The Truth about Third-Party Candidates

 By: Mildred Robertson

Let’s get serious about our two-party system. It is built upon a foundation of local, state, and national organizations pushing a particular agenda forward. In other words, the Democrat and Republican parties' political initiatives are systematically advanced on local, state, and national platforms. Third-party candidates have no such foundation and thus are unlikely to take the top spot in American politics. And even if a third-party candidate were to be successful in winning the presidency, they would not have a congress to help push forward their agenda.  So one must question what folks like Jill Stein, Robert Kennedy, and Cornell West are trying to achieve.

In an article published on August 23, 2024, by Statista Research Department, 40 percent of voters in America would consider voting for a third-party presidential candidate. About 24 percent of Republicans and 21 percent of Democrats outright rejected the idea of a third-party presidential candidate.

It appears that many believe giving voice to a third-party candidate highlights issues that major parties can’t or won’t address. They accuse majority-party candidates of aligning with Republican or Democratic Party platforms without addressing challenges that might alienate particular segments of voters.

There is some truth to that assumption. Ultimately, however, voting for a third party can only raise these issues with little hope of the selected candidate winning and legislating based on their agenda. With so many voters willing to make a statement rather than make a choice with their vote, they fail to participate in actually electing someone.  

As in most other U.S. presidential elections, there is a binary choice. Both the Republican and Democratic parties have clear platforms that are diametrically opposed.

While Trump has a dark, dystopian vision for America, he plans to finish the wall he boasted about in 2016 and to deport all undocumented individuals. It appears that he plans to build camps to house those he considers substandard aliens and eject them from our borders. He plans to increase tariffs, thereby increasing the cost of domestic goods. He also does not believe in global warming and would increase drilling for oil and gas.

More alarmingly, he plans to seek retribution against those people, institutions, and systems he perceives oppose him, calling for the death penalty and military tribunals for folks like Gen. Mark Miley and former Rep. Liz Cheney. Miley spoke with his Chinese counterparts following the January 6^th riot, assuring them the U.S. was not under threat, with the knowledge of members of Congress. Representative Cheney sat on the House Committee investigating the January 6^th insurrection. He also plans to purge federal employees whom he refers to as “the deep state.” He would take control of independent government departments like the Department of Justice, and replace career employees who counteracted his unconstitutional whims during his first term with partisans who would do his bidding.

While Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris has embraced many of President Joe Biden’s policies, such as providing tax credits to middle-class and lower-income families, lowering drug costs, and eliminating what she calls “junk fees,”  she is focused on building an “opportunity economy” which would lessen the burden of young people trying to buy a home or start a business, bring down the overall cost of living, and leveling the playing field by going after bad actors who unfairly raise the cost of living for the average American.

Harris is a staunch supporter of a woman’s right to choose and is concerned about Israel’s treatment of Gazans in its retaliatory strikes against Hamas. She supports Israel’s right to defend itself but also is mindful of the innocent Palestinians suffering through this humanitarian crisis.

The choice is clear. It's not the time to take performative stances to shed light on a particular issue of great importance to some independent voters. Trump has promised an authoritative government that acts harshly toward those who oppose him. He has threatened to be a dictator if only for one day.  

One day is one day too many.

If you are truly independent and wish to make a difference in America, build your party from the ground up. Establish yourself at the local and state levels. That is when you can meaningfully impact the country’s direction...one city councilor...one school superintendent...one state governor at a time. 

But until you build that structure, you have a binary choice. Even if you cast your vote for an independent contender, know that you are taking a vote from one of the two parties. Your choice not to vote for either is fruitless. One of THEM will eventually win the Whitehouse. Your independent candidate will not!

So let’s get serious.

_________________

SOURCES

Third-party voting presidential election by party U.S. 2024 | Statista
Third-party or independent candidates often fall short of early polls | Pew Research Center

A Divided America Threatens Democracy

 By: Mildred Robertson

We have to be better than this. We just have to! 

