H.L. Mencken’s famous definition of democracy as the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard, seems particularly apt in the context of the upcoming rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Despite the widespread sentiment that this is not the rematch anyone wanted, primary voters have spoken, and the rest of us will have to accept the outcome.
In the recent primary contests, Donald Trump emerged victorious, securing an overwhelming victory in the Republican primaries. On the Democratic side, Joe Biden won in fifteen of the sixteen states and territories up for grabs, with an unexpected win by Jason Palmer in the Democratic American Samoa nomination.
Donald Trump (Credits: Vox)
Throughout the primaries, many challengers attempted to thwart this inevitable rematch. Ron DeSantis offered Trumpism without the drama, only to find that voters wanted the drama. Chris Christie took an anti-Trump stance, only to be met with boos.
Mike Pence highlighted the Trump-Pence administration’s track record, but failed to capture much excitement. Vivek Ramaswamy ran for Trump’s running mate rather than against him.
Nikki Haley emerged as the last challenger standing, offering a more moderate alternative to the prevailing MAGA sentiment. However, her campaign never gained enough traction to pose a serious challenge.
Now, we face a choice between two candidates who are both in their 70s and 80s. Donald Trump, at 77, has expressed a desire to be a dictator for “one day.”
Joe Biden, at 81, has been criticized by Hillary Clinton, who described him as old and barely coherent, but still preferable to a candidate who she believes is dangerous and threatens democracy.
As the election season unfolds, it remains to be seen how voters will respond to this rematch. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that democracy, in its sometimes harsh and unpredictable way, is at work.
