The “What If” scenario
Geopolitics may change in 2024 with impending elections in Russia (March), India (April- May), the European Union (June), the United States (November), and the United Kingdom (December). Any incumbent running for the office will make the contest even more interesting. In my informed view, India’s Modi will win despite the incumbency challenges but Sunak in the U.K. and Biden in the U.S. are not so easily predictable winners. Russia is a foregone conclusion in Putin’s favor and it will be suicidal for me to speculate the outcome of E.U. elections.
The focus here is the U.S. Presidential election race with Joe Biden, the incumbent Democrat, and yet undecided Republican nominee. The potential exists that Donald Trump may be the Republican nominee. If the contest is between Biden and Trump, neither is my personal favorite but I am not shy in offering my “What If” scenario.
First, why even question Biden-Trump candidacy, and if not them, who and why?
Both Biden and Trump, are tried and tested names in U.S. politics. But, their age, Biden at 80 and Trump at 77 is certainly an important issue in many minds including me. There are other critical factors such as why again only two White males in the White House? One must ask when the U.S. is likely to have a woman as President and why no women is even being projected as a candidate?
The United States broke the long-held racial ceiling when Obama was elected. However, the superpower America has yet to cross the gender barrier. God forbid, Biden looks frail when he walks and talks, and Trump, although three years younger than Biden, is no longer as energetic and forceful as he once was. He is buried under the heavy weight of numerous legal battles from his four years in the White House. In my view, both are health risks and are less than fit to govern the country.
What if the 2024 election ballot miraculously offered a choice between Kamala Harris and Nicky Haley as the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively? How interesting and game-changing will that be? Why not give them the formidable responsibility and opportunity? Both are well-known, capable, politically astute, and experienced women with proven political record. Interestingly, both are relatively younger women with Indian heritage with one or both parents migrated from India.
They both had interracial marriages and accepted Christianity as their religion. Either of them, if elected, will pierce the gender ceiling and make history for the first time. With their Indian heritage, either will bring racial diversity and multi-religious identity to the White House. Growing up, Harris went to Hindu temple as well as attended Sunday services at Black Baptist church. She is identified both as African American and Asian American. Additionally, she is now married to a Jewish man.
Growing up, Haley, born to Sikh parents, regularly attended Gurudwara. Now, a Christian, she goes to church regularly but also visits Gurdwara from time to time. She married a White man and became a Methodist. I would argue that the multi-religious exposure is a plus for both women but some may suggest a “sellout” to realize their political dreams in the land of opportunity. I say, so what if the latter bears the truth?
With all the pluses in favor of two women from their respective parties, what is the probability of a “What If’ scenario becoming a reality? It is likely only if Biden has the wisdom to tell his party that he already had an extraordinarily successful political career- a long-term Senator, Vice President, and now President. What more should he expect from his aging body and mind? I say that Biden deserves rest and easy-going years ahead. He should write his biography, develop a Presidential library, serve the country as a graceful statesperson, and most of all, give the formidable opportunity to his Vice President Harris. He should stand in front of the mirror and ask himself- does he need to run in the 2024 race to the top? I hope the wisdom prevails and Biden gracefully tells the country and the world that he is grateful for the privileges he has had and now it is time to move on.
How about Trump? Besides his age factor, his record as the President is full of baggage and blunders unlike any other. During his Presidency, he was a laughingstock on many occasions and his handling of Covid was marred with controversies and he managed it very poorly. Undeniably, his association with North Korea’s dictator was unprecedented, and trusting the Russian leader was notably against the U.S. longstanding foreign policy. The worst was the January 6, the alleged insurrection by Trump himself. One wonders if one or more of the many legal battles currently underway may disqualify him from running. Many States in the Union are also considering keeping his name off the ballots. These gaffes may be enough to either not be on the ballot and/ or not get re-elected. He has his followers but, why is he crazy to seek unwelcome attention? He also needs rest for his aging body and soul but if he insists, he can run his business and be at peace.
In summary, it is about time that the United States gracefully elects a female President. For that, there is none other better and more deserving than Kamala Harris or Nicky Haley. Let them contest in 2024 and let one of them make history as the next President.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
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