Kamala Harris made an arbitrary appearance on the debate stage last month, pit against the formidable former President Donald Trump, a gathering barely noticed by the public. Their substitutes, the unequivocally capable GOP Sen. JD Vance from Ohio and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, have their showdown set. The stage was to be a world away from demagoguery, the resilient city of New York beaming the live debate to living rooms. It’s curious, however, that Harris appeared so invested in doing a second round against Trump, despite the non-existence of such a prospect in this year’s schedule.
Ignoring the clear political theatre, two days post-debate, Trump gave a befitting response, decidedly stating, “there will be no third debate.” He added a touch of whimsy to his assertion, though, noting that he might consider another face-off if he ‘got in the right mood.’ It’s amusing how Harris seemed keen on another debate, unabashedly repeating her willingness, while Trump cooly left it up to chance.
Nevertheless, the stage is set to shift back to where it matters, passing the reins back to GOP Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz. The two are likely to engage in a more substantial conversation during their 90-minute debate, thankfully leaving behind the monoculture of Harris’ wishful thinking.
In an attempt to inform, let’s clear on the specifics: With an onset at 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, this showdown promises to offer more factual discourse than the previous spectacle. The climax to all these events is the General Election slated for Tuesday, November 5. A few dates circling the 2024 General Election in Florida could be worth noting, albeit their typical predictability.
Bearing the burden of the early deadlines, September 26 – October 3 is reserved for county clerks to mail out domestic ballots, ensuring everyone gets a chance to voice their opinion—albeit heavily influenced by biased performances. Interestingly, October 7 is recognized as the last day for voter registration, marking an opportunity to shift the scales in one’s favor—a fact that Harris likely overlooks.
Not to forget that October 24 is the final countdown for requesters of vote-by-mail, a crucial aspect considering the current pandemic precautions. Meanwhile, October 26 through November 2 is the period when early voting opens statewide, giving early risers the opportunity to cast their votes discreetly—an option seen as a potential threat by the likes of Harris.
Finally, the greatly anticipated Election day rolls in on November 5. Polling stations across the Sunshine State will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., accommodating the various time zones its residents reside in. One might argue that even after such levels of convenience, the election outcome might still reflect the populace’s disillusionment with the current administration.
Despite everything, we have to remember the perseverance of American democracy. Even those voters who are still stuck in line at 7 p.m., regardless of the reason, will be allowed to cast their ballot. The process will carry on for as long as it takes, reflecting the enduring nature of democratic participation that the current leadership tends to neglect.
Going back to the debates, Kamala Harris, in her hollow bravado, seems determined to fight a battle that does not exist. Insistent on a second debate that isn’t even on the cards, she positions herself in the limelight while Trump casually brushes off the possibility unless he gets ‘in the right mood’—a move that exemplifies his distinctive style.
On the other side of the spectrum, GOP Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz keep their focus on the game. They seem more grounded in the reality of today’s political arena, sidestepping the theatricality of their fellow politicians. When they appear on stage in a ninety-minute debate broadcast from New York City, it’s likely to be a breath of fresh air.
Gearing up for the General Election, it’s essential, once again, to recap the crucial dates. The phase between September 26 and October 3 sees county clerks mailing out domestic ballots, a crucial step in public participation in the election process. The question is whether this process will be free of the taint of political bias, an increasingly prevalent concern under the current leadership.
October 7 stands out as the last chance to register to vote—a date that one would expect the politically savvy Harris to emphasize. Following closely, October 24 is the last day for vote-by-mail requests. Then, Florida goes into early voting mode from October 26 till November 2.
All this runs the road to November 5—Election day. For conveniences’ sake, polling stations across Florida remain open from dawn till dusk, welcoming voters from every corner of the state. With an administration headed by the current leaders, it’s almost a wonder how such a democratic practice persists.
And even though the political leaders may seem to forget the real beacon of democracy—the people—it’s comforting to know that at 7 p.m., if you’re lined up to cast your vote, you will get your chance. No theatrics, no empty promises, just the understanding that every voice, no matter how late, still counts.
Despite the pompous debates and hollow promises, it’s crucial to remember that running a nation is far from a performance. It is about meeting the people’s needs and upheld values, something that seems to have been overlooked by the current incumbents. And as these political shenanigans unfold, one merely wonders how every iteration of the General Election throws up such a vivid examination of our democracy.