Where I Stand on the 2024 Election: If I Had to Choose and Would Die If I Didn't
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, I’ve decided to make this my only post regarding where I stand on the candidates on LinkedIn. Unless there is a major news event that fundamentally alters the character or effectiveness of each candidate, this post will serve as my definitive statement on the matter which doesn't matter at all.
Imagine, for a moment, that there’s a gun to my head, and I’m forced to vote. If I had to choose, here’s how I would break down the options before casting that vote.
Dear Gun Holder,
The State of the Current Field
In examining the current field of candidates, it's clear that both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump represent the entrenched, establishment interests that have long dominated American politics. These are figures who, despite their rhetoric, are deeply enmeshed in the political machine—a machine that rewards power over principle, expedience over effectiveness, and image over substance.
Kamala Harris has been positioned as the administration’s point person on some of the most pressing issues facing the country, including immigration reform, criminal justice, economic policy, and U.S. foreign policy. These are serious responsibilities that demand decisive leadership. Yet, despite these responsibilities, Harris has largely campaigned on promises to fix the very issues she has been tasked with addressing for years and at times, been really bad managing. This is where the disconnect becomes apparent. If she has the power to influence these critical areas now, why does she wait to propose solutions until she’s on the campaign trail? Her handling of immigration as the lead on the Southern border crisis, for example, has been widely criticized for a lack of effective solutions, leading to a worsening of conditions and public discontent (Politico, 2024).
Furthermore, Harris’s record on criminal justice is particularly complex. As a former prosecutor and Attorney General of California, she has been criticized for policies that many argue were more punitive than reformative. Now, as Vice President, she advocates for significant criminal justice reforms, yet these reforms remain largely unfulfilled. The question arises: if these changes are so vital, why haven't they been prioritized during her tenure? This pattern suggests a politician more concerned with political positioning than with genuine leadership (The Marshall Project, 2024).
Harris’s economic rhetoric also raises serious questions. With ongoing challenges like inflation, wage stagnation, and economic inequality, the American people deserve action, not just promises. Yet, Harris's campaign focuses on future reforms that could be implemented today if they were truly prioritized. This lack of action during a time of economic crisis is troubling and suggests that her campaign promises may be more about securing votes than delivering real change (Ballotpedia, 2024).
Donald Trump, on the other hand, presents a different set of challenges. His presidency was characterized by a relentless push to achieve his goals, whether through significant tax reforms, deregulation efforts, or reshaping the federal judiciary (Ballotpedia, 2024). Trump’s administration delivered on many promises, often in the face of fierce opposition, and his ability to mobilize support and push through his agenda was undeniable. However, this effectiveness came at a significant cost.
Trump’s methods and rhetoric were often divisive, exacerbating polarization in the country and undermining civil discourse (The Atlantic, 2024). His approach to governance was frequently marked by a disregard for democratic norms and a willingness to bypass established processes in favor of unilateral action. This was perhaps most evident in his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, where his response was criticized for being inconsistent, lacking in coordination, and at times dismissive of scientific advice (The New York Times, 2024). The culmination of these issues was the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol—a direct result of Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his encouragement of baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. This event was a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions (The New York Times, 2024).
While Trump’s effectiveness in achieving his goals is not in question, the methods he used and the consequences of his actions raise serious concerns about his suitability to lead the nation again. His presidency revealed a pattern of prioritizing personal and political gain over the well-being of the country, a pattern that should give any voter pause.
Please, let me finish.
Why I Might Lean Toward Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Now, with that hypothetical gun to my head, if I had to choose a candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stands out as a viable alternative—one that embodies true democratic principles, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to the ideals that have long defined American democracy. RFK Jr. is a refreshing alternative to the entrenched political figures of our time, representing a return to the core values that made America strong: honesty, courage, and a commitment to justice.
RFK Jr. comes from a storied lineage—a family that has experienced the full spectrum of American life, from poverty to wealth, from criminality to public service, and ultimately, tragic loss in the pursuit of democratic ideals (The Atlantic, 2018). The Kennedys have long been a symbol of American resilience, and RFK Jr. is no exception. His life’s work, particularly his advocacy for environmental protection, civil liberties, and government accountability, showcases a principled approach that is sorely needed in our leadership today.
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RFK Jr. has been a fierce advocate for environmental justice, dating back to his early work with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and as the chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper. These efforts were not merely about conservation but also about ensuring that government and corporations were held accountable for actions against public interests (The New York Times, 1997). His commitment to transparency and civil liberties has remained steadfast, even when facing criticism for his controversial views on vaccines. Despite the intense opposition, RFK Jr. has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue and reconsider his stance when presented with new information—a quality that is rare in today’s political environment (The Washington Post, 2020).
Moreover, RFK Jr.'s commitment to public health and environmental protection is not a recent development but a continuation of his family's legacy. The Kennedy family has long been associated with advocacy for the public good, from John F. Kennedy's New Frontier to Robert F. Kennedy Sr.'s focus on civil rights and economic justice. RFK Jr.'s work has carried this legacy forward, addressing issues that directly impact the well-being of all Americans, particularly those who are often marginalized or overlooked by the political system (The Atlantic, 2024).
The System Doesn’t Want RFK Jr.
It’s worth noting that the political establishment has long resisted the Kennedy family and what they represent. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy were not just personal tragedies but also profound events that shaped RFK Jr.’s understanding of the fragility of democracy and the need to protect it at all costs (The Atlantic, 2018). This legacy has clearly informed his approach to politics, where he has consistently prioritized democratic principles over the pursuit of power.
RFK Jr. offers a stark contrast to the politics-as-usual approach exemplified by Harris and Trump. While both of these candidates have their strengths, they also represent the very political dynamics that have led many Americans to feel disillusioned with the system. RFK Jr., on the other hand, represents a path forward—a path that prioritizes integrity, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to the principles that have historically guided our nation.
RFK Jr.'s candidacy is a threat to the established order because he refuses to play by the conventional rules of politics. He speaks his mind honestly, admits when he is wrong, and is willing to tackle the tough issues head-on. This is not the behavior of a typical politician, and it’s precisely why the political establishment views him as a threat. They don’t want someone who will challenge the status quo—they want someone who will maintain it.
RFK Jr. also understands the importance of accountability and transparency in government. He has consistently advocated for a government that serves the people, not just powerful interests. This is a refreshing change from the norm, where politicians often prioritize the needs of their donors and political allies over those of the general public. RFK Jr.'s commitment to these principles is not just rhetoric—it is a guiding philosophy that has shaped his career and will shape his presidency if elected (The New York Times, 2024).
If I Had to Vote
So, with that metaphorical gun to my head, if I had to vote, RFK Jr. would be the candidate I’d lean toward. But let’s be clear: this isn’t about blind allegiance. It’s about supporting a candidate who has demonstrated a commitment to the values that I believe in—honesty, integrity, and a dedication to democratic and established Republic principles.
RFK Jr. represents a departure from the entrenched political figures of our time in this case. He embodies the qualities that I believe are essential in a leader: intellectual rigor, moral courage, and a deep commitment to the public good. In a political landscape that often rewards expedience over principle, RFK Jr. stands out as a candidate who is willing to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
However, I’m not here to tell anyone how to vote. This is just where I stand, given the current field of candidates, if there was a gun to my head. Unless some major event drastically alters the landscape, this will be my only post on the subject of the 2024 election. I believe that RFK Jr. represents the best of what America could be, and if push came to shove, he’s the candidate I’d support.
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3 个月Good take. I don’t often delve into politics but this was a pretty astute assessment brother.