Quiet Before The Storm
J. Peder Zane, via RealClearPolitics, has penned an article discussing the current political climate in the United States. He posits that the country is experiencing a calm before the storm as the presidential election draws near.
The Calm Before the Storm
Zane suggests that the ongoing presidential campaign is serving as a restraint on the anger of both sides of the political divide. He warns that once a winner is declared, the losing side's rage is likely to erupt, creating a political storm. He points out that the final days of the campaign are likely to exacerbate this fury and disappointment.
The Confidence of Trump's Side
Zane notes that supporters of Donald Trump are increasingly confident of their candidate's victory. He cites recent polls from RealClearPolitics that show Trump's opponent, Kamala Harris, losing her national lead. Despite this, the polls remain close, and Harris could still win. Zane speculates that if Trump loses when he appears to be succeeding, his response will not be subdued.
Harris's Closing Argument
On the other hand, Kamala Harris has focused her closing argument on Trump's alleged unsuitability for office. Zane suggests that this rhetoric will make it impossible for her supporters to accept a Trump victory. He notes that this is not a new phenomenon, with Democrats refusing to accept Trump's victory in 2016 and Trump refusing to concede President Biden's win in 2020. Zane believes that neither side will blame themselves for defeat, instead lashing out at perceived enemies and casting the result as illegitimate.
The Consequences of a Harris Loss
Zane argues that a Harris loss would be more destructive to the country due to the different structures of the two parties. He describes the GOP as a bottom-up party, with its rank and file supporting Trump despite the wishes of party leaders. If Trump loses, Zane believes that while his supporters will be outraged, they will largely be powerless to influence events.
The Democrats' Response
In contrast, Zane describes the Democrats as a top-down party. He predicts that if Trump is elected, party leaders will refuse to accept his election, with Democratic lawyers ready to challenge the results. He also suggests that Democrats may refuse to seat Trump, invoking the Civil War-era 14th Amendment to label him an "insurrectionist."
Bottom Line
Zane concludes by expressing his fear that the next four years will be even more bitter than the last eight. He criticizes the tendency of people to find identity and meaning in the unforgiving world of politics. He ends by asking whether we will ever find the courage to say enough. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with Zane's predictions? Share this article with your friends and spark a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
Quiet Before The Storm
J. Peder Zane, via RealClearPolitics, has penned an article discussing the current political climate in the United States. He posits that the country is experiencing a calm before the storm as the presidential election draws near.
