on the fence

A place for fellow baby boomers who are struggling with the state of the nation

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the issues: women’s rights

The issue of women’s rights, particularly regarding abortion, is a significant point of contention between the two leading candidates in the 2024 U.S. presidential election: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Both candidates represent opposing viewpoints on reproductive rights and broader gender equality, reflecting the ideological divide between the Democratic and Republican parties. This essay provides a fact-based comparison of Harris' and Trump’s positions on abortion and women’s rights, based on their public statements, past policies, and current platforms.

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the issues: foreign policy

In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present contrasting visions for U.S. foreign policy, shaped by their respective political ideologies and experiences. Both candidates aim to advance America’s global interests but through very different means, strategies, and diplomatic philosophies. Below is a fact-based comparison of their foreign policy approaches, based on their public statements, prior actions, and current platforms.

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the issues: taxes

At onthefenceusa.com, we have posted dozens of essays that provide a variety of subjective perspectives on evaluating elections. These essays are designed to encourage thoughtful reflection on different aspects of voting and political decision-making. In the coming weeks, we will begin a detailed analysis of the key issues facing our country, alongside an in-depth look at the two main candidates, assessing their qualifications and ability to lead the nation effectively. Stay tuned as we shift our focus toward a more issue-driven, candidate-centered examination.

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Deception in political advertising

Political advertising is a powerful tool used by candidates and their campaigns to shape public opinion, influence voting decisions, and drive election outcomes. However, when political ads cross the line into deception, they can profoundly undermine the integrity of democratic processes. The inability to detect or combat deceptive political ads can have significant implications for voters and the outcomes of elections. Understanding these effects and knowing how to react to a candidate who employs deceptive tactics are critical to ensuring an informed and fair election process.

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self interest or public service?

The reasons a political candidate chooses to run for office reveal much about their character, motivations, and potential effectiveness as a leader. While policy positions, experience, and qualifications are critical, understanding why someone is running can provide deeper insights into their priorities and how they will approach governance. Voters often grapple with a key question: is this candidate running to serve themselves, or are they genuinely committed to serving their constituents? This essay explores the importance of a candidate's reasons for running and how these motivations impact their potential to lead effectively.

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gender in politics

When deciding whom to vote for, voters often weigh various factors, such as policy positions, experience, character, and leadership qualities. One question that sometimes arises is whether a candidate's gender should influence that decision. The significance of gender in voting is a nuanced topic, intertwined with history, societal norms, and the evolving nature of gender roles. This essay will explore both sides of the argument, considering whether gender should matter in the context of voting and why it has historically been a point of discussion.

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looking back or looking forward

When it comes to choosing a candidate in an election, voters often face a decision between two types of leaders: those who focus on pointing out what hasn’t worked in the past and those who emphasize what might work in the future. Both approaches offer valuable insights, but the decision on which candidate to support depends on what a voter prioritizes—whether it’s accountability for past failures or optimism and potential solutions for the future.

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presidents and the global stage

In the realm of global politics, the role of the President of the United States carries immense significance, not just for the citizens of the country but also for nations worldwide. One of the most critical responsibilities of a U.S. president is to maintain and strengthen the nation's allegiance to its allies. This allegiance, rooted in shared values, strategic interests, and mutual defense, is a cornerstone of global stability and a key factor in the preservation of peace and security.

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grassroots movements

In the complex and often overwhelming landscape of modern politics, grassroots movements play a crucial role in selecting candidates. Unlike top-down political campaigns driven by wealthy donors, corporations, and party elites, grassroots movements are powered by ordinary people who come together to advocate for the issues they care about most. These movements reflect the democratic principle that power ultimately resides with the people, and they offer a pathway for citizens to influence political outcomes from the ground up.

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do looks matter?

The role of a candidate’s physical appearance in the decision-making process of voters has been a topic of considerable debate. While it might be tempting to dismiss physical appearance as superficial, studies and historical evidence suggest that it can influence voters, sometimes significantly. This raises important questions about the role appearance should play in elections and whether it is appropriate for voters to consider it when making their decisions.

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