Progressive Votes Do Matter
Almost anyone in the US and around the world with access to US Politics may have watched the presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 29 between President Donald J. Trump and Joseph Biden, The Democratic Party presidential nominee. Most would agree that the debate was chaotic — fueled by arguing, yelling, finger-pointing and differences in opinion and approach. Indeed, many online social-media users expressed their frustration with the (late and) first debate between the two US presidential candidates, with one supposedly being elected on the General Election date of Nov. 3, 2020. One must wonder how progressive votes matter in such a chaotic environment, particularly when neither candidate really expressed interest in issues important to many progressives, such as the “Green New Deal” and “Medicare-For-All.”
The commentator of the presidential debate, Chris Wallace, appeared to try his best in moderating both nominees, but it was difficult, of course, due to continuous interruptions from both sides. Still, the hot topics included the next Supreme Court nominee, the effects of COVID-2019, jobs, taxes, foreign relations, and climate change policy, including that pertaining to extreme natural disasters.
In watching the debate, many progressives may have noticed Former Vice-President Biden mention how he does not support the Green New Deal nor Medicare-For-All. As President Trump even attempted to call Biden as being part of a team of socialists, Biden firmly stated how he had won The Democratic Party nomination by a lot, which meant he was not socialist. President Trump further went on to claim Biden had just lost the left for denouncing such affiliation.
The progressive vote matters because many voters seem to want progress on a number of issues, including those mentioned above. Some may see such topics as non-negotiable due to dire situations a number of US citizens have found themselves in, such as wildfire disasters or flooding, insurmountable debt related to cost of education, housing, and healthcare, as well as effects of the economy pertaining to COVID-2019, the novel coronavirus disease derived from SARS-CoV-2.
Though it appears Republicans and Democrats must both deal with matters of their own in regards to relations abroad, restructuring national organizations critical to US infrastructure and health, as well as tackling runaway government spending, Progressives still seek to make change in what seems vital to many American lives and well-being, as well as the future of the planet. It does not appear that Progressives will be able to accomplish much if Republicans and President Trump are able to confirm their third nomination to the US Supreme Court, which would make judicial decisions from the highest court of the land mostly conservative.
It is important to note other key factors taking place upon general elections happening all over the US in November. There are many Senate and House seats up for grabs, and with the effects of COVID-2019, it is making campaigning difficult for some candidates who must rely on safety measures and some changes to ballot access in various states. It is wise to notate what changes are taking place and the background of all candidates, as some who may be affiliated with a different political party may have more closely-aligned views with some voters.
The Progressive Vote does matter and with the recent presidential debate taking place and appearing to bring bouts of uncertainty, voters must stay vigilant in coming to know what they must do to vote appropriately and for the overall general welfare of the US. Though many US citizens may think their vote does not or will never count, or for those who may think the political arena is too controversial, it is wise to research the voting process and various candidates, as well as propositions which may not only have an effect on community, but the individual as well. In voting, many will have a say in how their standard-of-living, taxes, and costs will effect the overall persons in their own community, nation and even abroad.
