I appreciate your nuanced and carefully written piece of non-political deliberation. But the choice is pretty straightforward: bat-shit crazy narcissist versus hand-picked prosecutor who obviously can network her way to the top. On the world stage, one clearly is an embarrassing representation of our country, and the other knows how to work a room—-team player versus a leader who wants to be king.
If you have not read Liz Chaney's book Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, please read where this former Republican spells out Trump's behavior around a historical event that is not appreciated unless you hear a first hand account. Adam Kinzinger gave a great speech at the 2024 DNC concerning his views from a Republican perspective.
Nope nope nope. They’re both batshit crazy—just different mental health ailments. Politics is dirty and POTUS gets their hands tied regardless. Deep state is in charge. Honestly I’d rather have a smart narcissist than an ignorant poseur at the helm when the World is trying to destroy our way of life.
I'm really feeling this same thing, Jen. I'm disappointed by the lack of independent objective thinking from supporters on both sides of this election.
I've heard it said that if you can take a person's position on one issue and predict their stance on all the others then they're likely not a deep thinker. Yet, unquestioning allegiance to all elements of red or blue seems to be the expectation these days.
The media no longer provides information - it provides emotion. Comfort that you're in the right, or horror at the awfulness of those who you disagree with. As a result, it's created this glowing bubble of confidence and optimism, based mainly on completely unsurprising folks (Obamas, HIllary, Beyonce) supporting Kamala as she swans around Dem safe havens.
Meanwhile, the GOP is out working hard in the small number of swing states that will likely decide the election. There are many things to object to in their policy approach but, at least, there's a position to object to.
Paradoxically, I think the overall Dem approach is driving complacency in their base that might cost them the election. When a few thousand critical voters in their base might become part of the 33% of the country that typically stays away from the ballot boxes. Especially those that feel misled re: Biden's mental acuity, let down by promises undelivered in the last 4 years, and not enamored by the billions of dollars being sent abroad to fund wars.
I don't think you're weird. I honestly think part of the problem in America is that we do get so excited about presidential candidates of any flavor --like they're going to magically set healing wheels in motion for our nation and fix all that ails. They're also only 1 piece of the pie--a third to be exact. I often hear our friends from the UK talk about how silly Americans are for putting so much stock in our politicians and they're right. They're not our saviors. It's strange to act as they are.
If you genuinely believe this, you’re fully sold on the dramatic emotional narrative of mainstream media. Do you think conservatives want a dictator or monarchy? There is ZERO chance that would fly, regardless of how many obsessed Trump supporters there are.
Besides, he’s barely got 4 years left of competency left at his age. To think there is any real chance of Trump significantly changing our form of government in his next term is asinine.
My sole reason for voting for Trump stems from the growing geopolitical tension involving China. China’s window to strike and succeed is rapidly closing. The next 4 years will determine whether or not this current Cold War becomes hot.
Trump is an asshole, don’t get me wrong. But globally speaking he is a much stronger figurehead and representative of American strength than Biden or Harris ever could be. Especially after how he handled his assassination attempt.
We must prevent WWIII at all costs. The ridiculous fear that Trump could or even wants to become a dictator is laughable at best and a very serious distraction to the greater threat on the global stage. Xi and Putin ALREADY are dictators and openly want to bring down US dominance. They are a much realer threat than some overly dramatic belief that Trump will takeover the country if he is reelected.
I was using hyperbole when I said "King Donald." I don't think we'll literally have a dictatorship or a monarchy. But I'm very concerned about the moves on the part of Trump and the Republican Party to create an imperial presidency and to undermine elections and other democratic institutions so as to keep their party in power regardless of the will of the people.
I too have been tempted sometimes to favor Trump on account of his more realistic, more restrained approach to foreign policy. But I don't think he's really trustworthy on that score either. He talks about avoiding war, but then he puts war hawks like Mike Pompeo in his administration, and he's so unpredictable, he's liable to start a war accidentally. And I just heard a foreign policy analyst say that whichever candidate wins the election, either administration will continue to fund both the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. Anyway, we need to stop trying to maintain dominance around the world, because we're now living in a multipolar world, and our failure to accept that is what is putting us in peril . And I'm not sure Trump understands that.
