If We Take This Election to its Basic Truth, it is a Battle Between Love and Hate

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

Regardless of what the media tells us, the major issues are rarely the reason candidates receive votes from the voting public. Sadly, most elections are the result of a human being’s greatest weakness: emotions.

From the first year I was allowed to vote, 1968, I listened to people B

Before that day, in 1960, men and women described John Kennedy as “handsome,” “appearing trustworthy,” and “believable.” “Tricky Dick” earned his nickname during the debates.

In 1980, Ronald Reagan revealed what he wanted to reveal: his acting ability. I and millions of others were fooled. Over his first few months of his presidency it was clear that he hated the working class, was indeed a racist, a bigot, and sexist.

In 2000 I overheard a group of cattle ranchers from Texas saying, “I like that George Bush. He seems like someone I’d like to have a beer with.”

Things are a little different in 2024.

Every Trump speech since June of 2015 is composed of negativity. Vicious attacks filled with angry rhetoric, leading to hatred and a suggestion of violence define every Trump rally. His ill-informed supporters believe his whiny complaints and his vicious attacks on anyone who disagrees with his extremist and destructive plans for our nation.

Kamala Harris speaks to all Americans. She expresses understanding and compassion for 330+ American people, and has plans to improve our quality of life. She clearly offers love and respect for every man, woman, and child in America.

This election is a contest between love and hate, democracy and fascism. Love must win. I do not want to live in a country dominated by a leader and his minions who openly express their hatred for real Americans. I do not believe in white superiority. I will not condemn anyone for their ethnic background, their religious beliefs, their sexual orientation, or treat women as second or even third-class citizens. I trust in the Constitution, and cherish the precepts of the First Amendment. I am a patriotic American, and I will never give my precious vote to anyone who does not place all of our country’s people first.

If there is a God, Trump will lose badly in November, and this will be last we see or hear from him for the remainder of his pitiful life.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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