By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
We are getting closer to a day that most Americans want. I suspect every time we go to the grocery store, we think about what might be. Each time we fill up at the gas pump, we want the day to come sooner.
Well, citizens of our beloved nation, election day is close. Can you feel it? The anticipation of it almost rivals a holiday. Our excitement is boiling over.
We talk with family and friends as if there will be some kind of gift exchange. In a strange way, we will exchange. Americans are exchanging chaos for calm. We are exchanging extremism for rational thinking. Lastly, we are exchanging hopelessness for hope.
Having hope each day is important. If we are honest, hope has been in short supply for us recently. Every day there is something else to drain us. It could be argued that we are just going through life’s motions. That’s sad.
Only a small percentage of Americans believe our country is faring well. Trying to convince them otherwise is unwise.
I truly think that America is sick and tired of going through this misery and strife. Frustration has set in and has been the call of the day for way too long.
The answers we have been getting to important questions are inadequate and amount to word salad without the oil and vinegar.
Last month, reporters and news organizations were asked to leave the White House press room. How could that be? It was because the administration believed they were giving fake news to the American people. The courts have now ruled that they can return.
With all that is happening now, the November 3rd midterm elections loom large. Almost every voting prognosticator is saying this will be an extremely important election.
Polling suggests the Democrats will win back the House of Representatives. According to NBC News, “National polling averages show Democrats leading with roughly 52% of the congressional preference compared to 43% for the Republicans.”
If you take this poll as an example of what’s to come, the Democrats may win. However, do you remember what the polls said about Kamala Harris winning the presidency?
Democratic leadership must work hard and not take anything for granted. If they do, then the outcome will not be to their liking.
Some political experts suggest the GOP might lose the Senate as well. I think that’s a long shot. Too much would have to happen for that to become reality.
Reports from the New York Times and Siena University suggest that the Democratic Senate candidates are leading or tied in several states. Some of these states include Texas and Alaska. It looks hopeful, but I view it with suspicion.
Fox News says that in Texas, Democrat James Talarico holds a slight edge (2 points) over Republican Ken Paxton. These numbers in my opinion will change several times before it is time to cast your ballot.
Another Senate race to watch is between Maine Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. An AARP poll shows Jackson leading while a New York Times poll shows Collins leading. Right now, it’s too close to call. It’s important to note that Senator Collins has been in some other tight races and she has always won. She has been a United States Senator for over 29 years.
Politicians in Washington are paying attention to these races. For example, Democratic Representative Joe Morelle (NY) said, “We’re working every day to make sure we’re prepared. You should have confidence that the system works.”
On the Senate side, Senator Chuck Schumer has expressed similar sentiments. Everyone wants a fair and trouble-free election. The American people want to feel like their votes count and aren’t subject to recalls.
So, in the coming weeks, like the song lyrics from Archie Bell and The Drells go, “there’s gonna be a showdown.”
