The Most Important Election of our Lifetime

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Can I say something without everyone getting upset?

Not anymore.

This seems to be the reality of every political conversation in recent memory. As we approach the 2024 Election, the polarization between political tribes only deepens. Each disagreement is seen as hostile or confrontational. Voting choices often reflect deeply held personal beliefs and values, so criticism can feel like a personal attack. Social media has amplified these feelings, turning political discourse into a battlefield.

The turning point seemed to come during the 2016 Election. Trump upended the decorum of debates, transforming them into something resembling a reality show rather than a respectful discussion about our nation’s future. This shift resonated with a significant portion of our society, revealing a preference for more sensationalized political interactions. Even during the most recent debate, Trump and Biden were arguing about their golf handicaps (which to be honest was quite humorous).

@fuckingregrets

#shanegillis #comdey #standup

The polarization was further fueled by the failure of our partisan mainstream media. Watching Fox News and CNN tear each other apart is exhausting, and even more so are the viewers who consume these sources as absolute truth. You can easily spot these media consumers in conversations:

“Did you see what Biden said the other day? Dude is a vegetable. Who is running our country? Have you seen the border? It’s a mess.”

“Trump is literally Hitler. He’s going to put all of us in encampments if he wins. How can people vote for a convicted felon?”

These dialogues focus on denigrating the other side rather than building up their own. It would be far more productive to discuss the wins of their chosen party, those who can create the most jobs, fix homelessness, improve healthcare, or lower the price of medicine and groceries.

Transitioning from this contentious environment to a more personal perspective, I haven't decided who I'll vote for yet. Over my voting career, I've supported Democrats, Republicans, and Independents because the world changes and so do my views. Some people overcomplicate it, believing they must remain unwaveringly loyal to their party, which drives polarization further to the extremes. Every election season, I simply reassess my priorities and try to align with the candidate whose platform resonates with me the most.

There are tools to help with this decision. Isidewith.com is a popular quiz that seems non-biased on the surface. I took a shortened version recently, and my top candidate turned out to be Joe Exotic, the Tiger King <Biden voice: Folks, not a joke>. I didn't even know he was running!

When I have more time, I'll do more research to find a candidate I feel comfortable with. Maybe it will be an independent, and that's fine. I don't buy into the wasted vote argument, even though the Electoral College makes it virtually impossible for an Independent to win in our current two-party system.

Assuming Kamala Harris gets the nod, this election could feature the most disliked candidates since Trump and Clinton in 2016, when Independents secured 5.14% of the popular vote. RFK Jr. has garnered more attention than any Independent in recent memory. He has really leaned into his family history, social media, and making the rounds on podcasts and interviews more than I’ve ever seen. Assuming he continues to run as an Independent, I predict we will see the highest Independent vote since 1996, when Ross Perot and other Independents collectively earned 9.48% of the vote.

For those who’ve been on the fence for voting Independent, consider the following points. Voting for an Independent candidate allows voters to support someone who truly aligns with their values and beliefs, rather than settling for the lesser of two major-party candidates. It also sends a message to major parties that there is significant support for alternative policies and perspectives, potentially influencing future platforms and candidate selections. Moreover, supporting independent candidates can promote a more diverse and representative political landscape, breaking the dominance of the two-party system.

To be clear, this is not an endorsement for an Independent vote. Just rehashing some recent conversations with friends about the pros/cons of the wasted vote theory. I live in a state that is about as red as it comes but that will not stop me from voting for the candidate who most represents my beliefs.

As we head into the election, there are few key takeaways to consider (and a reminder to myself):

1. Vote for Whomever You Want: It might seem obvious, but you shouldn't feel pressured into a decision based on external factors. Go with your gut. Go with your heart. It is nobody’s business but your own. Whether it’s a friend, family, or a stranger, respect the decision of others and be open to their stance. You don’t know their life history or their struggles or what’s most important to them.

2. We Will Be Fine No Matter the Outcome: There will be ups and downs, but we will adapt, adjust, and yes, complain. This is also why the system ebbs and flows between the different parties over the years. Things go too far left then start swinging back to the right; then they go too far right and start swinging back to the left. It’s when we hit that midpoint in the cycle where it seems like we start reaching across the aisle more. That’s part of the process. Go into the vote with an optimistic and patriotic attitude.

3. Slow Down on the News Consumption: Even if you’re not consuming traditional mainstream media information, you’re probably still exposing yourself to too much political news that is wreaking havoc on your mental health. Walk the dog. Play golf. Do something productive in your life that you can actually control the outcome of.

4. Truth Lies Somewhere in the Middle: Every time you hear a story or read something online about your favorite candidate or their opponent, automatically assume it’s not as bad or good as reported and that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

In the end, we must remember that our democracy thrives on diverse opinions and robust discussions. It’s okay to disagree, as long as we strive to understand and respect each other’s perspectives.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. wisely said, "We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we will perish together as fools." Let’s keep this in mind as we navigate the turbulent waters of this election season. Our ability to engage in civil discourse and respect each other's viewpoints is essential for the health of our democracy.

Ultimately, it's not just about who wins or loses; it's about how we come together as a nation to address our common challenges and build a better future for all.

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