We’re now just days away from Election Day 2024, and my decision is no longer a complex one. In my first blog article, I explored whether Trump’s policies as a businessman could sway my vote. His stance on taxes, regulations, and business incentives seemed like a smart choice for someone like me. But after digging deeper into his actions, rhetoric, and leadership style, it’s clear that this decision goes far beyond economics.
I’ve seen Trump’s rise, and while I knew about some of his more controversial moves, I didn’t pay as much attention as I should have. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, I’ve gone back to scrutinize his time in office and what he’s done. What I’ve found has been troubling, to say the least.
Trump’s Fascist Playbook
At first glance, Trump’s authoritarian tactics may seem like typical strong leadership—an emphasis on loyalty, a disregard for the media, and a constant push to win at any cost. But after revisiting his actions during and after January 6th, I realized this wasn’t just about strength—it was a dangerous erosion of democracy. When Trump stoked the flames of conspiracy and actively encouraged the Capitol insurrection, it wasn’t a one-off. It was a play straight out of the fascist playbook: undermine institutions, discredit elections, and incite chaos to stay in power.
Beyond that, his actions throughout his presidency reveal patterns common in fascist regimes: the dismissal of democratic norms, the consolidation of power, and the use of fear and misinformation to maintain control. The warning signs were there all along, but I didn’t see them for what they were. And now, as I review what happened, especially on January 6th, it’s clear—I cannot support someone who threatens the very foundation of our democracy.
Trump’s Divisive Rhetoric and Racist Policies
As a Black man, Trump’s policies on race hit hard. His rhetoric around immigrants, his dismissive attitude toward the Black Lives Matter movement, and his reluctance to denounce white supremacists have fueled racial divides. But beyond the soundbites, his policies actively harmed Black and minority communities. The rollback of civil rights protections and his failure to address systemic racism weren’t just political blunders—they were dangerous, leaving our communities more vulnerable than ever.
It’s not just about Black Americans either. Trump’s nationalist rhetoric and policies have alienated immigrants, Muslims, and other minority groups. His refusal to embrace equality for all Americans is a deep problem, one that I cannot stand behind. The racism we’ve seen during his administration isn’t just a concern for minorities—it’s an American problem. A president who fans the flames of division and hatred cannot represent the values of this country.
Exploring Other Options
With Trump off the table, it’s time to seriously evaluate Kamala Harris and other candidates. But let me be clear: Harris isn’t my only choice. I’m considering Cornel West, Jill Stein, and other third-party candidates because settling for a binary option when there’s so much at stake isn’t in my DNA. Harris, as the first Black and female Vice President, does symbolize progress, but I’m not casting my vote based on symbolism alone. Her policies, and the policies of others like Cornel West, will determine where my vote goes.
Evaluating Harris’s track record, especially as California’s Attorney General, will be key. I’m going to scrutinize her policies to see if they align with my vision for the future. For now, I remain undecided—but one thing is clear: Trump’s divisive and dangerous leadership makes him an unfit option.
Wrap-Up
There are many more reasons—far too many to cover in this one blog article—but these are the ones that resonate most with me. As we approach Election Day, I’ll continue to evaluate Harris and third-party candidates, but one thing is certain: I cannot vote for Donald Trump. His fascist tendencies, divisive rhetoric, and disregard for democracy have shown me that he’s a threat not just to me as a Black man but to all Americans.
We’re days away from making a decision that will shape the future of this country. I want to hear from you—are you struggling with this decision too? Let’s talk. Email me, comment, or reach out on Facebook. This election is bigger than all of us, and we need to make sure we’re making the right choice for the future.