As I watched the presidential campaign and assessed the two candidates, I was amazed and appalled at how many in our nation accept the concepts of cruelty, hatred, misogyny, xenophobia, and cultural bias as a basis for their political views. 

The Wednesday night presidential debate made it clear that one candidate had a plan, and the other did not. It was obvious that one candidate had a clear understanding of her policies and their impact on society, and one did not. Clearly, one candidate was compassionate and empathetic and would use those traits as they lead our nation, but the other would not.  

Those who watched witnessed 42 minutes and 59 seconds of one candidate's hate and vitriol. On the other hand, 37 minutes and 36 seconds of the debate focused on the other candidate's personal history and her plans to move our country forward socially, economically, and globally. There is absolutely no comparison.  Nevertheless, the media and the American public continue to compare the two as though they were similar. 

America has a choice this November between darkness and light. We must choose between chaos and good governance. We must determine whether we will be the nation that our Forefathers envisioned, or whether we will go down the road of authoritarianism led by a tyrannical despot.  

It is irrelevant whether we call ourselves Democrat or Republican. It makes no difference whether we are white, or a person of color. It means nothing that we are rich or poor, male or female. The issue is not whether we are fiscal conservatives or liberals. The only thing that matters in this election is if we are Americans who love democracy. 

If you fall into that category, there is only one GOOD answer. One clear answer. A 50/50 America that clings to democracy is not good enough. We have to do better.  We just have to. 

NC Early Voting Begins October 17, 2024

 By Mildred Robertson

Well, this election year we have endured all the drama of a convicted felon's selection to lead the Republican Party, a Democratic presidential candidate's decision to step aside for the good of the Party, and the nomination of a candidate who may possibly be the first female of Asian and African descent to ascend to the United States presidency.  That's a lot...but there is more.

America is fighting unprecedented attacks against the right to vote, the right to a woman's bodily autonomy, the right to a fair wage, and the right to affordable housing and health care. We also face the possible destruction of the democratic rule of law in this nation. Our future and the outcome of all these weighty issues and more ride on America's ability to choose wisely when we go to the ballot box this fall. 

Unfortunately, some votes in this upcoming election will be more impactful than others. The general election happens every four years when citizens go to cast their votes; however, their vote doesn't determine who wins. Instead, the Electoral College determines the outcome of the general election. 

The Electoral College has 538 electors and requires a majority of 270 electoral votes to elect the President. Each state has the same number of electors as it does Members in its Congressional delegation: one for each Member in the House of Representatives plus two Senators. Most states have a “winner-take-all” system that awards all electors to the presidential candidate who wins the state's popular vote. Therefore, a candidate may have more popular votes nationwide than the declared winner.

 North Carolina is among those states that may be pivotal in providing the electoral votes necessary to determine America's future direction. There are seven states with a total of 90 electoral votes that may determine who wins the White House this fall. They are Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 

While North Carolina may lean Republican, having statistically voted for the Republican presidential candidate more often, Democratic and Republican parties have virtually equal support in North Carolina. Trump narrowly won the state in 2020, but the state previously chose democrats Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Barack Obama in 2008. While voting for Trump in 2020, the state also elected a Democratic governor. 

So, what does all this mean for North Carolinians? Our votes may be more impactful than the majority of American voters. YOUR VOTE may be more impactful than other voters. That is why North Carolinians and other swing-state voters must become informed, remain motivated, and head out to the polls when they open in mid-October. 

North Carolinians can cast early votes between October 17 - November 2. Go to your County Board of Elections website to find early voting sites in your county. Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. If you don't have one, your county board of elections must grant you one for free. You may also get a free ID card from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Also, if you plan to vote on Election Day November 5th check your registration status with the County Board of Elections to ensure your name has not been purged from the roll. 

You must make your voice heard this election year, or you might not have the opportunity again. Vote in the 2024 Presidential Election either by early voting or in person on Election Day. And don't forget the down-ballot races. 

