The last year in politics has been wild. We have seen countless unprecedented moments in American political history. I have to confess that it has been simultaneously disturbing and entertaining. However, I am ready to go beyond the election and get down to the business of solutions. We are in rough shape and need aggressive and intelligent action to get the American Dream and the country’s future back in line.
With the election this week, I thought it would be great to touch on the most memorable moments and discuss how to deal tips on how to deal with the inevitable tension that election day brings. We need a heavy dose of emotional intelligence to guide us in dealing with the half of the country that will be disappointed, perhaps loudly so.
Before I get to election day emotional intelligence, let’s take a look at some of the most historical moments of this election. Here are ten of the most stunning moments in American politics during the election year of 2024:
- Assassination Attempt on Trump: An assassination attempt on Donald Trump not only endangered his life but also dramatically shifted campaign narratives toward security and resilience. It also shined a harsh light on the Secret Service.
- Kamala Harris's Democratic Nomination: After Joe Biden's late-stage withdrawal, Kamala Harris's acceptance of the Democratic nomination was pivotal, redefining the Democratic campaign's strategy.
- Trump's Marathon RNC Speech: Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention broke records for its length, highlighting his control over the party's narrative.
- Kennedy's Independent Run and Controversy: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to run independently and the subsequent controversy over his eligibility due to birthplace issues marked a unique narrative twist in the election.
- Legal Battles Over Trump's Eligibility: Legal challenges questioning Trump's ability to run due to his alleged role in January 6th events, spotlighting election integrity and legal accountability.
- Harris's Media Mishaps: Kamala Harris struggled with media appearances, often failing to connect with voters or articulate policies effectively, which impacted her campaign's momentum.
- Kennedy's Anti-Establishment Appeal: Despite controversies, Kennedy drew significant attention with his critique of both parties, offering an alternative political narrative. Trump tapping him for duty gave his campaign wider appeal.
- Trump's Post-Assassination Rally: Trump's return to campaigning shortly after surviving an assassination attempt, dramatically emphasizing his campaign's theme of fighting against all odds.
- Voter Sentiment on Election Integrity: Public discourse around voter fraud, fueled by Trump's comments about potentially overturning results, highlighted deep divisions in trust in electoral processes.
- Economic and Immigration Focus: The economy and immigration surged as critical issues for voters, reflecting in campaign strategies and public discourse, shaping the election narrative significantly.
These moments highlight a year marked by intense political drama, legal battles, shifts in public opinion, and critical events that will influence the election's outcome and the future trajectory of American politics. This year has undoubtedly offered plenty of fodder for my show Citizen Journalist and the Billy Dees Podcast, which I cohost.
This brings me to another main element of this week’s newsletter. Given the heat around this election, I thought sharing some tips on applying emotional intelligence to election week would be helpful. Considering the level of concern stoked by political rhetoric and media fear-mongering, we need to approach every conversation around the election, voting, and who wins gracefully. Half the country is going to be concerned. The best thing we can do is lead with love and understanding.
Here are some tips for navigating the conversations that are sure to arise this week:
- Listen with Openness: Let people express their opinions without immediate judgment or interruption. Active listening shows respect, even if you don’t agree.
- Know When to Step Back: Sometimes it’s best to avoid diving into political topics altogether. Politely redirect the conversation if it becomes too heated or unproductive.
- Set Boundaries: If you know certain topics lead to conflict, set boundaries early. Let others know you’d rather focus on shared interests instead of polarizing topics.
- Empathize vs Debate: Try to understand the emotions and experiences behind people’s opinions. Often, disagreements stem from deeply personal concerns rather than the issues themselves.
- Stay Informed but Avoid Persuasion: Share information only if asked, without an agenda to change the other person’s view. Accept that people may not be swayed by facts alone.
- Look for Common Ground: Find common values or concerns when discussions arise. This helps reinforce shared humanity, even amid differing perspectives.
- Model Respectful Dialogue: Show respect in your words, tone, and body language. Others may mirror this approach, fostering a more open, thoughtful exchange.
- Take a Break if Needed: If a discussion turns confrontational, stepping away is okay. You can resume talking later when tensions have cooled.
These approaches encourage positive interactions and help maintain healthy relationships while respecting each other's right to diverse opinions.
What do you think was the most incredible political moment this last year? Share your thoughts in the comments below or over on X or TikTok where I am active!
