Regardless of one’s personal political preferences, beliefs, etc, most will agree, we have witnessed, for the last 30 months, a level of political polarization, probably not witnessed, and/ or experienced, since the United States Civil War! In my lifetime, I have witnessed many politicians, many of which, I have disagreed with, but, there was, always, a certain degree of predictability, and/ or, expected/ anticipated behavior, etc. The current occupation of the White House, President Donald Trump, has, behaved, quite differently, often, resorting to name – calling, repeating misstatements/ lying, empty rhetoric/ promises, and, what many consider, extreme degrees of vitriol. The Democratic Party, 18 months, before the next Presidential election, have still not articulated, a compelling theme, but, rather, to a large degree, have merely, complained about Mr. Trump. Which of the more than two dozen candidates, might prevail, whether they can nominate a consensus candidate (who unifies them), etc, will certainly, determine the results of the 2020 elections! Will this be, about, President Trump’s record, or rhetoric/ promises? With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 possible/ potential factors.
1. What’s most important to electorate?: There seems to be, little – to – no, meeting – of – the – minds, or seeking the common good! Since the American political system, is, quite complicated, especially because of the use of the Electoral College, which candidate, and specific message, will appeal, enough, to prevail?
2. Voter turnout: In the hotly contested, 2016 Presidential election, more potential voters, did not vote, than did! Will the rhetoric, of today’s political climate, bring people out, or, will it turn – them – off? Which voters are most likely to vote, and, who might they support, and why? Will enough individuals, pay keen attention, fact – check (in order to differentiate between political spin/ opinions, and real facts), or will, we, once again, witness, empty promises, and rhetoric, win – out?
3. Will Democrats unify, behind their candidate, or repeat 2016?: In 2016, Democrats, to a large degree, defeated themselves, because, a considerable percentage of Bernie Sanders’ voters, either, didn’t vote, at all, or supported a minority candidate (with no chance of winning), or Mr. Trump (as a protest against Hillary Clinton). Will this election be more of the same, or will they unify, behind their candidate, in order to defeat President Trump, in 2020?
4. Priorities: What will be the voters’ priorities? Will opposing Trump, be enough, to unify Democrats? Will immigration become a major issue, which, either benefits the President, or his opponents? Will the majority of Americans credit President Trump, for the economy, or, will they believe, it has not treated, all segments of society, equally? How about the environment/ Climate Change, integrity/ ethics in politics, etc?
5. What’s right, versus, appeals to biases/ prejudices/ self – interest/ political agenda?: Will the rights, privileges, freedoms, and justice, for – all, expressed in our Constitution, prevail, or, will an appeal to core supporters’ biases, prejudices, etc?
No one knows, for sure, what will be the over – riding issues/ considerations, regarding the 2020 Presidential election! However, if we hope to see a relevant, sustainable government, which addresses compelling priorities and needs, voters must become ready, willing, and able to pay keen attention, and be less apathetic!
