One Of The Consequences Of Your Actions? I Do Not Respect You.
Before You Read, I Have a Happier Option
I feel like this post should come with trigger warning.
If you are having election anxiety and need a boost of encouragement and excitement, head over to this highlight, which I’ve labeled Voting! I shared what it’s like to vote from abroad, and asked people to share their voting plans, and I’ve heard from people all over country (and across the world too!) and have been sharing their messages. It’s so HAPPY. Go see.
I’m hoping I get messages from all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico and any other voting districts. So I’ll be adding to the highlight as messages continue to come in.
If, on the other hand, you can handle my anger toward Trump voters, and people who believe “both candidates are the same”, feel free to keep reading.
Harris or Trump. That’s the Only Actual Choice.
A few days ago, I saw this question and answer on Instagram:
I think it’s a timely question and I assume the answer was helpful to the asker. And maybe it’s just my election season nerves, but the exchange actually bugged me. A lot. And I kept thinking about it. And my irritation grew.
I think there’s something else implied in the question, something that wasn’t answered. In my experience when this type of question is being asked, then this version is probably more accurate:
I don’t support either Trump or Harris. I will write in someone for president or vote third party. What should I say to those who say it won’t count? What should I say if I don’t want to lose their respect?
And if I was the one answering the question, my honest response would be two-fold:
1) If you want me to know your third party or write-in vote will count, you’re in luck. I already know that it counts. It essentially functions as a vote for Trump. Yes, I agree it would be great to have additional political parties with an actual chance at being elected. Yes, I would love to see ranked-choice voting. Yes, I would love to get rid of the electoral college. Yes, I am desperate to see Citizens United overturned. Yes, I want shorter election cycles and election reform. And I am willing and ready to work toward those goals! But at the moment, they are still just goals, and big changes like that typically happen slowly in America. Right this minute, the reality is that either Trump or Harris will be elected. No one else. It’s going to be Trump or Harris. So your vote is either for Trump or against Trump. That same vote is either for Harris, or against Harris. That’s the only actual choice in front of you.
2) Regarding respect, if you were to tell me you are not voting for either Trump or Harris, I do not think it would be possible to retain my respect. It’s basically a biological response at this point; as soon as I hear someone say they’re not voting for either Trump or Harris, I’ve instantly lost all respect for them.
I suppose this could be hard to hear for some people who may be reading this. I imagine most people already know I hate Trump, and know that I will frequently criticize Trump supporters as a group, but maybe they feel that as long as they are not voting for Trump, then our relationship can continue happily along.
But I don’t seem able to get past that part where the person doesn’t feel compelled to do everything they can to vote against Trump; to make sure Trump, and all that he stands for, loses by a landslide. I can’t comprehend a decent person who doesn’t want to see Trumpism soundly rejected, so much so that Republicans have to make a break with any idea he’s ever touched (including the entire Project 2025!), and come up with policies based on what Americans actually want and need, instead of just continue to try and cheat their way into power.
How can I respect a person who is like, “Meh, I don’t really care whether Trump wins or not — I’m going to write someone in, or vote third party”? How can I respect a person who is so disconnected from reality; a person who denies or ignores the harm Trump’s policies have done and will do? Policies that specifically hurt marginalized Americans, and also do harm to the country as a whole? How can I respect a person that isn’t actively doing anything they can think of to keep him out of power, including voting for the only person positioned to beat him?
A recurring message I receive on Instagram: “I come here for renovation updates, design, and to see your life in France. Stop posting political stuff.” These messages are, without exception, from Trump supporters, or people who claim to be independent, but aren’t willing to vote against Trump, and are ashamed to admit it.
My response: I do not create content for you.