OPINION: The life or death of democracy also known as the 2024 election

By Hadley Cress 27’

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of democracy is “government by the people: rule of the majority.” When looking at the candidates for the 2024 election, democracy doesn’t seem to have a chance.

There are two main presidential candidates this year: Kamala Harris representing the Democratic party and Donald Trump representing the Republican party.

Although both candidates have had experience in the presidential office, Donald Trump as president and Kamala Harris as vice president, they are very different from each other.

People often consider a presidential candidate’s policies when deciding who to vote for. However, I think it is important to review their character as well.

In a recent article written by Michael S. Shmidt of the New York Times, Shmidt interviewed John Kelly, Trump's longest-serving Chief of Staff. When asked if Kelly believed Trump was a fascist he stated “he’s certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators — he has said that. So he certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure.”

For reference, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines authoritarian as “of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people.”

Trump has done many things that show his authoritarian ruling style. Famously on January 6th, he attempted to change the election results by encouraging his supporters to attack the capital. During a speech to his supporters that day he said “And we fight. We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore.”

Along with this, Trump has been known to support and idolize authoritarian leaders. According to Kelly, he has gone as far as saying he wants generals like Hitler. In addition, he told Kelly “he [Hitler] did a lot of good things”, according to CNN.

Trump had also become very friendly with both Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin during his time in office. Saying “I happen to get along with Kim Jong Un very well,” as well as “got along great with Putin” on Fox News’ Sunday Morning features.

In contrast, Harris has done a good job protecting and upholding democracy throughout her entire career in the United States government. She started as a District Attorney of San Francisco and eventually became the Attorney General of California.

Most recently during a speech on October 29, 2024, Kamala Harris stated “That’s why I am in this race, to fight for the people just like I always have.” Later, she went on to say “I pledge to be a president for all Americans and to always put country over party and self.”

This election is no longer about which candidate has the better policies. It is a matter of democracy or authoritarianism. When determining who to cast your vote for this year, I implore you to consider character in you decision