Hubert Odias, Freelance Writer.

Just a few months before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the entire nation is on the lookout, reminiscing about the challenges and the political climate of uncertainty that bewilders so many concerned individuals.

The election of the right candidate for the U.S. presidency reflects on the nation and the world.  The United States, being at the helm of the Unipolar System, must vote for a leader who symbolizes strength and courage in difficult times, someone who can overcome challenges and instill in people a sense of confidence and certainty.

The United States is a democracy endowed with a constitution that provides for the election of a president every four years, from George Washington to Joseph Biden. 

Since 1789, 45 men have served the nation in that capacity.  But some have transcended their duty to make history in a big way.  They include Abraham Lincoln who freed the slaves.  In 1963, at the peak of the Cold War, John F. Kennedy thwarted a nuclear war with the Soviet Union over the installation of missiles in Cuba, and Ronald Reagan ended that very cold war in the early 90s.

Historically, these are a few inspiring American leaders whom U.S. politicians should pattern themselves after; this is also the typical country for which the forefathers have shed their blood.  In short, this is their legacy, and our duty is to build upon it.

As the United States faces many issues, the uncertainty about resolving them grows.  According to the U.S. Department of State, those issues include Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and environment, Combatting Drugs and Crime, Counterterrorism, Cyber Issues, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, etc.

While the presidential campaign is underway, a dilemma presents itself.  The U.S. presidential election has become complex with uncertainty and unclear choices of even the lesser of the two evils.  At first, there were two candidates: Donald Trump and Biden.  The former faces many legal issues; the latter, being too old to seek a second term in office, bowed down and withdrew from the race.

Ah!  Now the game is on between Trump and V.P. Kamala Harris who succeeds Biden.  She is on fire as she electrifies crowds, with Democrats rallying in full force behind her.

As for Harris, it remains to see if America is ready to welcome a female president.  Elected in 2004 to be district attorney of San Francisco, served as a U.S. Senator and as the Vice President, Harris is maybe well on her way to making history as president.  Despite all her political know-how, challenges lie on her path because the road to the White House is arduous. 

On the other hand, it’s déjà vu all over again with Trump, the Republic candidate.  Trump is a peculiar public figure.  With him, it’s not only an issue of uncertainty but rather one based on extremism, autocracy and his inability to deal with defeat and reality. 

Also, Trump embroils himself in too many questionable matters that backfire on him.  He faces a series of charges and felony convictions.  After all, is he worthy to hold office?  It’s up to the voters to decide that with their ballots in November.

Let’s assume Trump wins in November.  What will the nation be like under his leadership?  With such an obsession for the Oval Office, Trump is eager to become president again.  This time, it is Trumpism, which revolves around Project 2025. 

According to an anonymous source, the United States will never be the same again.  Project 2025 will change our way of life.  It will give too much power to the president, and it will also change the constitution and weaponize the justice department.  Contrary to the constitution, there will be no checks and balances.

Between Trump and Harris, one of them will be the winner.  But what if Trump loses?  Will the nation have to brace itself for another insurrection or a carnage on our democracy?  If Harris wins or loses, it will, of course, result in normalcy and constitutionally sound leadership.  In this case, the uncertainty about the presidential election will become a mere illusion.