Just finished watching the Thursday, June 27, 2024 Presidential Debate. I can’t take it anymore. At the risk of starting a food fight, here’s what I think.
Full disclosure. I’m a centrist Democrat … probably more conservative-leaning on national security, economic progress, taxes, and big government … probably more liberal-leaning on social progress, climate, and reproductive rights. I’d like to see a lot more immigration to drive economic growth … but the right kind: some humanitarian, most attracting and retaining more go-getters and IQ points in STEM, and an orderly and fair process. I’ve always been conflicted about Trump because I agree with some of his policies but he is the kind of person I just don’t like: braggart, bully, arrogant, entitled, and a liar. I like to think I rely on facts and data … and have an open mind.
Age. Jump ball. I bet Biden can do the job. For heaven’s sake, he’s doing it today. While also an old guy, Trump is probably also capable of doing the job, at least in terms of stamina and acuity. Both are old guys and might get sick or die.
Integrity / Honesty. Huge, Huge, Huge + for Biden. Trump doesn’t tell us the truth. You have to question everything he says. It’s exhausting. It’s astounding to suffer a Hitler-like or Putin-like barrage of lies or mis- / dis-information. We need to have an open mind and check with non-partisan, well-credentialed experts. Trump either doesn’t know the facts (unprepared or dumb) … or, worst case, does know the facts and lies to your face about them. Disputing his statements is a waste of time. Just say he’s probably lying or doesn’t know what he’s talking about and move on with your version of a sensible plan.
National security. Huge Huge + for Biden. If you support Trump, my very serious worry is that you are on the same page as our country’s enemies. Russia and China (and probably Iran and North Korea) like Trump. Why do I think so? They used social media mis- / dis-information campaigns to support Trump and undermine their opponents in earlier elections. Think about why our enemies want Trump. It’s because they think Trump’s election will weaken the United States and be good for them.
Illegal immigration. Jump ball. It’s crazy but our government doesn’t report the number of illegal immigrants entering our country and/or remaining in our country. Regardless of what alternative measures you use, illegal immigration is likely a lot higher under Biden than during Trump. However, Biden is finally doing everything he can to fix illegal immigration. Maybe too late, but better late than never. Biden and Congress (Democrats and Republicans) had a plan to make more progress. Trump killed it. Why? Because it was good for him politically to continue to allow illegal immigration. Good for Trump; bad for you and our country. (Source: https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2024/0416/biden-trump-immigration-border-crossings.)
The economy. Little + for Biden. GDP growth during Trump was 2.3% per year. GDP growth during Biden was 2.2% per year. It’s a wash. Both are anemic. Frankly, I haven’t reached a conclusion on who will do better going forward. Probably Biden. Why? Since Eisenhower (1953), GDP growth under Democratic Presidents has averaged 3.6% per year. GDP growth under Republican Presidents has averaged 3.0%. (Source: https://www.investopedia.com/gdp-growth-by-president-8604042.)
Inflation. Little + for Biden. Inflation during Trump was 1.9% per year. Inflation during Biden was 5.7% per year. Frankly, I haven’t reached a conclusion on who will do better going forward. Probably Biden. Why? Since Eisenhower (1953), inflation under Democratic Presidents has averaged 3.9% per year. Inflation under Republican Presidents has averaged 4.3%. (Source: https://www.investopedia.com/us-inflation-rate-by-president-8546447.)
Reproductive Rights. Pretty clear big + for Biden. Biden supports nationwide choice. Trump, afraid to grab hold of the 3rd rail, punts to state-by-state decision. Why should a woman in one state have different rights than a woman in a different state?
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I do not defend Trumps ability to stretch the truth. But I also have no idea how you can ignore a Biden career built on lies and misrepresentation of his credentials.
You’ve held some very prestigious positions. Would you have remained in any of these if your staff admitted that you were only fully functional from 10 am to 4 pm daily?
The trend for unemployment under the Trump administration was steadily downward until COVID. Yes, Trump was POTUS when that happened but he certainly wasn’t a causative factor.
Had he attempted to override the policies of Dr Fauci, I’m sure that would have resulted in another impeachment effort. The economy took a downturn due to the steps taken to control COVID. Many of these steps have been shown to have been unnecessary and damaging to many aspects of our society.
I certainly respect your experience and intellect but I disagree with most of your conclusions.
Hi Mike, I know you to be a smart, good hearted, accomplished person so I respect and value your perspective. For me, Trump not knowing his stuff and/or misrepresenting truth is a deal breaker. While I value honest, constructive, up-front disagreements, I am pretty sure Trump doesn’t. (PS. I think my staff would have welcomed me being functional only 6 hours a day. 🙂 )