It’s a knotty era and making a choice for who to steer it, makes it gaddamn complex.
I reside in one of the swing states in America and I am not black. However, that doesn’t impinge my senses or cast a cloud over my sentiments.
America today is in a haze – one must be careful. Choosing a leader who can steer us through economic, social, and global upheaval is critical.
My concerns
Although I’m not a fan of Donald Trump’s personality or certain actions, particularly his behavior around the Capitol riots, my choice in this election is about policy and outcomes. For those reasons, I will cast my vote for Trump.
Our economy is one of my biggest concerns. Over the last few years, inflation has hit American families hard, with prices for groceries, rent, and essentials rising at rates unseen in decades. The current administration’s economic strategies have left us reeling under inflation and a high national debt. Trump’s policies, however imperfect, have proven their effectiveness in fostering growth and keeping inflation manageable.
Trump’s focus on lower taxes and deregulation has historically spurred job growth, giving businesses breathing room to expand. His approach to energy independence—especially in unleashing the American energy sector—ensured stable gas prices and lessened our dependence on foreign oil. In contrast, Democratic policies have imposed high regulatory burdens that strain both the economy and the average citizen’s wallet.
Another pressing issue is national security. Under Trump, the United States took a strong stance against threats by establishing firm policies that prioritized American safety. His reintroduction of sanctions on Iran was one example of this approach. In recent years, however, foreign threats have grown, and U.S. policy appears reactive, not proactive. A firm hand is needed to protect American interests globally.
The border situation is a significant concern as well. Trump’s policies, though controversial, made real progress in controlling illegal immigration and tightening border security. The rollback of these policies has led to a surge in unauthorized crossings, stretching resources in border states and creating safety issues. With Trump, I am confident the border crisis will be taken seriously.
International perception matters. Trump’s sometimes unpredictable approach might have been unconventional, but it often yielded results. His ability to broker peace agreements in the Middle East, for instance, demonstrated his deal-making skills. As the world faces increased instability—from conflicts in Ukraine and Israel to mounting tensions with China—a leader with a tough, straightforward stance could make a critical difference.
While Trump’s personality often garners criticism, it resonates with voters who feel he represents their frustrations with “business-as-usual” Washington politics. Unlike many politicians, he has never shied away from bluntly addressing issues that matter to ordinary Americans. In today’s polarized environment, this kind of outspokenness can be reassuring.
The alternative concerns me. Kamala Harris’s progressive policy agenda and often ambiguous stances on critical issues signal a shift even further left. Her plans for increased social spending, government programs, and regulatory expansion could deepen our debt issues and lead to higher taxes. For many of us, these policies would be financially and socially unsustainable.
Moreover, the current administration’s approach to foreign policy has been less assertive. From the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal to the lack of a cohesive strategy in dealing with Russia and Iran, recent years have shown a U.S. foreign policy that appears tentative. Trump, by contrast, left no room for ambiguity when it came to U.S. interests on the world stage.
While I may not fully align with Trump’s character or even his methods, I know the stakes are too high to be complacent. American families are financially struggling, and the world is more unstable than ever. Trump’s past policies prove he can focus on results, and that is what we urgently need today.
Beyond my own reasoning, Trump’s appeal extends across different voter groups. Many like me may find his personality grating but still respect his track record. Then, there are those who simply cannot align with the increasingly progressive Democratic agenda. And finally, there are voters who support Trump fervently, viewing him as a symbol of resilience and pro-America values.
It’s crucial for all Americans to understand that supporting Trump does not always mean endorsing his character. For many of us, it’s about securing a stable future. In times like these, we need a leader who prioritizes American interests, both at home and abroad. That’s why, in 2024, my vote will go to Trump.
– This Opinion by Nicole Russell was rewritten for context.
