The election is nine days away and the country continues to be divided. If these stakes continue any longer, the country will struggle, regardless of the president.
Zoe Likely
Polarization in the United States has continued on for a multitude of decades. The New York Times, a left-leaning newscenter states, “Republicans view Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden and Democrats in general as bad for democracy. They also cite voting by mail, electronic voting machines, immigration and even the Department of Justice. Democrats see one central threat to democracy: Mr. Trump” ( Corasanti et al.)
With an increase of global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestine conflict, and more, the United States could have a large impact on ending these wars, and helping come to a peaceful agreement. However, as the capitol turns to shambles, not only the United States reputation suffers, but the protections of those all around the world are in jeopardy.
Both Former President, Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris have differing views on both major conflicts specifically if getting involved in the wars are the best decisions for the country. With that said, these countries are relying on us. Whether as an ally, our resources, funds for the war, the United States will get pulled apart and if the country cannot unite, globally and domestically we will pay the price.
But it might be too late. The Pew Research Center reports Americans losing faith in their democracy. As division in parties begins to surpass fellow countries' own differentiating countries, political polarization is becoming the default setting of our democracy.
There are some suggestions to “fix” this ongoing problem. These include updating the constitution or rebuilding the moderate party. Both of these solutions seem to be unattainable in many respects. The constitution remains one of the most prized possessions of American history. That solution is more likely to cause more harm and good, most likely resulting in more separation, and a possible uprise of violence.
In terms of building up the moderate party, it’s a question of feasibility. This means outside support, mass amounts of donations, a concise view on what is the moderate party, and time. This is a long term goal, but time might not be an option.
As the election becomes closer and closer, American citizens are only expecting the worst. With January 6th, 2021 and presidential debates getting less and less cordial, the only thing to be asked is what can we expect after the 2024 presidential election, and is the country ready to face the reality?
Works Cited
A New Theory for Why Republicans and Democrats See the World Dfferently. 2024. ShutterStock, cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cSXvuQvA93P4pBrMBoidrtcPa0I=/1400x1050/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13632583/shutterstock_362131352.jpg
DeSmith, Chisty. "'Tyranny of the Minority' Warns Constitution Is Dangerously Outdated." The Harvard Gazette, Sept. 2023, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/09/scholars-warn-of-danger-in-an-outdated-constitution-democracy-tyranny-of-the-minority/.
Hall, Andrew B. "Want to Reduce Polarization in Congress? Make Moderates a Better Job Offer." Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, siepr.stanford.edu/publications/policy-brief/want-reduce-polarization-congress-make-moderates-better-job-offer.
Wike, Richard, and MIchael Dimock. "Can Americans Be Optimistic about Their Democracy?" The Pew Research Center, Sept. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/13/can-americans-be-optimistic-about-their-democracy/.
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