25 Oct Cases Made, Votes Cast
If my 92-year-old mother were Catholic, a sainthood case could be made for her. I am not talking along the lines of Mary, the mother of the almighty king, prince of peace, wonderful counselor. I am referring to Mom’s saint-like kindness.
In the first half of her life, in fact, the most derogatory words Mom uttered in my presence were that a guy in our town was “not a well man.” Even that, I think she said in pity for his behavioral struggles and possible alcoholism.
But, in her tenth decade, another “insult” has crossed those saintly, lifelong-Republican lips, and they relate to none other than Donald Trump. “I just don’t understand what people see in him,” she says in wonderment.
The Case for Trump
With Saint Ruth unable to visualize or perceive his virtues, I will rely on many of our exit poll respondents to help her understand. The readers voting for Mr. Trump were full of policy reasons why: they prefer the way they expect him to handle immigration/the border, his respect for the unborn, the honoring of freedoms (particularly the First and Second Amendments), his plans to reduce the size and influence of the federal bureaucracy, and also his anticipated handling of the economy.
One voter summarized her thoughts this way:
I have to vote the platform that aligns with my values. I prize smaller government, freer enterprise, and more individual freedom. And while I believe in a strong safety net, I believe these are the guard rails that will result in greater prosperity for more people.
Another said this:
President Trump [had] governing successes during his first term. He cut taxes for almost everyone and wants to make those cuts permanent, he reduced regulations, he gave people more freedom. He could have done better to lower federal spending but the Swamp is deep and it takes time to uproot it. … He will also promote free speech rather than censorship of “disinformation.”
Yet another policy-based approach:
His policies are the best for America. He is committed to dismantling the Administrative State, which will be a return toward a government of checks and balances and the separation of powers. Much stronger on upholding the value of human life. Understands the threat of DEI and neo-Marxism that is eating away at the fabric of our society.
A few of you also volunteered that you did not like much about Donald Trump, but voted for him anyway as “the lesser of two evils.”
Trump’s total in our poll to date: 40 percent.
The Case for Harris
Kamala Harris is not Donald Trump. That was the primary argument my many Harris-voting readers articulated very clearly and forcefully. The Harris case was most commonly stated this way:
Disregarding all else, Trump’s 34 felony convictions would cost him my vote. His role in inciting the January 6th riot which attempted to overturn election results convinced me that he poses a serious threat to the rule of law and to our democracy. The way he has mocked disabled people, villainized immigrants, talked about and acted with women have convinced me that he is a truly vile person. I wouldn’t want him as my neighbor let alone my President. His fondness for dictators and brutal authoritarians is truly scary. He is a pathological liar. He makes stuff up and then states it as fact. Many of those who served in his administration have said he should never be near the White House again. I fear for our democracy if he is elected.
Ms. Harris has come out strongly in support of reproductive rights. She is in favor of making the rich pay their fair share of taxes and of commonsense gun safety laws. I trust her to maintain our democracy. And, I have to admit that I would also LOVE to see a woman President in our country at long last.
Another respondent added to the argument:
Trump lies incessantly and speaks vulgarity or thoughtlessly on topics that should not be part of our national discourse; he is morally bankrupt; he does not listen to knowledgeable civil servants, military leaders, national intelligence, or scientific experts; he incited an insurrection and is a threat to our democracy…. Trump is mentally and morally unfit to be president.
… I believe in reproductive freedom and supporting our marginalized communities, especially gays, other races/ethnicities and yes, women! And finally, I support common sense gun laws so no parent will learn that their child was gunned down in yet another school shooting.
The case for Harris also included this:
I am pretty happy with the direction the economy is headed. I feel she would represent the Office with dignity – something Trump cannot seem to do… And I believe we all should pay our fair share of taxes, including the rich.
Harris total: 46 percent.
The Case for Neither
Somewhat surprisingly to me, the remaining 14 percent of those who responded reported either voting for Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, writing in someone, or simply leaving the presidential ovals unfilled. Their reasoning? Most said that neither major-party candidate deserved their vote, or they were “sending a message” to one or both parties to find better nominees. Nearly all of the “neither” voters consider themselves to be Republicans.
***
Of course, none of the above can predict what other voters will do. In my exit poll, however, it was Harris/Walz 46, Trump/Vance 40, and None of the Above 14 percent.
Written by Quentin R. Wittrock, founder of Principle Based Politics.
Look for his posts each week, as this blog will explore and promote the idea of principle in politics, both as to individual elected leaders and our federal government as an institution.
Principle Based Politics does not endorse or support any particular political candidate or party.
No Comments