The 2024 election

(Opinion)

Both cultural Americas are still recovering from the shock of the election. Maybe some expected the stunning, one-sided outcome. Not me. Didn't know what was going to happen or not happen. Maybe some Harris diehard and Trump MAGA core felt certain, but for me, the mystery was stressful.

All the negatives Donald Trump exhibits, the exaggerated claims, and nearly constant self-praising. Bombastic public comments, all meant to draw gasps or attention, the loose display of accuracy with half-truths and ambiguous context that the ravenous press devowers and regurgitates into nightly news. The seeming total lack of personal self-control or presidential gravitas. I could go on with this, Trump's negatives are numerous and self-evident.

That said, it's also remarkably true that Trump somehow overcame a gauntlet of devastating blows against him and his family from a very corrupt and biased legacy media, a White House directed (yes, there is hard evidence) Justice Department's openly political inquisition of trials, and a well-funded Democrat Party quest to get their hated opponent off ballots and into a jail cell. Or, just resign his gutted candidacy. 

Back to reality, it all utterly failed. Voters made their own independent decisions about who and what Trump actually is, beyond his own words, and also beyond the media's silly bad man version. Voters have rejected all the dopey, extreme labels. Racist, rapist, convicted felon, a dictator who threatens democracy. 

Frankly, as events have unfolded, fairness requires that we must also add profound personal courage after near-assassination. We can not exclude Trump's resilience, his very tough mental perseverance, and resolve. No one can ignore his physical effort, stamina, a pace of activity that few could match at any age. The consistent vigor of his campaign is undeniable. Nor can anyone deny his sharp, indefatigable cognitive ability, as everyone heard even in hour three of the Rogan interview. So, to be fair and accurate, Donald Trump also has amazing talents, along with his unpalletables. Maybe a Trump 2.0 in demeanor will yet emerge, but that is unlikely. Only policy results will be his real and lasting success.

Record collection of Shiny Objects, and a clear majority saw past them all. Economy, border, crime, DEI, the voters saw these issues clearly and stayed focused on priorities. There was an impressive voter turnout for 2024, close to last time. This time, voters spoke in a definitive voice.