Here in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee, the political landscape is once again abuzz with anticipation. With the presidential election looming on the horizon, the air is thick with speculation, analysis and the fervent hopes of citizens. As a lifelong resident of Nashville, I can’t help but feel a bit optimistic myself — and maybe even a little excited — as the race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump gains momentum.
Recent polls paint an intriguing picture — one that tilts slightly in favor of Biden. As I wrote last week, local leaders — who also happen to be Democrats — have won their races with ease. I find that encouraging.
As recently reported by Newsweek, “Joe Biden is now beating Donald Trump in the majority of recent polls, just seven months before the presidential election.” This has ignited a spark of optimism among many, including myself, and it’s a promising sign for those who believe in Biden’s vision for the country and his ability to lead us toward a brighter future. As also reported by Newsweek: “According to polling from Morning Consult, the incumbent president is leading with 44 percent of the vote share. Trump … is projected to garner 42 percent of the vote share in the poll. The pair are tied among independents, both receiving 34 percent of the vote share. Cameron Easley, lead analyst of U.S. politics for Morning Consult, said this represents the first time Trump hasn’t led among this group of voters.”
But even amid this glimmer of hope, there’s undeniable tension in the air. The presidential race is shaping up to be a tight one, with commentators cautioning against premature celebration. Despite Biden’s edge in some polls, others suggest Trump may still have a formidable base of support waiting in the wings. The road ahead is one of uncertainty, and the outcome of the election hangs in the balance. Christopher Phelps, a professor of modern American history, aptly sums up the current state of affairs in speaking with Newsweek: “By any measure, the race at this distance from November is far too close to call.”
As we navigate these uncharted waters, it’s crucial to reflect on the stark differences between the two contenders. While Biden strives to unite and heal a divided nation, Trump finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of legal troubles. His New York criminal trial looms large, casting a shadow over his aspirations for a political comeback — although it’s unlikely he would ever admit feeling any anguish over the matter.
According to USA Today, if convicted, Trump could face a sentence that ranges from probation to several years in prison. His antagonistic behavior toward the judge presiding over his case serves only to exacerbate his predicament. Is this the kind of person we want running our country? Imagine the chaos and turmoil that will ensue if he is reelected while embroiled in such legal quagmires.
In contrast, Joe Biden has demonstrated steady leadership and a commitment to upholding the values that define us as a nation. Under his guidance, as I wrote last week, the economy is showing signs of improvement, unemployment rates are declining, and America is reclaiming its status as a nation of inclusivity and compassion.
As a resident of Nashville, of Middle Tennessee and of these United States, I take pride in our community’s resilience and what I believe is our country’s desire for unity. We deserve a leader who reflects these values and works tirelessly to uplift every member of our society. Joe Biden and his administration have long proved themselves capable of meeting this challenge, and I have every confidence that they will continue to do so in the years ahead.
As the presidential race heats up, we’ll hear arguments from both sides about why each candidate deserves the presidency. It’s concerning that even if Trump is convicted, he could still serve as president and then face imprisonment afterward. Given his track record, there’s uncertainty about the consequences for our country should he win. But I’m optimistic that the progress achieved during President Biden’s term, coupled with Democratic victories shaping our local landscape, will motivate a majority to prioritize inclusivity and compassion. I believe it behooves us all to remember that our choice affects not just our community, but the future of our nation.
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.
