I’m writing this on mid-term election day as the nation votes.
We have been told that this is the most important election in history. There have been many challenging elections, and somehow the nation survives. Maybe for better or worse, depending upon the leadership elected, especially at the Federal election.
This election today is just a preview of what is to come in 2024.
Joe Biden is still President of the United States the day after the election, no matter what happens with the Senate, Congress and gubernatorial elections.
The highest office in the land still holds the power of the pen, appointments, and cabinet selections and is the Commander and Chief of our military forces. The American president is one of the most influential figures in the world who just runs the executive branch.
The legislative branch may have some changes after this election. Enviably there will also be changes to the Supreme Court in the future.
I’m not making any political predictions on Election Tuesday. Years ago, in another city and publication, I stated, “I will bet my hat that this person will be elected.” Well, my selection lost the election. Several days later, I received a package with a note, some packets of ketchup and mustard, and a message saying, “Eat Up.” I called the sender, who was brave enough to enclose his name. We became good friends. Sometimes we can find some subtle humor in politics.
Midterms usually don’t have the voter turnout of the presidential contests do. Senators are elected to six years terms, and house representatives for two-year terms. Presidents are now limited to two terms in office after Franklin D. Roosevelt won a third term during World War ll. There are no term limits for the house or senate. That decision is left up to the voters in the states.
Because of the tight races for the control of Congress and the Senate, this year has been especially challenging. The only clue that leads to making any predictions is that in the past, voters tend to vote their pocketbooks.
Prospective voters are challenged by wading through factual news coverage, campaign materials, TV ads, radio spots, and newspaper endorsements. All play into the final tally of votes, and money plays a huge part in selecting candidates and winners.
Tonight I will watch Fox news and then turn to CNN. It is almost like living in another country on views and slants of news. No wonder we have so many unaffiliated voters.
Good government begins in our cities and counties. These are local folks we know, or at least know of. Mayors are very important, along with city council members. We should select the best of these team leaders to promote to higher office. However, after serving in local government, many officials call it quits.
As we wind up this election season, we should thank all candidates who entered the fray. It is still possible to make campaign donations to both winners and losers. The losers will be home watching football, and the winners will represent their constituents at meetings.
History shows that American elections have always been turbulent, going way back to writing the founding documents that instructed us what to do and how to do it.
When it’s all over, hard-working American citizens hold the glue that keeps the fabric of democracy together.