How I See the U.S. in 2024: Biden v. Trump

Which unhinged octogenarian will become Emperor of America?

Substack has this newish feature where paid subscribers can send me notes, and unfortunately they’re easy to miss. Subscriber Gwyn sent me this message: “I’m interested in how you are seeing the unfolding events in the US.” Sorry Gwyn, I don’t know when you sent that, but I will do my best to answer it now, at least in the aspect most seem interested in, which is the election. If folks respond well, we’ll make it a series.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Gwyn isn’t the first to ask, and to tell the truth, I’ve been struggling to convey my thoughts all year. I have at least ten different drafts of the same post and none have seen the light of day. Much of that is my impulse to censor myself to avoid unnecessary offense. But unfortunately, that’s also made things boring, and greatly reduced my output. So screw it, it’s time to take off the gloves, kick down the guardrails, and call it how I see it, and let the chips fall where they may.

What we’re experiencing in the United States is overwhelming, and unlike anything in my 40 years of life on this planet. Or, for that matter, much like anything since 1860. It very much feels like the United States is on the precipice of…something, and I’m not sure what, but I’m doubtful it’s a new golden era.