Former NC governor: Trump or Biden 2020?
I might not vote for either one. I might vote for one of them anyway. Which is more irresponsible?
As an 84-year-old codger myself, I think both candidates are too old. Neither one thinks before he speaks - unless teleprompters count. Then some staffer struggles to explain what he meant, leaving uncertain what to believe. Even worse is when President Trump “tweets” his late-night demons. Neither party has done much to appeal to average voters at the political center. That’s how badly polarized politics has become. I was duly impressed that Joe Biden dissociated himself from today’s trendy “defund police” anarchy. But will he veto his party’s hot, new fad?
It is particularly worrisome that President Donald Trump is uncontrollably belligerent at the slightest provocation. His verbal fireworks insult the intelligence of his supporters - I hope! He demonizes opposition, and they demonize him, with mutual disrespect. This may appeal to some, but not many. I prefer a little human-kindness, and give Biden credit for that . . . occasionally.
Trump did survive three years of partisan impeachment. Let’s face it: the early Russian sham was inevitable given his reputation and attitude. Yet, after a ponderously thorough investigation, nothing connected him or his campaign to Russia’s proven interference. He was impeached, but not for Russian collusion. He was hastily impeached by House Democrats for pressuring Ukraine to gig Biden, and hastily “acquitted” by Senate Republicans. My prophecy in 2016 was that whoever won, Trump or Clinton, would be impeached for something. I couldn’t vote for either of them. A “write-in” ballot saved having to hold my nose that time.
Unlike many who hate Trump, I acknowledge his achievements, beginning with his energizing economic policies. Jobs are still the world’s greatest social program. Cutting taxes and excessive regulatory burdens on American businesses was heroic, and generated impressive job growth for all – until coronavirus shut it down. I commend his determination to secure the borders, which he dishonors with his spite and malice. He gets credit here for supporting law enforcement, military preparedness, and veterans, and especially for two Supreme Court Justices who believe the Constitution means what it says.
His personal vendettas, his locker room disdain for women and minorities, his coarse attempts to bully anyone who disagrees, including our allies - these are not attributes of honorable leadership. It stirs hatred in both directions. When it comes to health and climate issues, he and other politicians should “let science be science,” and debate instead what we can afford to do about it.
After devoting much of my life to building a more competitive two-party political system, while following a fiscally conservative agenda for “Better Schools, Better Roads, and Better Jobs” for North Carolina, it would take a miraculous conversion for me to vote for all the free stuff the Democrats propose. That’s why I support state and local Republicans and our congressional delegation as a bulwark against runaway excesses in case the other side takes over. Should I hold my nose voting the top of the ticket?
What if enough of us withhold announcing our presidential vote? We might get consideration for those who want a dynamic, job-rich economy, but also want national leaders whose civility, stability, and character earn our respect. Or will we just get dueling negative ads?
“Things fall apart, the center cannot hold.
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world . . .
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.”
B. Yeats (1919, another pandemic year)
This story was originally published September 12, 2020 at 11:41 PM.