As the 2024 election presidential draws nearer, a lot of us seem to be feeling a real sense of ambiguity about the two candidates who’ll face off against one another come November. Many voters have expressed frustration at who they see as a literal “rock vs. hard place” situation between two challengers who have both been historically negatively perceived.
In their defense, regardless of our political beliefs I think it’s fair to say that both incumbent Joseph Biden and his potential replacement, former president Donald Trump, possess qualities that detract from their campaigns.
In Biden’s case, as much as the media portrayal of him as old and senile is often overplayed (not helped by an incredibly partisan special counsel report calling him a “simple elderly man”), it cannot be overlooked that this is a man who, by the time of the election, will be almost 82 years old. Already the oldest president by some margin, he would end his potential second term at over 86, and for someone possessing the most powerful job in the world, this is objectively of some concern. While Biden has repeatedly stated his mental faculties are fully operational, his age being a defining characteristic of his presidency undoubtedly makes it a lot more difficult for him to create a strong public personality to attract voters, and is a quality that can be easily exploited by his opponents.
Trump, whilst perhaps having more of a media personality, also has potential obstacles to his reflection in the form of the multiple criminal and civil lawsuits cases brought against him by various parties. Despite Trump’s best efforts to put a positive spin on the whole situation, many voters have expressed trepidation about the potential of a second Trump term, especially given the legal controversy that has already surrounded his campaign.
Whilst voters are entirely entitled to whatever opinion they hold, it’s the actions they take because of them that I draw issue with. While it’s entirely reasonable (sensible, even) to feel that neither candidate deserves your vote, what isn’t morally acceptable is to refuse to cast your vote as a result of this feeling. A recent Washington Post survey found that during Super Tuesday, the first round of meaningful presidential voting, only about 1 in 10 of voters nationwide who are eligible to vote in the general election participated.
This is seriously concerning; I understand how choosing a candidate to support may seem like a daunting task. I understand that this election in particular seems to be asking you to choose who is “less worse” rather than the truly better candidate. I understand how, particularly for high school students, having this be the first presidential election you’re eligible to vote in is pretty intimidating. But our nation cannot function for the good of the people without voter participation. It is a fundamental duty of citizens to vote, regardless of who they vote for, or we face the possibility of a president in power whose values are not shared by the majority of Americans. I know it seems difficult. But I implore you to, no matter which side of the political spectrum you fall on, to register to vote and turn out on November 5.
