The Clash Of The...Titans?...
It seems as if we all know the answer to who the best candidate is. Here, I outline who I think is the better candidate and a few reasons why. Who I think won the debate & more.
A Lackluster Debate
We’re off to a fiery start here, in complete contrast to the underwhelming performance by both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris the other night. It’s hard to believe that the leadership of one of the greatest nations (though some might debate that) comes down to a choice between these two. To be honest, we shouldn’t even be here as Kamala Harris was not elected in through the democratic process, which is a whole different domain (and have you seen Biden putting on a Trump hat? I think he secretly hates her LOL).
Harris: A Plan Without a Plan
Harris, a prosecutor by trade, talks a big game about having a plan, but it seems her plan is to not have much of one, given how little she actually shared. She’s supposedly (due to her background as a prosecutor) strong in debate and negotiation, but I didn’t see much of that strength on display. What I did see was her baiting Trump, which he took. This might be the best I’ve seen from Harris, but even then, it was still subpar; I think she won the debate [by a whisker] (LOL if you got the joke).
Superficial Tactics and Empty Promises
From my view, Harris relied heavily on superficial debate tactics to use Trump’s personality against him. She didn’t offer much concrete in terms of plans, but managed to project a sense of strength by suggesting she had one while implying Trump didn’t. She was also misleading at times. For example, when she said, “Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We’re not taking anybody’s guns away,” it felt disingenuous. Gun laws are much more complex than that. Is she only referring to handguns? And does she feel secure with just a handgun because she’s in a position of power, surrounded by Secret Service? It’s a nuanced issue.
Trump’s Weak Performance
Trump, meanwhile, took the bait too often. At times, he overreached, coming off weak. Even when he told the truth, it often sounded exaggerated, which is why memes exploded all over social media, like the bizarre “eating cats and dogs” claim. His jabs at others felt forced rather than natural. It wasn’t his best showing. There’s a way to address issues tactically, so they don’t backfire. Trump failed at that. And, frankly, his constant mockery of others grated on me. Sure, none of us are perfect, but he didn’t need to take every chance to belittle someone.
The Moderators: A Fairer Debate?
As for the moderators, I won’t dive too deep into that. We all know the media isn’t Trump’s biggest fan, and he knows that. He should be prepared for that uphill battle. Still, this was probably one of the better-moderated debates, though far from truly fair. Trump’s impulsiveness doesn’t make it easy for anyone to moderate. But it’s also part of what makes him relatable – he’s human.
The Real Losers: The American People
The real losers of this debate? The American people. Both candidates gave lackluster performances. Major issues went unanswered, like Trump’s response on Russia or Harris’s take on the child care tax credit. And the moderators didn’t press hard enough on other crucial topics or even ask them. Personally, I didn’t come away with anything new from either side. It felt like a waste of time – more of a reality TV show than a meaningful political event.
Why I’m Voting for Trump
As of now, I’m voting for Donald Trump. I don’t agree with him on everything, like his stance on abortion, but at the end of the day, I’m voting for my interests. I might like Trump a little, but my dislike for Harris pushes me further in his direction. Look into her past as a prosecutor: who she has put in jail and for how long. She’s proven she can be bought – easily.
Harris’s $25,000 Tax Credit: The Hidden Costs
One thing I strongly oppose is Harris’s $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. It might seem enticing, but what will that do to the real estate market? Basic supply and demand tells us that when demand rises and supply is low, prices soar. So, if you suddenly offer a $25,000 tax credit, what happens? The market floods with buyers, reducing supply and inflating prices. Say goodbye to any chance of scoring a good deal on a home, and say hello to renting forever.
Parallels with the Student Loan Crisis
This reminds me of the student loan debacle. In 1965, the government passed the Higher Education Act, which gave rise to the Guaranteed Student Loan Program. It sounds great—everyone can go to college. But what did universities do? They jacked up their prices because the money was guaranteed. No excuses. Colleges turned education into a business, preying on 18-year-olds who don’t fully grasp the consequences of taking out predatory loans. And, of course, government officials benefited from this. It’s called lobbying—how do you think it passed?
The Real Consequences of the Tax Credit
These two issues are connected. On the surface, they look like great opportunities, but they come with serious consequences. What happens when the government guarantees $25,000? Prices rise, supply shrinks, and big real estate players profit. Not the realtors, but the fat cats pulling the strings. The $25,000 quickly loses its value due to inflation, which the government conveniently glosses over by omitting key factors like housing and food from the inflation numbers. Unless, of course, you read the fine print—which most people don’t.
The Bottom Line
All that said, neither candidate is great. I’m voting for Trump, not because he’s some kind of savior, but because he’s the better option with better intentions. And before you label him a narcissist (which he is), recognize that anyone in a high position of power needs a certain level of narcissism. To rise to the top, you need to be able to manipulate people and have a strong sense of self. Both candidates have this trait; Trump is just more open about it, more human. Harris’s policies, on the other hand, would have a detrimental effect on me, those I love, and the general public—even if they can’t see it.
At the end of the day, I’m socially liberal but fiscally conservative. You should be able to keep what you earn, protect your assets, and escape the rat race.