Trump or Biden 2020?

Published September 18, 2020

By Jim Martin

 I might not vote for either one. I might vote for one of them. Which statement is more irresponsible?
 
Consider these comparisons. As an 84-year-old codger myself, I think both candidates are too old. Neither one thinks before he speaks, or (even worse) before President Trump “tweets.” Then some staffer struggles to explain what he (or the other he) meant, leaving uncertain whom to believe. Pinocchio would love ‘em both. Neither one has done much to appeal to average voters at the political center. That’s how badly polarized presidential politics has become. I was duly impressed that Joe Biden dissociated himself from today’s trendy “defund police” anarchy. But will his choice for Vice President agree? This time, Vice Presidents matter.
 
It is particularly worrisome that President Trump is uncontrollably belligerent at the slightest provocation. Shooting from the lip, he has insulted practically every minority group. This may appeal to some, but not many. He demonizes opposition, and they demonize him, with mutual disrespect. I prefer a little human-kindness, and give Biden credit for that . . . occasionally.
 
Trump did survive a three year threat of impeachment, but let’s face it: the early Russian sham was almost inevitable given his reputation and attitude. When all the cards had been played, nothing connected him or his campaign to Russia’s interference. He then got impeached by the House Democrats for pressuring Ukraine to gig Biden, but “acquitted” by the Senate Republicans. My prophetic prediction in 2016 was that whoever won, Trump or Clinton, would be impeached for something. So, 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. Cutting taxes and the excessive regulatory burden on American businesses was heroic, and generated impressive job growth – until coronavirus shut it down. Jobs are still the world’s greatest social program. I commend determination to secure the borders, which he dishonors with his spite and malice. He gets credit here for two Supreme Court Justices who believe the Constitution means what it says.
 
His personal vendetta against everybody, 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. Are we the United States, or what? 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 course working 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. So I will support state and local Republicans and our congressional delegation as a bulwark against runaway excesses in case the other side takes over. Just don’t expect me to hold my nose voting the top of the ticket.

Maybe if enough of us hesitate announcing our presidential vote, we might bring consideration for those who want a dynamic, job-rich economy, but also want national leaders whose civility, stability, and character earn our respect. Wouldn’t that be something!
 
“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.”
            W. B. Yeats (1919, in another pandemic year)