Smith: We’ll be fine no matter who wins – Daily Independent

Joe Smith

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By Joe Smith | Scottsdale

As the 2024 election draws to a close, we can all agree on two things: First, it’s a relief that it’s almost over. Second, as one madman put it, “there is 100% agreement in America that half the voters are wrong.”

But seriously, how many of us are genuinely excited about Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Instead of real talk about the issues, we are bombarded with promises of more government handouts, as if voters don’t realize that “government money” is just taxpayer money. Unsustainable deficit spending on both sides hurts us all and could eventually bankrupt the most prosperous nation on Earth.

This election may come down to which candidate people dislike less. Both campaigns have spent billions to stoke our fears, and they seem to be working.

Many voters dislike Harris’ liberal politics, but fear Trump even more. They see him as too narcissistic, divisive and authoritative. They believe that he does not respect the Constitution, that he tried to subvert the 2020 elections, and that he will use the office to enrich himself and expand and perpetuate his power. So they will hold their noses and vote for Harris, hoping that she will govern calmly, from the center, and help unite the nation. You may not agree, but try to understand their thinking and don’t hate them for it.

Many others dislike Trump’s character flaws, but fear Harris even more. They fear it will continue the trend toward bigger and more intrusive government. They are repulsed by what they see as an uncontrollable wake, a lack of immigration controls and a weak foreign policy. So they will hold their noses and vote for Trump, hoping that he will reverse what they see as the failures of the Obama and Biden administrations. You may not agree, but try to understand their thinking and don’t hate them for it.

With constant fear mongering on both sides, this election has turned many of us into political fanatics. But it’s time to take a breather. It’s almost over. Many of us have already voted. It’s time to stop letting these campaigns make us hate each other. Time for friendships to be restored. It’s time for families to reconnect. It’s time to stop the hostility. It’s time to heal.

And it is time for all Americans to believe in this great nation. No matter which candidate wins, we will endure. Here’s why:

• Both candidates know we are a divided country. The real power lies with moderate, independent voters who do not align themselves with the extreme left or right. These voters will decide the outcome of this election, they will act as a check on any extreme policies and they will put pressure on politicians to be moderate.

• If Trump is elected, he will be relieved enough (both legally and financially) to start worrying about his legacy. Because he will be a lame duck, it will be easier for some Republicans to join Democrats in opposing the unpopular changes. In order to achieve something, he will have to learn to listen, work on the path and make compromises.

• If Harris wins, she will seek a second term. She watched Biden’s approval rating plummet because he failed to follow through on his promise to govern from the center. She will not want to repeat this mistake, so she will have no choice but to work with moderates.

Our politics has become a mess. Both parties care more about winning than the future of our nation. Instead of talking to each other, they spend all their time yelling at each other. Most Americans are fed up. Neither party represents them. That’s why so many people are rejecting both parties, pushing for nonpartisan primaries, and experimenting with alternative movements like No Labels. If the parties do not moderate, they will continue their downward spiral.

But no matter who wins, America will survive. Ordinary citizens will save us, not politicians. Voters will reject extremism. Politicians will have no choice but to follow us. We’ll deal with it.

Editor’s note: A former journalist now retired in Scottsdale, Joe Smith is the author of Fixing America’s Broken Politics. The opinions expressed here are his own. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcome [email protected].