TheMarketForIdeas

The current state of American politics is dire. A deepening polarization has taken root at the heart of American politics, affecting all aspects of discourse. The division between Republicans and Democrats is no longer solely based on policy, but on fundamental values and differing perceptions of reality. This has immediate consequences for the lives of ordinary citizens both within and beyond the borders of the United States. The global rise of populism and nationalism has had a particularly strong impact in the United States, transforming long-standing debates about American leadership in the free world and the enduring nature of the American dream into a climate of hostility, political violence, and hate.

The apotheosis of Donald Trump

On July 13, 2024, the Republican candidate for President of the United States, Donald Trump, survived an assassination attempt. However, his near-death experience led to the rise of a “Saint” Donald Trump, a martyr figure, and the emergence of religious devotees, possibly even missionaries. What could have been the worst outcome for Trump turned into the best possible scenario for his political campaign. The image captured by photographer Evan Vucci depicts Trump’s victory in the election, or so it seemed to everyone who witnessed the event. Yet, the photograph reveals much more. Just as the Messiah emerged from his tomb, Trump rose from beneath the podium and experienced a metaphysical revival, exclaiming “Fight”. The presence of the American flag in the background symbolizes Trump’s “death” and “resurrection” for the benefit of America and its citizens, portraying him as the ultimate patriot, shedding blood for his country. The implications of this event extend beyond the election, solidifying Trump’s cult-like following and positioning him as a mystical and even religious figure, as well as the savior of American politics.

Regrettably, this indicates that the aspiration for national unity, as advocated by both the Democrats and the Republicans, is merely an illusion. While Biden delivered a speech condemning political violence, Trump did not address the issue directly enough. A speech denouncing political violence from Trump would have provided American citizens with a moment of relief and would have solidified the notion that the Republicans do not condone violence within their ranks. Instead, Trump focused on how he was protected by a higher power, further promoting the concept of a political biblical revival.

Republican politicians even insinuated that the Democrats, the deep state, and the entire left-wing movement are behind this, exacerbating the polarization of American discourse. Predictably, public opinion on this event has given rise to conspiracy theories as well. Alarmingly, in the past, these theories were rooted in the Republican voter base; however, there has been a shift towards Democrat conspiracy theories. Republicans tend to accuse the deep state of targeting Trump, and when unsuccessful, of attempting to end his life. On the other hand, Democrat voters point fingers at the far-right and the deep state, claiming that this is a strategy to boost Trump’s campaign and raise him to a “godlike” level, possibly inciting a civil war. They mention sophisticated military technologies that could have been utilized for this purpose, as well as the failure of the Secret Service to intervene before the attacker struck. Despite this, both sets of conspiracy theories rely on similar arguments and theories, but their interpretations of reality differ.

The Age of Dark Enlightenment

The outcome of these elections holds significant importance, not only for the American people but the global community at large. These elections will determine the direction in which the world is headed, with democracy being at stake. If Donald Trump emerges victorious, there is a real possibility that he will fulfill his promises of becoming a dictator, his track record of praising authoritarian leaders such as Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Viktor Orban also being concerning.

It is highly probable (as stated in April 2022: “This is a great group and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detailed plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”) that Project 2025 represents Trump’s political agenda for his potential future term in office. This extensive plan, spanning over 900 pages, was crafted by numerous conservative individuals, many of whom are closely associated with Trump through the Heritage Foundation. Project 2025 advocates for a “New Age” that focuses on safeguarding children and upholding traditional family values (by restricting abortion rights and marginalizing LGBT individuals), reducing the power of the government (by strengthening the authority of the president and undermining checks and balances designed by the Founding Fathers), and enhancing border security. The president of Heritage Foundation asserts that the United States is currently undergoing a second American Revolution, and emphasizes that it will remain nonviolent if the left does not intervene, additionally mentioning that there is no chance whatsoever of a legitimate election occurring in 2024.

The proposed political program, labeled as a “New Age”, signifies precisely that, a “New Age of Dark Enlightenment”. This concept, traditionally employed to characterize movements that prioritize order, tradition, and authority over principles of rationality, freedom, and fairness, is fitting in this particular situation. The suggested measures indicate a move towards authoritarian rule, social traditionalism, and a departure from progressive and democratic principles.

Harris takes the helm

One factor contributing to Trump’s devoted following is the perceived failure of the Democrats to openly and decisively address Joe Biden’s cognitive and health problems. This perceived lack of transparency has resulted in a loss of credibility among voters, leading to skepticism and a decline in trust. The Democrats’ failure to position Biden as a one-term president who could guide the nation through a crucial period before passing the torch has hindered their ability to build a strong campaign for a new candidate. By placing emphasis on the stability of the nation and the future of leadership, Biden, as a senior statesman, should have chosen to declare his intention to serve only one term early on. This decision would have cemented his legacy and facilitated a seamless transition to a new candidate, ultimately upholding the public’s confidence in the party.

So far, Vice President Kamala Harris has had an impressive start. To begin with, the unprecedented $81 million raised in a single day indicates a significant wave of backing and excitement for the new candidate. These contributions signify not only financial success for the Democrats, but also demonstrate a deep and widespread involvement and positivity among her followers, who see her as a symbol of hope. Furthermore, the contrast between her and Trump:

- Gender – A female candidate disrupts the traditionally male-centric realm of American politics, garnering significant support from female voters.

- Race and ethnicity – Harris’s historic election as the first black Vice President stands in contrast to the predominantly white male composition of Trump’s administration, which faced accusations of exacerbating racial divisions.

- Professional background - Harris’s background as a prosecutor and legal expert presents her with a reputation for upholding law and order. In contrast, Trump’s multiple legal battles and his portrayal as a felon by critics highlight a contentious and polarizing figure with a vastly different relationship to the law.

Despite the recent surge in optimism surrounding Kamala Harris’s bid for presidency and the substantial backing she has received, it is important to exercise caution and heed the lessons of recent political history. The outcome of the 2016 election stands as a vivid example of the nature of political races. Hillary Clinton, who was widely perceived as the frontrunner based on numerous polls, ultimately suffered an unexpected loss. This historical backdrop underscores the importance for the Democratic Party to stay alert and proactive in addressing any potential obstacles and criticisms. While Harris’s distinctive background and the unprecedented level of enthusiasm she has generated offer promise for the future, the party must ensure that they develop a resilient and flexible campaign strategy to navigate the intricate and often turbulent political terrain.

Conclusion

The potential election of Kamala Harris as president and Trump’s withdrawal from the political arena would represent significant steps in addressing immediate challenges, but the persistence of underlying polarization and the threat of future authoritarian projects like Project 2025 remain concerns. The true test lies in the ability of politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, to effectively bridge the deep divides within the nation and restore faith in democratic institutions. This will necessitate a focus on fostering a political culture that prioritizes unity, transparency, and democratic principles, as well as comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of division and mistrust.

Inclusive dialogue, policies that bridge socioeconomic gaps, and accountability at all levels of government will be essential in preventing future iterations of Project 2025 or similar schemes. While politicians often fail to fulfill their promises, the current polarization creates a form of accountability, pushing leaders to address these divides more earnestly. Ultimately, the long-term health of American democracy depends on transcending partisan divides and building a more resilient political landscape. Harris’s potential victory could mark the beginning of this crucial journey, but it will require unwavering commitment from both political parties and innovative strategies to ensure the enduring promise of democracy for future generations.

Photo source: PxHere.