Your honesty and candor are appreciated. While social media optics tell us that America has devolved into two sides unwilling to give an inch, your case for dialogue is refreshing. Thank you for leaning into a courageous post in your search for answers.
I hear your well-founded concerns and see your thoughtful considerations. For me, without all the hoopla, it boils down to a choice, not only between a prosecutor and convicted felon, but a choice between insanity and sanity. We had 4 years of TFG and it's why the Dems seized on "we're not going back" as a rallying note. I watched Jan 6 as it happened in real time and that influences my coming to what I believe for me is the better option. Is it ideal? No. Is it a compromise? Yes. Compromat? No. I value the hard-earned freedoms that I see slowly being eroded, one by one. I want the freedom to choose who I want to represent me a leadership position. I do not want someone who does not respect the outcome of a legitimate election and deny or challenge the validity six ways to Sunday. Thus far, I still have the choice.
Jen, thank you for speaking up. This was beautifully written, and I commend you for encouraging your audience to ask questions, consider all viewpoints, and to follow our guts. What you are doing is hard work. Very, very hard work. All for our country, the people, the communities, the ones who may regret not asking the questions you asked. It may be too late then. THANK YOU.
I was a Democrat all my life until cracks started appearing in the facade. It started when the DNC-orchestrated shenanigans screwed Bernie off the ticket and totally crumbed during 2020 when the Democrats turned into a party of forced medical treatments, hysteria, and group think. If you didn’t post a little black square or wear a mask you were the enemy of the people, and I said okay then, I guess I’m no longer a Democrat. They own the news media and Hollywood and have single-handedly transformed Kamala, an unpopular VP with one policy position stolen from Trump (no tax on tips) and another an absurd, anti-American, economically ruinous price cap on groceries, into a cultural phenomenon. Kamala is supposed to save democracy but hasn’t received a single vote, released clear policy or sat down for an interview. It’s all smoke and mirrors. From my perspective, everything the Democrats say is projection. They seem to want a one-party state where they get to make all the rules, steal all the money, send our kids to war, and restrict our freedom of speech so we can’t criticize them doing it. Uniparty politicians have destroyed this country. Kamala is just another puppet of the shadow government. Trump and RFK want to fix the policies that have destroyed our middle class while making the nation fat, sick and broke. The news media is truly the enemy of the people and has turned everyone against each other just so the powerful can maintain their grip. We have a country to save, and Trump / RFK is the ticket to do it. Unity Party over Uniparty!
The DNC screwed Bernie out of the nomination, and now they screwed RFKJr. The difference is that while Bernie stayed in the party to do what he can, RFKJr. made a political decision to be effective the only place he could, so that he could fulfill the mission he believes so passionately. So screw the Democratic Party and their BS. Harris talks as if she wasn't in the White House, as if the Dems weren't holding power for 12 years prior. It's all about Trump with them, while absolving themselves of responsibility.
I am stunned and disheartened that someone with the ability to write about meaningful issues in the thoughtful way you do can not understand the very long and documented malevolent nature of Donald Trump. Words fail me. I'm not going to try to ilst all the evil , racist, misogynistic, and just incredibly stupid things this con con man has said and done, including encouraging a violent insurrection in his attempt to reverse the results of his defeat in the election. Harris seems to be a genuinely concerned person who respects the rule of law and doesn't value cruelty for its own sake. If you find this a difficult choice between the two, whatever Harris' shortcomings (and ANYONE running for president has them,)I don't know how to convince you. You are entitled to your opinion, and no, I won't cancel my subscription because of this, but I am terribly disappointed in you... you seemed to be a person with much more humane instincts. And I have absolutely no interest in getting into an online argument with any Trumpies reading this .... I won't respond, and it's a waste of both of our times to get into any online arguments.
Thanks for your comment. I normally don't bother commenting on anything political on the internet because it's just so pointless. But she has a really interesting perspective and is a good writer. She seems like such a humane and caring person that simply on the basis of Trump's cruelty and ignorance, she would have been very turned off by him. But I will also confess I cannot believe I live in a country where somewhere around 45% of the voting public is prepared to support him. Sigh.
