting on the ballot in November.
The Democratic National Convention and Republican National Convention revealed the true ambitions of each party, and showed their vision for the nation’s future. Just two days after the the first assassination attempt on Trump, he spoke at the RNC, and deliveredthe longest acceptance speech in American history, lasting 92 minutes. Despite its length, the depth of emotion he felt was powerfully conveyed throughout his speech. He opened by revisiting the assassination attempt, taking the audience through a range of feelings, which fostered a sense of patriotism within the Republican Party. As the bullet grazed the former president’s ear, narrowly missing his head, his speech made it clear that he wouldn’t allow this incident to derail his campaign.
On the other side, Harris experienced a landmark moment for women as she accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination, becoming the first black woman and person of South Asian Thdescent to do so. Less knownfor giving big speeches, it was vital for Harris to make a lasting impact. Harris shared her journey and the values that shaped her through her experiences as prosecutor and senator, highlighting the importance of family, justice, and equality. She called for national unity, while critiquing the issues facing the current administration.
Taking into consideration the significant controversy surrounding this election, it’s critical to take into account the variety of concerns the American people have. In recent years, the political ideals of the two party system have become tremendously divided, especially during the 2024 election. When seeking a response from the American people regarding Trump or Harris, opinions most commonly seem to go strongly conservative or strongly liberal.
EHS english teacher Amy Ross said, “It is one of the most critical elections that we are going to have because of all the turbulence that our country is facing, and we honestly really need to have people that are willing to stand up and do what is right for the country.’’
In this nation, both presidential candidates have come up with their motto for what they will strive for in office. Trump’s chosen motto is “Make America Great Again,” and Harris’s chosen motto is “When We Fight We Win.” When November rolls around, consideration of who is actually going to uphold these simple slogans and turn them into the way in which the country can succeed, is what it really boils down to. Unfortunately, in some cases neither of these candidates fit the American people’s criteria suitable enough to run for office.
EHS history teacher Chad Shaw said, “It’s concerning to me in a lot of ways that the best America can offer are these two individuals. It’s sad what I would consider to be the best nation in the world with some of the smartest individuals around, and this is the best we can do.”
The American Dream is defined as the ideal by which equal opportunity is available to any American, allowing them to achieve their highest aspirations and goals. In many cases, this is all the American people are seeking. When considering the specifics of the American dream, unity is frequently the theme. The American Dream often becomes a prominent theme as politicians near the conclusion of their campaigns. This ideal is frequently emphasized to connect with voters and inspire a sense of shared hope. Both parties tend to claim they will achieve unity tied to the American Dream after the election. However, the commonly used term “unity” is being misunderstood by American politicians. Every year, candidates vow to unite the American people, yet the nation has yet to see it truly happen. Regardless of the individual feelings towards a particular candidate, the American people need to consider how the nation is going to appear for the next four years. Ultimately, when researching and examining what president the public believe is the right choice, consider the effect of the American people as a whole, not only personal beliefs. In some cases, this could mean questioning the two political systems altogether.
EHS math teacher Derek Weigle said, “They are the same as I feel about every election I’ve been through since I have been able to think, and that is, they present a false dichotomy that makes it seem that you have to pick one or the other. I think most people are not voting for who they want but who they consider the lesser of two evils, and it’s a bad place for the country to be in.”
As the 2024 election has intensified in recents months, strong opinions concerning the political candidates continue to arise. Views on who is best suited to lead the country are tremendously polarized as the election draws near. Will the nation witness another election influenced by an unexpected assassination attempt, like the Reagan election in 1984, or will Harris make history and accomplish being the first female president of the United States? Only time will tell as the nation awaits its future.
