NEW DELHI: In an interview conducted by Rohan Dua, Executive Editor of The New Indian, Ben, a lawyer from Tennessee, shared his perspectives on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential election and various pressing national issues. The conversation offered a nuanced look at the concerns and hopes that many Americans harbour as they approach the US election schedule for Nov 5.
When asked who he believes would win the presidency, Ben candidly admitted, “I wish that I knew. I think it is so close I really have no idea.” His remarks reflect the uncertainty felt by many voters in the current political climate. While Ben recognized the challenges facing the country, he held a contrarian view regarding the economy, disagreeing with those who perceive it as being in disarray. “The economy is not working for a lot of people… but in general, the macroeconomic indicators are very good right now,” he stated, while acknowledging that inflation remains a concern despite being reduced to “relatively low standards.”
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Pressed on his personal preference, Ben expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris. “I did vote for Kamala already; I would greatly prefer her as president,” he revealed. However, he admitted there is no consensus among Americans. “People are very different. Everybody’s in their silo,” he noted, emphasising that opinions on leadership remain deeply polarised.
Dua steered the discussion towards former President Donald Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Ben credited Trump for his investment in vaccine development, he critiqued his overall management. “I don’t think he managed the national response very well at all,” Ben said, highlighting that mistakes were made not only by Trump but also by subsequent administrations.
The debate shifted to allegations about government agencies’ influence on elections, a recurrent claim made by Trump. Ben was forthright in his disapproval of Trump’s behaviour as president, asserting, “The way that Trump conducted himself while he was in office… encouraged petty dictators and tyrants everywhere.” He expressed concern over how Trump’s rhetoric affected both domestic and international politics.
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Immigration, a topic often spotlighted in U.S. political discourse, was another issue Ben addressed. He emphasised the complexity of regulating immigration and called for balanced policies. “We are a nation of immigrants and we need to have a well-regulated immigration system,” he said, acknowledging the bipartisan agreement that stronger measures are necessary but emphasising the difficulty of implementing comprehensive solutions.
Ben’s insights highlight the deep ideological rifts and varying perspectives that define the U.S. political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. With the nation split on issues of leadership, economic stability, and social policy, the election is set to be a reflection of these complex and divided viewpoints.