Yours is a brave stand, Jen. You're asking good questions.
Finding answers is very challenging when so little reported is objective in any believable sense, on both sides. So much of politics is theatre, but after the show, we still have to go out into the cold night, pay our bills and navigate the world these leaders have crafted for us.
I teach that the answers people seek - to pretty much everything - lie in the patterns we observe. "By their deeds we know them", etc. Not by their words, but by their actions.
My observations: economic indicators suggest that prior to the pandemic, Americans were doing better than they are now. If I was a voter in the upcoming election, I'd want to know what changes Kamala intends to oversee to bring that relative prosperity back. What patterns would she change? Unless she outlines these things, we have to guess. Until voters get those specifics, can they even hope that anything will be better?
Jen, your wrestling with the political landscape mirrors so many of our own internal struggles. It's like we're all trying to navigate a minefield of information, misinformation, and 'vibes'. I appreciate your vulnerability in admitting your confusion – it makes me feel less alone in my own doubts. Maybe the answer isn't about being 'right' or 'wrong', but about staying curious and open to understanding why we feel the way we do.
Hey Jen, as an American expat who has resided in Australia for the past 25 years, I really needed this rumination of yours. People often ask me what my opinions are about American politics and particularly this upcoming election and I must admit I’m completely baffled. I don’t recognise this America. it doesn’t seem as black-and-white as the coverage (and some of my peers) would have it be, between the embarrassing narcissist and the handpicked contender. I appreciate the nuances you’ve brought to this conversation. My question is always about how much power an individual (president) has versus the political machine, corporate/special interests, and the personal entourage surrounding the “front of the house” leader. it always seems like a bit of a circus to me and I always think to find the real power you have to follow the money.
Wow, thanks for sharing, Jen. I really resonated and appreciated your post. I think there are more people who share your sentiment around the current political situation than it seems…myself included.
This era of politics seems to be another major turning point— the purpose of politics has always been about the issues, not the person, but more and more it is about the person rather than the issues. I would like to vote for Kamala but I will never be eager to vote for anyone who has very little substance behind their campaign and doesn’t articulate clearly and repeatedly what it is they are fighting for.
I tend to lean left but if this continues up until November I will have to “throw my vote away” and vote third-party…
well written. great thoughts, practical. Very few voters understand politics. It is an insiders came played at our expense every day. Please keep writing! Thanks , Joe Z
Speaking as an observer from the UK, I believe that there are those that will vote for the party that they have always supported, those that will never vote for Trump (no matter what his policies are) or will vote for Trump (due to his ability to paint a picture) and those that will never vote for Harris (no matter what her policies are) or will vote for Harris (due to the vibe she creates). Those outside of these categories are the swing voters that want to make a more informed decision, but are still waiting for further data. Harris is the unknown and waiting to see how she performs in the debate with Trump will resolve the issue or not....
It is my observation that the majority of Millennials and Gen X, at least where I live, feel the way you do. I think it's the older generations - the ones who grew up blindly trusting mainstream media and institutional power (and still do, it appears) - and the youngest voters, who've historically voted majority Democrat, mainly buying the "vibes."
As evidenced by the amount of interviews Trump is doing, the Trump campaign appears to have picked up on the fact that the disaffected liberals, centrists, and independents of America - the people the Harris campaign is squandering opportunities to win over and I think is underestimating the size of - mostly get our news and other information from independent sources, because we are distrusting of mainstream media (for good reasons, as RFK Jr. so candidly explained, though we already knew these reasons), and cannot be dazzled by circus shows like the ones the Dems put on. Kamala is being coached to avoid interviews to mitigate criticism from those of us who are actually listening to what is being said.
I'm not endorsing Trump, but it is my personal belief that someone who is too afraid to do interviews or debates for fear that they won't know how to answer a question about how they'd do their job as president is unfit to be a presidential candidate. I think it's sad and embarrassing that the Democratic party has so little faith in Kamala's ability to speak unscripted without destroying her chances at the White House. Being more concerned with establishing one's self as a "hot girl" or "brat" than policy is taking the job as leader of the free world waayyy too lightly for my support.
I also want to say, while I'm being so open, that I think the whole "weird" aspect of the Harris campaign is one of the most perplexing and pointless campaign ideas I've ever seen. The word "weird" does not and never will amount to "fighting words" anyplace outside of California, a state that the Dems already have in the bag. To the rest of the country, the "weird" bit is meaningless at best and offensive at worst, because it shows the Dems have not learned from their past mistakes of ignoring/disenfranchising middle America (one of the reasons Trump got elected). The votes of swing states and on-the-fence voters are going to be critical for Dems in November, and when the best they can do to convince us of their worthiness is change the meaning of a word on us for use in the tiresome game of hurling petty insults, well, it's not very convincing at all.
I've noticed a lot of ardent Harris supporters repeating something along the lines of "it comes down to choosing a felon or a prosecutor." I think they're putting too much stock in this. Based on interviews and podcasts I've watched, many Americans are asking themselves, but what did Harris accomplish during her time with the Biden administration? Why should I believe anything will change if she is president? And they are comparing their experience under the Biden administration to their experience under the Trump administration, with many Americans claiming they were more prosperous during Trump's term. This should not be discounted. The Dems will argue the prosperity they experienced was not because of Trump, but from the lasting effects of policies implemented by the Obama administration, but I think many people won't listen, because they're so used to being lied to. The hoopla, scandals, and corruption in our political arena have gotten so out of control that many aren't even fazed by Trump's convictions. They expect moral corruption from public figures. Bottom line, they're going to vote for the candidate who was in office the last time life felt easier for them, because really, it's all about the vibes, right?
I don't think Trump is going to win, but I predict it will be a close race and think Dems just keep getting further out of touch with average Americans.
I appreciate your nuanced and carefully written piece of non-political deliberation. But the choice is pretty straightforward: bat-shit crazy narcissist versus hand-picked prosecutor who obviously can network her way to the top. On the world stage, one clearly is an embarrassing representation of our country, and the other knows how to work a room—-team player versus a leader who wants to be king.
If you have not read Liz Chaney's book Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, please read where this former Republican spells out Trump's behavior around a historical event that is not appreciated unless you hear a first hand account. Adam Kinzinger gave a great speech at the 2024 DNC concerning his views from a Republican perspective.
Nope nope nope. They’re both batshit crazy—just different mental health ailments. Politics is dirty and POTUS gets their hands tied regardless. Deep state is in charge. Honestly I’d rather have a smart narcissist than an ignorant poseur at the helm when the World is trying to destroy our way of life.
Interesting to hear your point of view. I feel she has been fairly up front about her policies so I was interested in your reaction.
Support for Ukraine
Work toward Israel & Palestine to have a future that is safe for both
Return to women having protection to decide what to do with their bodies
Protect social projects - pre K, social security, Medicare, affordable care act.
An excellent resource that includes historical perspective is Heather Cox Richardson. https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/august-25-2024?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=deavh
I'm really feeling this same thing, Jen. I'm disappointed by the lack of independent objective thinking from supporters on both sides of this election.
I've heard it said that if you can take a person's position on one issue and predict their stance on all the others then they're likely not a deep thinker. Yet, unquestioning allegiance to all elements of red or blue seems to be the expectation these days.
The media no longer provides information - it provides emotion. Comfort that you're in the right, or horror at the awfulness of those who you disagree with. As a result, it's created this glowing bubble of confidence and optimism, based mainly on completely unsurprising folks (Obamas, HIllary, Beyonce) supporting Kamala as she swans around Dem safe havens.
Meanwhile, the GOP is out working hard in the small number of swing states that will likely decide the election. There are many things to object to in their policy approach but, at least, there's a position to object to.
Paradoxically, I think the overall Dem approach is driving complacency in their base that might cost them the election. When a few thousand critical voters in their base might become part of the 33% of the country that typically stays away from the ballot boxes. Especially those that feel misled re: Biden's mental acuity, let down by promises undelivered in the last 4 years, and not enamored by the billions of dollars being sent abroad to fund wars.
I don't think you're weird. I honestly think part of the problem in America is that we do get so excited about presidential candidates of any flavor --like they're going to magically set healing wheels in motion for our nation and fix all that ails. They're also only 1 piece of the pie--a third to be exact. I often hear our friends from the UK talk about how silly Americans are for putting so much stock in our politicians and they're right. They're not our saviors. It's strange to act as they are.
Let's hope we can keep presidents at 1/3 of the pie! That's why I'm voting for Harris--so we don't end up with King Donald.
If you genuinely believe this, you’re fully sold on the dramatic emotional narrative of mainstream media. Do you think conservatives want a dictator or monarchy? There is ZERO chance that would fly, regardless of how many obsessed Trump supporters there are.
Besides, he’s barely got 4 years left of competency left at his age. To think there is any real chance of Trump significantly changing our form of government in his next term is asinine.
My sole reason for voting for Trump stems from the growing geopolitical tension involving China. China’s window to strike and succeed is rapidly closing. The next 4 years will determine whether or not this current Cold War becomes hot.
Trump is an asshole, don’t get me wrong. But globally speaking he is a much stronger figurehead and representative of American strength than Biden or Harris ever could be. Especially after how he handled his assassination attempt.
We must prevent WWIII at all costs. The ridiculous fear that Trump could or even wants to become a dictator is laughable at best and a very serious distraction to the greater threat on the global stage. Xi and Putin ALREADY are dictators and openly want to bring down US dominance. They are a much realer threat than some overly dramatic belief that Trump will takeover the country if he is reelected.
I was using hyperbole when I said "King Donald." I don't think we'll literally have a dictatorship or a monarchy. But I'm very concerned about the moves on the part of Trump and the Republican Party to create an imperial presidency and to undermine elections and other democratic institutions so as to keep their party in power regardless of the will of the people.
I too have been tempted sometimes to favor Trump on account of his more realistic, more restrained approach to foreign policy. But I don't think he's really trustworthy on that score either. He talks about avoiding war, but then he puts war hawks like Mike Pompeo in his administration, and he's so unpredictable, he's liable to start a war accidentally. And I just heard a foreign policy analyst say that whichever candidate wins the election, either administration will continue to fund both the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. Anyway, we need to stop trying to maintain dominance around the world, because we're now living in a multipolar world, and our failure to accept that is what is putting us in peril . And I'm not sure Trump understands that.
Your honesty and candor are appreciated. While social media optics tell us that America has devolved into two sides unwilling to give an inch, your case for dialogue is refreshing. Thank you for leaning into a courageous post in your search for answers.
I hear your well-founded concerns and see your thoughtful considerations. For me, without all the hoopla, it boils down to a choice, not only between a prosecutor and convicted felon, but a choice between insanity and sanity. We had 4 years of TFG and it's why the Dems seized on "we're not going back" as a rallying note. I watched Jan 6 as it happened in real time and that influences my coming to what I believe for me is the better option. Is it ideal? No. Is it a compromise? Yes. Compromat? No. I value the hard-earned freedoms that I see slowly being eroded, one by one. I want the freedom to choose who I want to represent me a leadership position. I do not want someone who does not respect the outcome of a legitimate election and deny or challenge the validity six ways to Sunday. Thus far, I still have the choice.
Jen, thank you for speaking up. This was beautifully written, and I commend you for encouraging your audience to ask questions, consider all viewpoints, and to follow our guts. What you are doing is hard work. Very, very hard work. All for our country, the people, the communities, the ones who may regret not asking the questions you asked. It may be too late then. THANK YOU.
I was a Democrat all my life until cracks started appearing in the facade. It started when the DNC-orchestrated shenanigans screwed Bernie off the ticket and totally crumbed during 2020 when the Democrats turned into a party of forced medical treatments, hysteria, and group think. If you didn’t post a little black square or wear a mask you were the enemy of the people, and I said okay then, I guess I’m no longer a Democrat. They own the news media and Hollywood and have single-handedly transformed Kamala, an unpopular VP with one policy position stolen from Trump (no tax on tips) and another an absurd, anti-American, economically ruinous price cap on groceries, into a cultural phenomenon. Kamala is supposed to save democracy but hasn’t received a single vote, released clear policy or sat down for an interview. It’s all smoke and mirrors. From my perspective, everything the Democrats say is projection. They seem to want a one-party state where they get to make all the rules, steal all the money, send our kids to war, and restrict our freedom of speech so we can’t criticize them doing it. Uniparty politicians have destroyed this country. Kamala is just another puppet of the shadow government. Trump and RFK want to fix the policies that have destroyed our middle class while making the nation fat, sick and broke. The news media is truly the enemy of the people and has turned everyone against each other just so the powerful can maintain their grip. We have a country to save, and Trump / RFK is the ticket to do it. Unity Party over Uniparty!
