Operation: Planned Dispute
August 31, 2024
The U.S. Presidential election looms large heading into September. Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump in most national polls, with a narrow lead; a vast departure from one month ago, yet still within the margin of error, including in the key battleground states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. So far, this is reminiscent of the 2020 Presidential election, in which Biden ultimately prevailed. Yet, in so many ways, 2024 is much more complicated.
Setting aside Georgia and even Arizona for a moment, Nevada and North Carolina are all within a half percentage of flipping blue for Harris. The contest will be close. The upcoming televised debates could help solidify a commanding lead for one of the candidates.
If Trump continues to commit federal crimes and/or alienate active military & law enforcement officials like he did at Arlington National Cemetery, then he will continue to lose support among a key demographic long tied to the Republican party. Such errors would clear the path for a Democratic blue wave momentum. Harris already holds a staggering 7 point lead in the ‘Favorable’ polling.
Let me reiterate — The 2024 election is shaping up to be a close contest. The GOP anticipates this and is preparing to dispute Georgia’s election results if Harris wins that State. The GOP fully understands their dismal polling results. In an attempt to cling onto political power, they will continue focusing on their three-prong strategy:
GOP gamification in 2020 and 2024 illustrates a troubling pattern emerging for U.S. Democracy. For this reason, the electoral college system, specifically the basic act of election certification, is in need of careful re-examination for this modern era.
Monkeypox: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent outbreak of monkeypox a global health emergency. Additionally, several States across the U.S. (including Ohio) are experiencing a surge in Covid cases. Thanks to the development of a vaccination in response to the Covid pandemic, the death toll arising from new Covid cases has decreased significantly.
Inflation: The Federal Reserve remains under constant scrutiny from armchair analysts who dispute the potential for a soft landing in the economy. While the current annual inflation rate is 2.5%, the lowest since March 2021, prices on 96% of household goods remain 20.9% more expensive since the pandemic-induced recession began in February 2020. Once again, it is important for me to refer back to my March 2020 post entitled Pajama Republic, in which I outline the exact moment (and reasons why) we are experiencing inflation troubles in 2024. The post was written in full anticipation for the need to counter all the inevitable claims by fiscal conservatives who would look to once again pass the blame of inflation onto future presidential administrations.
Despite the high inflation, interest rates on 30 year mortgage loans have declined from 8% to 6.5%, which is a 16 month low. These rates to borrow were last seen in the 1990’s and between 2002-2008. For now, the Fed and Biden administration deserves credit, especially when we consider how corporations now openly admit to price gouging items including milk and eggs during the Covid pandemic.
Let us strive to be honest, creative, rational, and helpful toward others.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony