Don’t get me wrong. I am happy with the way the election turned out — not because a Democrat won, and not because a Republican lost. I joined the Democratic Party ages ago, but I’ve always voted for the person, up and down the ballot, regardless of party affiliation.
Maybe I’m too old, have seen too many elections, have been uplifted too often, and been let down and disappointed too many times. So I sometimes tend to overthink (I’ve been described often as being didactic, and I accept that).
Anyway ... today (Nov. 7, 2020), four days after Election Day, with about 93% of the ballots counted, the Biden-Harris ticket won 74,537,842 votes, the Trump-Pence ticket won 70,307,981 votes. Let’s call it “Biden 74.5 million” and “Trump 70.3 million.” A handy victory.
Everyone on MSNBC — hosts, reporters, pundits, guests, interviewees — is so positive and hopeful for the country’s future. And rightly so. I feel the same way, almost completely. But as I said, I feel a smidgen of unease.
Yes, 74.5 million voters picked former Vice-President Joe Biden, a total greater than any other Presidential election in our nation’s history. On the other hand, 70.3 million backed President Donald Trump. That’s 70.3 million Americans who agree with his philosophies and controversial actions. He’s been accused of lying, being in collusion with foreign governments, heavily criticized during his first term, somewhat incoherent, and impeached.
If you play the odds, among those 70.3 supporters (Republican, Democrat, Independent, or whatever) there HAS to be at least one (likely more) potential presidential candidate that will emerge in future Presidential elections. S/he will share President Trump’s philosophies and beliefs, and will have learned from his mistakes. Someone who, if elected to the White House, would do worse than President Trump.
There ... I said it. Think about it. Do we need to be careful? You tell me.