The DNC screwed Bernie out of the nomination, and now they screwed RFKJr. The difference is that while Bernie stayed in the party to do what he can, RFKJr. made a political decision to be effective the only place he could, so that he could fulfill the mission he believes so passionately. So screw the Democratic Party and their BS. Harris talks as if she wasn't in the White House, as if the Dems weren't holding power for 12 years prior. It's all about Trump with them, while absolving themselves of responsibility.
You may also appreciate House Inhabit’s reporting in this! She’s on Substack.
I am stunned and disheartened that someone with the ability to write about meaningful issues in the thoughtful way you do can not understand the very long and documented malevolent nature of Donald Trump. Words fail me. I'm not going to try to ilst all the evil , racist, misogynistic, and just incredibly stupid things this con con man has said and done, including encouraging a violent insurrection in his attempt to reverse the results of his defeat in the election. Harris seems to be a genuinely concerned person who respects the rule of law and doesn't value cruelty for its own sake. If you find this a difficult choice between the two, whatever Harris' shortcomings (and ANYONE running for president has them,)I don't know how to convince you. You are entitled to your opinion, and no, I won't cancel my subscription because of this, but I am terribly disappointed in you... you seemed to be a person with much more humane instincts. And I have absolutely no interest in getting into an online argument with any Trumpies reading this .... I won't respond, and it's a waste of both of our times to get into any online arguments.
Thank you, that’s what I thought and felt but restrained myself from posting.
Thanks for your comment. I normally don't bother commenting on anything political on the internet because it's just so pointless. But she has a really interesting perspective and is a good writer. She seems like such a humane and caring person that simply on the basis of Trump's cruelty and ignorance, she would have been very turned off by him. But I will also confess I cannot believe I live in a country where somewhere around 45% of the voting public is prepared to support him. Sigh.
It’s hard to embrace the notion that ignorance is too powerful to overcome, it’s sad but true. Sigh.
Yours is a brave stand, Jen. You're asking good questions.
Finding answers is very challenging when so little reported is objective in any believable sense, on both sides. So much of politics is theatre, but after the show, we still have to go out into the cold night, pay our bills and navigate the world these leaders have crafted for us.
I teach that the answers people seek - to pretty much everything - lie in the patterns we observe. "By their deeds we know them", etc. Not by their words, but by their actions.
My observations: economic indicators suggest that prior to the pandemic, Americans were doing better than they are now. If I was a voter in the upcoming election, I'd want to know what changes Kamala intends to oversee to bring that relative prosperity back. What patterns would she change? Unless she outlines these things, we have to guess. Until voters get those specifics, can they even hope that anything will be better?
Jen, your wrestling with the political landscape mirrors so many of our own internal struggles. It's like we're all trying to navigate a minefield of information, misinformation, and 'vibes'. I appreciate your vulnerability in admitting your confusion – it makes me feel less alone in my own doubts. Maybe the answer isn't about being 'right' or 'wrong', but about staying curious and open to understanding why we feel the way we do.
Hey Jen, as an American expat who has resided in Australia for the past 25 years, I really needed this rumination of yours. People often ask me what my opinions are about American politics and particularly this upcoming election and I must admit I’m completely baffled. I don’t recognise this America. it doesn’t seem as black-and-white as the coverage (and some of my peers) would have it be, between the embarrassing narcissist and the handpicked contender. I appreciate the nuances you’ve brought to this conversation. My question is always about how much power an individual (president) has versus the political machine, corporate/special interests, and the personal entourage surrounding the “front of the house” leader. it always seems like a bit of a circus to me and I always think to find the real power you have to follow the money.