Harris Taunts Trump: "Say It to My Face"

 By Mildred Robertson

Well. It appears Donald Trump has met his even change. Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped into the 2024 Presidential Campaign with guns ablaze. 

As President Joe Biden decided to step away from the campaign and allow Harris to ascend to the top of the ticket, Harris rose to the occasion, inspiring a wide coalition of Americans to pledge their support...and their money. Within days of the transformed campaign many minorities, along with a cohort of white men and women rallied on Zoom calls to raise millions of dollars and attract an army of volunteers. 

Riding on a wave of enthusiasm, Harris' stump speech takes direct aim at Trump and his many challenges, including the fact that he is a convicted felon with 34 counts against him and a sexual assaulter. Unlike many politicians, Harris shows no qualms in vociferously pointing out Trump's dark personal shortcomings. 

Of course, Trump has pulled out his old playbook, attempting to otherize Harris, questioning her heritage, calling her names, and trying to sully her credentials. That is a tall order since Harris has an impressive resume, having served honorably as both Attorney General and Senator from California and is the 49th and current Vice President of the United States. Harris is a fierce advocate of stricter gun laws, supports the Dream Act, and has taken the lead in healthcare and taxation reform.

Unlike many politicians who choose not to go toe-to-toe with the bombastic Donald Trump, Harris has invited him to join her on the debate stage. As she referred to Trump's attacks on her credentials and character during an appearance in Atlanta before a crowd of 10,000 or more, Harris taunted Trump inviting him to "Say it to my face." While Trump had promised to meet Biden anytime and anywhere, he does not seem as eager to take on this renowned litigator on a debate stage. 

He might do well to continue on that course.  Harris gained national notoriety for her pointed questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings, including Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney Generals Jeff Session and Bill Barr, leaving them all searching for answers to her pointed inquiries. 

Trump doesn't want that smoke!

Biden's Departure Unleashes Democratic Enthusiasm

 By Mildred Robertson

President Joe Biden took the unprecedented step to bow out of his presidential re-election campaign, abruptly ending his half-century political career.  With just 4 months until the 2024 Presidential election, one would have thought his actions would have thrown the Democratic Party into a tailspin. 

Instead, Biden led a well-orchestrated hand-off to Vice President Kamala Harris, who took up the race without missing a beat. In fact, the Harris campaign has tightened the race to a statistical dead heat in many battleground states in less than two weeks. 

Harris's nomination seems to have released a bound-up enthusiasm inspiring exhausted Democrats and electrifying independents and never-Trump Republicans with the mere possibility that she might defeat Trump in November. This new-found enthusiasm spawned an organic grassroots effort.  A broad coalition of supporters gathered on Zoom calls raising millions of dollars to support Harris's Whitehouse bid.  

The first call was initiated by Black women immediately after the President turned the reigns over to Harris. The Sunday night call attracted 44,000 participants and raised $1.5 million in just 3 hours. Impressed, a group of white women decided to follow suit. On Thursday, 164,000 White Women for Harris broke the world record for the largest Zoom call, raising $8.5 million and still counting. 

The success of these two calls resulted in a groundswell of organizations ranging from White Dudes for Kamala who raised $10,000 to Crazy Cat Ladies, all pouring dollars into the newly minted Harris campaign. 

Biden withdrew from the race following pressure from many Democratic leaders after a poor performance at the June 27 debate against Trump. While he appeared too frail for the battle, many continued to support him following his abysmal debate performance. It was feared that his exit from the race would throw the party into an upheaval resulting in a Trump victory. 

But the 81-year-old Biden drew on his years of political experience and timed his announcement after the Republican Convention, stepping on their messaging. The spotlight, meant to shine on the Republican Convention and grant them unearned press instead shone brightly on Biden and his extraordinary hand-off of the 2024 Democratic nomination to his Vice President. Harris and her campaign have dominated the press since the Biden announcement. 

