Stream of Thoughts on US Election 2024

Writing this at 7 a.m., still on an empty stomach, so this will be a bit of a ramble. We’re seeing incumbents around the world facing losses. It’s all down to them being in power through the COVID mess and the inflation that followed. Some have barely clung to their majorities, and others have been completely booted out. That’s a point that tends to get lost in a lot of the analysis, which is always about the campaigns rather than the real underlying issues.

Take the U.S. – people are angry over high prices for basic stuff like eggs and still haven’t adjusted. No wonder it looks bad for Harris or any candidate who seems tied to the current state of things. Another big factor here is the loss of status among men without degrees. There was a time when men were the main earners, but those days are gone, and the role’s shifted. A lot of men are dealing with this identity crisis and swinging to the right, leaning on a more traditional outlook. In American politics, inflation anger is centre stage, but you can’t ignore the undercurrent of this cultural shift.

Then there’s Trump. The irony is he’s likely to drive inflation too, but he still comes across as the “change” guy, which appeals to people feeling low after a couple of rough years. This race isn’t over yet; it’s neck-and-neck. People are acting like we’ve already seen the end result, but nothing’s been called just yet. We’re in this weird time of change, so let’s be kind to each other. Things are tense, and there’s going to be a lot of fear for a while, but we should be sticking close, comforting each other. It’s going to be okay – America’s been through worse.

Whatever happens tonight, it’s going to be historic. So, fasten your seat belts – yes, that’s a song reference for the drum and bass fans. I really hope America doesn’t relapse, but it’s worth understanding that voters’ grievances, even if they’re blaming Biden or Harris unfairly, are legitimate. Let’s avoid hyperbole and over-the-top rhetoric. Yes, tensions are high along with fear, but we should treat each other with kindness. Actions speak louder than words, and America could use some comfort right now.