Americans from coast to coast are heading to the polls for the final day of voting in the 2024 presidential election. Today’s election feels like more than just another vote—it’s a pivotal moment that could shape the country’s future for years to come. There’s an electric anticipation as voters, particularly those who have seen the vast transformations in the country over the past few decades, make their voices heard in what some are calling one of the most consequential elections in recent history.
Growing up in the shadow of the Watergate scandal, my generation has witnessed many milestones and challenges in American politics. We’ve seen the resignation of a president, the national turbulence following the Iran hostage crisis, the divisive culture wars of the 1990s, the fallout from the 9/11 attacks, and the economic crash of 2008. We watched administrations come and go, from the humble approach of Jimmy Carter to the charisma of Ronald Reagan, through the Bush presidencies, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and now the tenure of Joe Biden. Each era left its mark, yet none quite like the Biden presidency, which many of us feel has divided the country in ways we have not seen in our lifetimes.
For many Americans, today’s election reflects more than policy preferences or party loyalty. It’s a referendum on the state of our democracy, our economic future, and the accountability of our leaders. As someone who was born during the waning days of Watergate, I grew up learning about government scandals and the consequences of unchecked power. Back then, I only knew about the scandal through history books, stories from my parents, and the lessons in school that painted Watergate as a watershed moment in American political accountability. But today, it feels as though we are living in an era that has, in many ways, transcended the lessons of Watergate, with a political climate that has shifted from accountability to performance, from governance to spectacle.
Many people my age feel that the past two decades have transformed politics in ways that have made elections more contentious and polarized. And yet, there’s a feeling of stagnation too, as the same issues continue to resurface: economic inequality, divisive rhetoric, a shrinking middle class, and a political class that, to some, seems more interested in advancing its own interests than those of the American people. These sentiments are heightened this year, especially among those of us who have lived through numerous elections and remember the sense of unity that once seemed more attainable.
Perhaps one of the defining aspects of the Biden presidency, and one that has stirred strong reactions from all sides, is a perceived deepening of divisions along racial, economic, and ideological lines. To many, it feels as if the administration has deliberately amplified societal tensions, making people feel more alienated from each other. This election, therefore, feels like a last stand for those who believe that American unity and prosperity are possible if leaders choose to prioritize them over political theatrics.
What stands out to me, as well as many others, is the perception that our government has lost touch with its purpose. Historically, politicians were held accountable to the promises they made and the duties they were entrusted to uphold. But today, it can seem as though our leaders are untouchable, insulated by political alliances, wealth, and power. This sentiment has only been magnified by stories of corruption, accusations of treason, and allegations of wrongdoing that appear to go unpunished. Such allegations against President Biden and his family—whether perceived or real—have raised questions about the integrity of our highest office.
As someone who voted for Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and now in 2024, my decision is not rooted in personal admiration but in a belief in his business acumen and capacity to steer the country toward economic stability. I believe that under Trump, America’s economy was on the path to recovery, that jobs were plentiful, and that people were generally more optimistic about their economic prospects. To me, the economy is the backbone of this nation. Without a robust economy, everything else suffers. We’ve seen this all too clearly in recent years, as rising inflation, high costs of living, and stagnant wages have left many Americans struggling to make ends meet. For countless Americans, this election is a chance to restore economic stability and to rebuild a middle class that feels increasingly fragile.
The future of the middle class is, in fact, one of the critical issues in this election. If we continue along the current path, I fear we are heading toward a society of haves and have-nots, with little room in between. A two-class system—a society split between the wealthy elite and those living paycheck to paycheck—seems like a grim possibility if our leaders don’t prioritize economic policies that empower all Americans. This disparity, if left unchecked, could lead to more desperation, more crime, and more social unrest as people struggle to survive in a country that feels increasingly rigged against them.
For my generation, we’ve already witnessed a number of dramatic shifts in American life, and many of us feel that today’s vote is our last chance to reclaim a government that works for the people. To make America “great again” might sound like a slogan, but for many of us, it signifies a return to a time when we believed in our leaders, when we felt that they were genuinely working on behalf of the country.
But none of this can happen unless we, the voters, make our voices heard. As I reflect on the America of my youth, I can’t help but feel that we’ve lost a sense of national purpose and pride. Elections were once about envisioning a shared future; now they seem like exercises in reinforcing division and discord. We’ve allowed political figures to become celebrities, putting them on pedestals instead of holding them accountable to the people they serve.
So today, as millions of Americans cast their votes, I hope that we can start a new chapter in our country’s history, one where accountability, honesty, and genuine public service are restored to their rightful place in American politics. It’s a long road ahead, but the first step starts with us, the voters, making informed choices and demanding better from those who seek to lead us. This is not just about today’s election; it’s about safeguarding the future of our democracy and the values that bind us together as a nation.
Let this election day be a reminder that America’s fate lies in our hands. The leaders we elect should serve, protect, and uplift the people, and it’s up to us to ensure that they do. May we use our votes today to secure a brighter, more united future for all Americans.