Biden's decision to step down had to be difficult. He undoubtedly believed that he could defeat Trump again. However, he knew he had lost the confidence of many of those he would need to achieve that goal. Rather than fighting to convince his detractors that he was up to the job, Biden chose to relinquish his claim to the most powerful seat in the world and thwart Trump's bid for the Whitehouse.  Using a well-thought-out strategy, he passed the nomination to Harris and infused new life into the campaign. 

He will be remembered in history for his selfless sacrifice. His legacy will stand tall among America's heroes. If Trump is thwarted and Harris can take the Whitehouse, Biden will be remembered as the man who helped preserve American democracy. 

Still Riding with Biden - Follow His Lead

 By Mildred Robertson 

On June 21, 2024, President Joe Biden took the unprecedented step of stepping down as the presidential candidate for the 2024 election. It was an act that knocked the breath from many of his supporters. He made his announcement with dignity and integrity, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. It was heart-wrenching. It was also, perhaps, necessary.

My confidence in Joe Biden has not faltered. My confidence that the American public would be able to look past his faltering footsteps, verbal missteps, and physical deterioration was not as strong. The media onslaught, fueled by leading democrats who were willing to publicly question his ability to serve made it impossible for him to continue. While I am confident that he could have finished the job, the job remains unfinished. That is why I believe those who professed that we were "Ridin' with Biden" must continue that journey by following his lead. He said that selecting Harris as his running mate was "the best decision I've made," and enthusiastically threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to top the Democratic ticket. I plan to do the same.

Harris, who previously served as a US senator and attorney general of California, made history as the first vice president who is a woman, Black, or of Indian descent. Now, she is positioned to replace him on the ticket in 2024 and break yet another glass ceiling. In addition to being the first woman of color to become vice president, she may well become the first woman to lead the free world as President of the United States.

I look forward to the Democratic Party coalescing behind this candidate. She will be a formidable challenger to 45. I anticipate a campaign that will clearly define who she is, and highlight her experience, integrity, and character; traits necessary to lead this country away from the darkness epitomized by the Trump campaign.

Violence is Not the Answer to Political Discord

 By Mildred Robertson

The events at the Trump rally on July 13, were unspeakable. There is no reason for a person to fear for his or her life just to participate in the political process. My heart goes out to the families of the folks who suffered injuries or lost their lives. That being said, the violence that landed on Donald Trump's doorstep is simply chickens coming home to roost. From the moment he rode down the golden escalator to declare his presidency, to the day that he was shot, Donald Trump spoke hate and violence to his followers.

He urged his followers to beat up protestors at his rallies and promised to pay their bail. He suggested in an online post that Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, deserved to face the death penalty. He wanted to use the military to shoot peaceful protestors in the street. He called for shoplifters in California to be shot on sight. He mocked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., with the violent attack her husband Paul suffered during a home invasion last year.

This is not to say that the assassination attempt was justified. It was horrifying! But the fact is that Trump himself has fueled this toxic political environment where one might have to give up his or her life simply for their political beliefs, whether progressive or conservative.

As a North Carolinian, I cannot embark upon this conversation without singling out gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson who just weeks ago called for the extrajudicial killing of people he considered to be enemies of Christian America. This MAGA Republican stated at a rally in North Carolina, “Some folks need killing... It’s a matter of necessity!”

There is a political necessity now. We must take these next three months to learn the platforms of those folks vying for leadership in our local and national communities. We must measure their words against their deeds. We must weigh their political platforms to determine which individuals can move our nation forward, and which will throw us into discord and chaos.

It is unfortunate that an assassin attempted to take the life of a presidential candidate. But what would be more unfortunate would be for the nation to let this travesty distract us from our real challenge.

Every American should become informed about the Republican 2025 platform. Each of us should determine what President Biden stands for. We should seek to understand how the policies he has instituted affect our daily lives. Once informed about the issues that challenge this nation and how various candidates plan to respond to those challenges...THEN WE SHOULD VOTE!

Voting is the proactive response to political discord. VIOLENCE IS NOT THE ANSWER.