Saint Johns reader: Independent voter in search of a solid presidential candidate in 2024
I am just one of many intelligent independent voters struggling to find a presidential candidate. I want to be filled with passion and volunteer for someone. Unfortunately, I am not on board with anyone yet. Donald Trump and Joe Biden again? Please; one is a narcissist and the other is corrupt (you figure out which is which).
Biden had us believe that he was a moderate in the last presidential election, but he now appears to be a pawn of the very far left. I would be fine with that if they were actually doing good things. Instead, they are turning our country inside out in a bad way.
Electric cars catch fire, blow up in people’s garages and the mileage range isn’t enough to be practical. Not to mention that the batteries contain hazardous materials that risk toxic exposure when the cars are dismantled. As for recycling, why do we spend so much time and energy on it instead of creating a real solution? It makes everyone feel better, but it really doesn’t work.
Trump also fooled us in the past, stating he was a businessman just trying to help the people. He keeps saying he is running for us, but really? I think at this point we know it’s all about him.
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Instead of candidates discussing our future, they seem to be living in the past, fighting and pointing fingers at each other. The spin is relentless. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., insists he is not anti-vaccine, but because he has concerns about their safety … he is anti-vaccine.
Abortion is another topic that is so frustrating. It's 2023 — why is the government trying to dictate to us what we do with our bodies? It’s none of their business. Instead, they should concentrate on the economy. Gas prices, groceries, interest rates and uniting the great divide in this country should be a priority.
I have no problem with immigrants, but they need to come in legally and contribute to society, not detract from it. American citizens living at the poverty line or below need help. I haven’t heard any real solutions to affordable housing or care for the elderly. Plus, Social Security and Medicare are holding on by a thread and apparently not solvent.
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I wish the candidates on either side would take note of what directly impacts our lives. Leave the rest behind. Vivek Ramaswamy seems sincere, but it doesn’t impress me when he and Kennedy are showing off their physiques. How does that help me pay the bills?
I am very happy Ramaswamy can rap like Eminem — but can he croon like Frank Sinatra? It appears he is pandering to the 26% of people listening to rap or hip-hop. Give me a plan on taking care of the aging population instead.
Lori Halpenny worked in the tech industry for decades before taking a retirement job as a writer for a small New Jersey newspaper. She lives in Saint Johns.
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Presidential candidates on both sides need more solutions, less spin
