These last weeks will challenge our minds and hearts with an overload of information—ads, phone calls, door knockers, and a flood of colorful mail hitting our mailboxes.
Leno Rose-Ávila
Signs supporting candidates and propositions are popping up everywhere, like an invasion of invasive plants. Here are some topics we might want to consider.
What states are still in play?
As more polls come in with varying percentages, it leaves you wondering who is being polled and how the questions were framed. These key states include Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan and others.
It’s a shame campaigns don’t release their internal polls; that would be fascinating. North Carolina is considered in play, and some are even looking at Texas and Florida. Yet, Pennsylvania seems to be the most crucial battleground.
But if you can add 2+2 and still get 4, you can figure out which states are in play. Just observe where ads are being bought, which states the candidates are visiting and to whom they speak. Also, note the surrogates they’re using and where they’re sent, which gives another clue about where the fight is most critical.
Cats and dogs being eaten by Haitians
No hard evidence has ever been shown. Vance claims his constituents told him but never presented them at a press conference.
When the media contacted Anna Kilgore, the person who filed the report, she revealed that her pet, Miss Sassy, was found in her basement days after she had contacted the police. When interviewed by the Journal, Kilgore, who was wearing a Trump shirt and hat, apologized to her Haitian neighbors. While Miss Sassy was unharmed, the same cannot be said about Springfield and the city’s Haitian community.
It’s interesting that on September 10th, the Trump campaign was informed by people in Springfield that the story was false. Yet, Trump used it in his debate with Harris that night. For weeks afterward, the accusations persisted. Both the mayor of Springfield and the governor of Ohio, both Republicans, stated there was no truth to the story.
Donald Trump has come under fire again for alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were involved in illegal activities. He later implied they had entered the United States without authorization, which is false. Trump insists they will be deported under his potential administration, leading critics to believe he plans to deport immigrants who have entered the country legally.
Talk of violence and shooting at Trump
Did Trump or the Republicans ever push for additional funding for the Secret Service, which seems not so secret anymore?
All you have to do is listen to Trump’s rhetoric over the last 12 years, including his threats of violence and his actions surrounding January 6th.
What did Trump say after Nancy Pelosi’s husband was nearly killed? It shows he lacks compassion.
Democrats have said Trump is a danger to democracy, but there is no evidence they have called for violence.
No one I know wants Trump dead, but jail? Yes, if found guilty.
A golf course is hard to secure. Maybe Trump should wait to play golf until after November 5th. Shouldn’t our schools receive the same attention and protection as a golf course?
Shouldn’t they be focused on the campaign?
Lara Trump, now elevated to co-chair of the RNC, is nowhere to be seen on the campaign trail. Yet she had time to record a song. I listened, and her voice is nothing extraordinary.
She recorded “I Won’t Back Down.” We all know it takes a lot of practice to record a song, but she hasn’t put in that work. She should be out getting votes for her father-in-law instead of trying to upstage Taylor Swift.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump should be fundraising for down-ballot Republican candidates but is instead trying to profit from his campaign again. He recently announced his new venture, World Liberty Financial, a crypto-centered business that remains vague but is already raising ethical concerns.
The Trump campaign includes Lara Loomer, and Donald Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, as part of the leadership team. Notably absent are Ivanka and her husband.
Where are the celebrities?
Few celebrities have come out in support of Trump, and his team is still searching for right-wing stars to stand by him.
On the other hand, Harris has attracted a wide range of celebrities, and Trump reacted to Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris by saying he hates her. That’s the wrong message to send to Swift’s millions of fans. He also said he hates Harris and called her “dumb as a rock,” even though he’s never met her. Sometimes, it’s best not to say you hate someone; you can disagree without hating.
Trump still hates the military and calls them fools and losers
He has now taken a step further into disrespect by involving Laura Loomer, a 9/11 denier, in events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Who has the bodies to turn out the vote?
Both campaigns claim to have large volunteer forces in addition to state offices with numerous staff. Democrats say they have over 200,000 volunteers, while Republicans plan to recruit 100,000 poll watchers. A politico questioned whether the Trump campaign has the infrastructure to train and manage 100,000 people.
Who is Kamala Harris?
In this shortened campaign, Harris is still introducing herself to many voters. Can she convince enough people that she’s ready for prime time? Women must work harder than men to win the prize, and Harris is asking all her supporters to fight for her.
Key issues
The Trump campaign is focusing on immigration, accusing immigrants of increasing crime, taking jobs from Black Americans, straining social services, taking housing from citizens, and voting illegally. However, no hard evidence has been presented.
Meanwhile, Harris strongly supports a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and advocates for family-friendly programs. Many believe that women and people of color will make a difference in this election.
Of course, more issues will arise and be debated in these final weeks. Stay informed and educate your friends.
Support from the opposition party
Some Democrats have publicly chosen Trump over Harris. Meanwhile, many former Trump staffers, as well as Reagan and Bush alumni, and of course, Liz Cheney and her father, Dick, both staunch conservatives, are supporting Harris.
Staying focused
Both campaigns must work around the clock, utilizing phone calls, the internet, and rallies to mobilize voters. With early voting already underway, both sides are looking for signs that their voters are turning out. The long hours put in by campaign staff and volunteers often go unnoticed. Historically, more women than men have volunteered in campaigns.
You can make a difference in this election
Each of us must ensure our family and friends are registered and voting, and we should encourage them to do the same with their friends and associates. In some states, the difference between victory and defeat could be a few thousand votes, and your activism could be the deciding factor.
This year, you can not only be on the right side of history but also help create it. We are fighting for our lives!
