To All Political Writers: It’s Far Too Early to Speculate About 2024

This is April 2023. The next General Election is about 19 months away. It is an irrefutable fact that America has the longest and most expensive elections in the world. In every other developed nation, the campaign season lasts no longer than three months. If America did this what would political writers talk about?

A lot can happen in two years. There is even a slim possibility that Republicans could find a qualified candidate to lead our nation. However, this would never happen: Fox News would never allow it.

Are Trump and DeSantis the Best the GOP Has to Offer?

According to political writers, who are usually completely mistaken in their predictions, the two leading Republican candidates are a criminal who will be remembered as the worst president in history, Donald Trump, and the fascist, bigoted, and incompetent Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. If these two old, prejudiced white men are the best the right wing has to offer, this is the ultimate proof that the Party of Lincoln is dead and forgotten.

Several situations have become distinct possibilities. Trump’s mental and physical health is deteriorating rapidly. There is also the possibility that he could be campaigning from a New York State prison. Most significantly, nominating Trump would remove what little credibility Republicans possess in the 21st century.

I’m Not Making This Up: Trump Is the Front Runner for 2024

DeSantis is not gaining support, he is losing endorsements to Trump. In addition, it is highly likely that numerous scandals will arise over the next year and one-half. His views and policies are divisive, moronic, and based on his fascist beliefs.

Let’s get real about American elections. The cost is prohibitive and in fact a huge waste of money. The length of campaigns discourages voter turnout. By the time election day comes, we all feel the same: “Our national nightmare is coming to an end, and I don’t care who wins. It will finally be over.”

Political Writers: Elections Are No Longer About the Issues

The truth is that if elections were based on the issues important to all 331 million Americans, eight weeks of debates would force these disreputable career politicians to answer questions important to the future of our nation. No more time is needed. About ten percent of what is currently spent to obtain jobs that pay far less would be necessary to run a campaign.

It is an embarrassment that most of television ads are composed of baseless and malicious attacks on each other’s opponents. These tell me nothing about a candidate’s platform. They have replaced promises they never intended to keep with attack ads. This is another reason I refuse to watch television “news,” and fast forward through political ads which are composed of at least 90 percent falsehoods.

Once Again: Follow the Money

Unfortunately, like everything else about America, it’s all about the money. Television networks increase their revenue during campaigns that last 24 months or longer. Everyone involved in the campaign from those who print fliers and other “information,” to the companies who rent venues for campaign events makes money. Meanwhile, the American people lose interest in the purpose of holding elections. If the media was honest, they would inform the American people about the truth. Very few candidates from either major party are worthy of your vote.

One undeniable fact is that the 2020 election was more of a referendum against the fascist policies of Donald Trump than support for President Biden. I will be the first to admit that our President has surpassed my expectations. While Trump accomplished nothing for the American people over four years, Mr. Biden has a very long list of successful efforts.

In 2020 Voters Saved Our Nation

A Trump reelection would have been as big a disaster as his first illegitimate win in the Electoral College, his two impeachments, his failure to lead our nation in the fight against COVID-19, his Big Lie, and his effort to conduct a coup against his own government.

I believe that America is lacking in common sense and average intelligence. Science and facts mean nothing. Emotions weaken intellect, and politicians on the right side of the aisle use a lie to create fear, anger, and hatred. We can and we must do better.

Op-ed by James Turnage

Find my nine novels on Amazon’s Kindle

Sources:

Politico: DeSantis is in a rut. His trek to D.C. didn’t help.

CNN: Trump racks up Hill endorsements, while DeSantis faces headwinds

Top and featured image courtesy of Phil Scroggs‘ Unsplash page – Creative Commons License