Wow, thanks for sharing, Jen. I really resonated and appreciated your post. I think there are more people who share your sentiment around the current political situation than it seems…myself included.
This era of politics seems to be another major turning point— the purpose of politics has always been about the issues, not the person, but more and more it is about the person rather than the issues. I would like to vote for Kamala but I will never be eager to vote for anyone who has very little substance behind their campaign and doesn’t articulate clearly and repeatedly what it is they are fighting for.
I tend to lean left but if this continues up until November I will have to “throw my vote away” and vote third-party…
well written. great thoughts, practical. Very few voters understand politics. It is an insiders came played at our expense every day. Please keep writing! Thanks , Joe Z
Speaking as an observer from the UK, I believe that there are those that will vote for the party that they have always supported, those that will never vote for Trump (no matter what his policies are) or will vote for Trump (due to his ability to paint a picture) and those that will never vote for Harris (no matter what her policies are) or will vote for Harris (due to the vibe she creates). Those outside of these categories are the swing voters that want to make a more informed decision, but are still waiting for further data. Harris is the unknown and waiting to see how she performs in the debate with Trump will resolve the issue or not....
It is my observation that the majority of Millennials and Gen X, at least where I live, feel the way you do. I think it's the older generations - the ones who grew up blindly trusting mainstream media and institutional power (and still do, it appears) - and the youngest voters, who've historically voted majority Democrat, mainly buying the "vibes."
As evidenced by the amount of interviews Trump is doing, the Trump campaign appears to have picked up on the fact that the disaffected liberals, centrists, and independents of America - the people the Harris campaign is squandering opportunities to win over and I think is underestimating the size of - mostly get our news and other information from independent sources, because we are distrusting of mainstream media (for good reasons, as RFK Jr. so candidly explained, though we already knew these reasons), and cannot be dazzled by circus shows like the ones the Dems put on. Kamala is being coached to avoid interviews to mitigate criticism from those of us who are actually listening to what is being said.
I'm not endorsing Trump, but it is my personal belief that someone who is too afraid to do interviews or debates for fear that they won't know how to answer a question about how they'd do their job as president is unfit to be a presidential candidate. I think it's sad and embarrassing that the Democratic party has so little faith in Kamala's ability to speak unscripted without destroying her chances at the White House. Being more concerned with establishing one's self as a "hot girl" or "brat" than policy is taking the job as leader of the free world waayyy too lightly for my support.
I also want to say, while I'm being so open, that I think the whole "weird" aspect of the Harris campaign is one of the most perplexing and pointless campaign ideas I've ever seen. The word "weird" does not and never will amount to "fighting words" anyplace outside of California, a state that the Dems already have in the bag. To the rest of the country, the "weird" bit is meaningless at best and offensive at worst, because it shows the Dems have not learned from their past mistakes of ignoring/disenfranchising middle America (one of the reasons Trump got elected). The votes of swing states and on-the-fence voters are going to be critical for Dems in November, and when the best they can do to convince us of their worthiness is change the meaning of a word on us for use in the tiresome game of hurling petty insults, well, it's not very convincing at all.
I've noticed a lot of ardent Harris supporters repeating something along the lines of "it comes down to choosing a felon or a prosecutor." I think they're putting too much stock in this. Based on interviews and podcasts I've watched, many Americans are asking themselves, but what did Harris accomplish during her time with the Biden administration? Why should I believe anything will change if she is president? And they are comparing their experience under the Biden administration to their experience under the Trump administration, with many Americans claiming they were more prosperous during Trump's term. This should not be discounted. The Dems will argue the prosperity they experienced was not because of Trump, but from the lasting effects of policies implemented by the Obama administration, but I think many people won't listen, because they're so used to being lied to. The hoopla, scandals, and corruption in our political arena have gotten so out of control that many aren't even fazed by Trump's convictions. They expect moral corruption from public figures. Bottom line, they're going to vote for the candidate who was in office the last time life felt easier for them, because really, it's all about the vibes, right?
I don't think Trump is going to win, but I predict it will be a close race and think Dems just keep getting further out of touch with average Americans.