The September 2024 U.S. presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was, unfortunately, characterized by a striking lack of substantive discourse on matters of public interest. As someone who has followed U.S. politics closely since my student days, this debate stood out as a departure from the norm, where past presidential debates typically focused on policy differences, visions for the future, and each candidate’s strengths. In previous debates, while there were criticisms and disagreements, these were usually respectful and framed around policy matters rather than personal attacks.
However, in this particular debate, it became evident that both candidates spent more time in a blame game, engaging in personal attacks and political leg-pulling rather than focusing on the pressing issues facing the country. The debate lacked serious discussion of critical topics such as international relations, economic challenges, and domestic concerns like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead of presenting a clear road map to address the challenges America faces, the debate was dominated by accusations, finger-pointing, and character assaults.
This shift toward a more negative and hostile tone in U.S. political debates raises concerns about the state of American democracy. Historically, the U.S. has been viewed as the world’s leading democratic nation, championing democratic values, civil discourse, and healthy political debate. However, the erosion of these values during this debate calls into question whether American democracy still stands as the global model it once was. The focus on personal attacks rather than policy critiques undermines the integrity of the electoral process and distracts from the important discussions that voters need to hear to make informed decisions.
As someone who has watched U.S. presidential debates in the past, the contrast was stark. What was once a forum for candidates to lay out their visions for America’s future has now devolved into a spectacle of negativity, more akin to the political maneuvering often associated with developing nations. This erosion of political discourse, where public interest is pushed to the sidelines, is deeply troubling. Ultimately, this debate reflects a broader deterioration in the values that once set American democracy apart. The tone and content of the exchange between Trump and Harris do not inspire confidence in the health of U.S. democratic practices.
Merits and De-merits
Public choice and merit play a crucial role in electing a president, as the American people weigh the performance of the current administration and the capabilities of the candidates. In the case of the Biden administration, many challenges have emerged both domestically and globally. The Afghanistan withdrawal, often seen as a debacle, left a lasting mark on U.S. foreign policy. The ongoing Ukraine war, escalating tensions with China, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza all occurred during Biden’s tenure. Additionally, the global shift toward de-dollarization and the expansion of BRICS have added to concerns about America’s declining global influence.
Domestically, Americans have faced significant issues as well. Unemployment, inflation, economic uncertainty, and rising incidents of violence and racism have left many feeling unsafe. These factors have led to a growing sentiment that the Democrats may face difficulties in winning the upcoming presidential election based on their performance over the past four years.
Kamala Harris, while bringing diversity as a young, female, and non-White candidate with ties to the Obama and Biden administrations, was not initially positioned to lead the Democratic ticket. Her candidacy emerged after President Biden stepped down following the first debate with Trump, creating an unexpected opening for Harris. However, her nomination, while symbolically significant, may not be enough to overcome the challenges the Democrats face.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, the Republican contender, also carries his share of controversies and shortcomings. Despite this, the unpredictable nature of politics means that the outcome remains uncertain. Ultimately, it will be up to the American people to decide who they believe is best suited to lead the country through these turbulent times.
The public will evaluate the candidates based on their records, vision for the future, and ability to address the pressing issues at home and abroad. As always in politics, public sentiment can shift rapidly, making the final decision one that only the voters can make.
Global Expectations
The global expectations from the American presidential elections are significant, especially during a time of harsh, volatile, and hostile geopolitics. The world is looking for a leader who can bring peace, stability, and certainty in a landscape where economic growth, development, and prosperity are urgently needed. An ideal American president is expected to foster global cooperation, collaborate positively with other nations, and help transform the world into a better, more livable place.
The global community desires the end of ongoing wars and confrontations, hoping that disputes and differences will be resolved amicably under the framework of the United Nations Charter. There is also a strong expectation for free and fair-trade practices that benefit all, addressing global issues such as poverty, natural disasters, climate change, education, and healthcare.
Nations around the world seek equal treatment, without any form of hegemony, supremacy, or coercion. They expect respect for national sovereignty, regardless of a country’s size, wealth, or power. Justice, impartiality, and law-based governance are critical values that many believe the next U.S. president should uphold, ensuring the fair treatment of all countries.
In essence, the global community hopes for a president who can promote peace, mutual respect, and collaboration, working with others to create a fairer and more just international order.
