The Absentee Ballot Dilemma: A Conservative’s Perspective on the 2024 Election

As the 2024 election approaches, many voters are grappling with their choices, particularly those who prefer to vote absentee. For some, like myself, the ballot arrived in the mail weeks ago, and I’ve found myself staring at it, feeling less than enthusiastic about the candidates at the top of the ticket. However, recent developments have sparked a shift in my perspective, leading me to reconsider my options.

A Surprising Shift in Sentiment

Vice President Kamala Harris, along with her supporters and the left-leaning media, has inadvertently made me, a conservative who doesn’t identify with the MAGA movement, contemplate voting for former President Donald Trump. This sentiment is not unique to me; many conservatives are feeling similarly disillusioned by the current political landscape.

The rhetoric coming from Harris and her allies is reminiscent of the Democratic strategies employed during the 2016 election, which is proving to be a significant turn-off for moderate voters. The mainstream media, with few exceptions, seems to have abandoned any pretense of impartiality, opting instead to actively support Harris in her campaign against Trump.

Media Bias and Its Impact

The examples of media bias are plentiful. A recent segment by CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell during the vice presidential debate illustrated this point starkly. O’Donnell highlighted Harris’s efforts to appeal to disaffected Republican voters, noting her collaboration with Liz Cheney in key battleground states. In contrast, she described Trump’s campaign activities in a derogatory manner, focusing on his controversial remarks and actions rather than his policies or achievements.

This kind of reporting is not just frustrating; it’s indicative of a broader trend where the media appears to be more invested in shaping narratives than in providing balanced coverage. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, and the media’s role in influencing public perception cannot be understated.

Echoes of 2016: The Clinton Comparison

The parallels between Harris’s campaign and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 bid are striking. Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” comment, which alienated many voters, seems to be echoed in the current discourse. Harris and her supporters are framing opposition to her candidacy in a way that could easily backfire, much like Clinton’s approach did.

Clinton’s strategy of emphasizing her gender and urging women to vote for her based solely on her identity was not only ineffective but also patronizing. Today, we see similar tactics being employed, with progressive activists urging women to vote against their husbands’ preferences, as if their political choices are not their own.

The Gender Card: A Double-Edged Sword

The media’s focus on gender dynamics in this election is another area of concern. While it’s important to recognize the significance of having a female candidate, the narrative that men are uncomfortable with Harris’s identity detracts from the real issues at hand. Voters, regardless of gender, are primarily concerned with policies and governance, not the demographics of the candidates.

Recent commentary from figures like Jess Piper, who suggests that women should ignore their husbands’ political views, is not only misguided but also reinforces outdated stereotypes about women’s voting behavior. The New York Times has also contributed to this narrative, framing Harris’s potential presidency as a historic moment while implying that male voters might struggle to accept a woman in power.

The Focus on Democracy: A Lack of Substance

Harris’s campaign has increasingly centered on the theme of “democracy,” particularly in the context of Trump’s presidency and the events surrounding the 2020 election. However, her speeches often lack clarity and substance, leaving many voters wondering what her actual policies would entail.

Her recent remarks about the fragility of democracy and the need for citizens to fight for it come off as vague platitudes rather than actionable plans. This kind of rhetoric may resonate with some, but for many voters, it feels like a diversion from the pressing issues that affect their daily lives.

A Potential Shift in Voting Behavior

As I reflect on the current political climate and the strategies employed by Harris and her supporters, I find myself at a crossroads. The combination of media bias, patronizing rhetoric, and a lack of substantive policy discussion has led me to reconsider my initial hesitations about voting for Trump.

While I may not align with all of his views, the current approach of the Democratic campaign is pushing me—and likely many others—toward a decision that I had previously ruled out. The irony is palpable: in their efforts to rally support against Trump, Harris and her allies may be inadvertently galvanizing a segment of the electorate that they seek to alienate.

Conclusion

As the election draws near, it’s crucial for voters to engage critically with the narratives being presented by both sides. The stakes are high, and the choices we make will have lasting implications for our country. For conservatives like me, the decision may ultimately come down to which candidate offers a clearer vision for the future, rather than which one is more adept at playing the political game.

Ingrid Jacques, a columnist at USA TODAY, captures this sentiment well, reminding us that the political landscape is ever-evolving, and our choices must reflect our values and priorities, not just the narratives being spun around us.