on the fence
A place for fellow baby boomers who find themselves undecided about the upcoming election
off the fence
After spending considerable time educating myself by analyzing the various essays found on onthefenceusa.com, I am now ready to jump off the fence. As someone who has often found themselves torn between conflicting political ideologies, this decision didn’t come easily. However, throughout my process of reflection, there was one issue I kept returning to—an issue that I believe has deeply divided our country: the storming of the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. The more I reflect on that tragic day, the more convinced I become that former President Donald Trump is responsible for this horror.
cognitive capabilities
When evaluating the cognitive abilities of presidential candidates, it’s important to focus on observable facts, medical evaluations (where available), and public statements rather than relying on speculation or politically motivated rhetoric. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have had their cognitive abilities questioned by opponents at various times, but neither candidate has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment by qualified medical professionals.
the issues: legal
In the context of the 2024 presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have faced legal scrutiny, though the nature and extent of their legal problems differ significantly. Harris, as a public official, has faced some legal challenges related to her tenure in various governmental roles, but she has not been personally convicted of any crimes. In contrast, Donald Trump has been at the center of numerous legal battles, both civil and criminal, with some cases leading to convictions or guilty verdicts in civil trials. This essay explores the factual background of each candidate’s legal issues, focusing on their implications for their respective campaigns.
the issues: peaceful transfer of power
The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of democratic governance, representing a commitment to the rule of law and the continuity of democratic institutions, regardless of election outcomes. In the context of the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have demonstrated divergent attitudes and actions regarding this principle. An examination of their records and public statements provides insight into how each candidate approaches the issue of the peaceful transfer of power.
the issues: pardons
In the context of the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have different records and approaches when it comes to the use of presidential pardons. A presidential pardon is a powerful tool granted by the U.S. Constitution, allowing the president to forgive federal crimes, essentially wiping away a person’s legal liability for offenses committed. The pardon power has been historically used to correct perceived injustices, as well as for political purposes. An examination of how Harris and Trump have engaged with the idea of pardons, either directly or indirectly, can provide insight into their leadership styles and governing philosophies.
the issues: truth vs. fiction
In the 2024 presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have distinct public personas and political records, which influence how they are perceived when it comes to truthfulness and transparency. While the topic of deception is inherently charged with subjectivity and political bias, it is possible to explore verifiable incidents or claims of misleading statements by both candidates using publicly available information. This essay will focus on notable moments or patterns during their political careers where they have faced criticism or fact-checks related to deception, without delving into speculative or unfounded claims.
the issues: military
In the 2024 presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present differing perspectives on military policy, defense spending, and the role of the U.S. military in global affairs. Their approaches reflect broader differences in how they view America’s place in the world and the priorities they set for national defense. This essay will explore the military policies of both candidates, highlighting their respective positions on defense spending, military readiness, alliances, and the use of military force, using only factual information based on their track records and public statements.
the issues: fiscal policy
In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present differing visions for the U.S. economy, particularly concerning fiscal policy and how it relates to interest rates. Fiscal policy refers to the government’s use of spending and taxation to influence the economy. While interest rates are primarily set by the Federal Reserve, the fiscal decisions made by the president and Congress can have significant impacts on economic conditions, which in turn affect how the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates. This essay will explore the positions and track records of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump regarding fiscal policy, their approach to government spending and taxation, and how their policies could influence interest rates.
the issues: education
In the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, and Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, present starkly different visions for education policy in the United States. Education is a critical issue that impacts not only individual Americans but also the country's economic competitiveness and social stability. Both candidates have outlined their positions and track records on key educational issues, including school choice, funding for public education, higher education, and student debt. This essay will explore the factual education policy positions of both Harris and Trump, providing a comparison of their approaches and past actions.
the issues: religion in politics
In American politics, the relationship between religion and governance is a longstanding and deeply significant issue. The principle of the separation of church and state, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, dictates that the government should not endorse any particular religion. However, the personal faith of political leaders often becomes a focal point in elections, as voters are interested in how a candidate's religious beliefs might influence their policies and leadership. In the 2024 presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump each have unique relationships with religion, both in their personal lives and in their political careers. This essay will examine their approaches to religion, the role of faith in their political platforms, and whether either candidate regularly attends religious services.