To say that the United States is a hopelessly divided nation politically is an understatement. But it should not go without saying, as we enter what will not only be the most contentious election of our lifetimes, but also the most important (I know, I know, they say that about every election, but it’s true about 2024, which is a fulcrum point in our nation’s history as much as the 1860 or 1932 elections were). 

That’s why Republicans and Democrats alike should be skeptical of any poll showing either of their party’s nominees decisively defeating the other—and why either party should be worried about how close the 2024 Presidential Election will be (especially if the matchup is between Joe Biden and Donald J. Trump).

Polls indicate that on almost every major issue—from inflation to the economy, to immigration—voters prefer the Republicans to Democrats by almost double-digits. And yet, national polls indicate that the presumptive Republican Party nominee, former President Donald J. Trump, is only leading his rival, by a few percentage points. 

Should Trump, in fact, become the nominee then, the closer we get to Election Day, things could change in Trump’s favor. But, if anything, it is likely that they will only tighten, considering how divided the nation is…and how divisive both Trump and Biden are perceived to be among the electorate.

That’s the only reason that, even though voters overwhelmingly side with Republicans on the key issues they care about this cycle, Trump remains struggling against “Sleepy” Joe Biden. 

Still, it’s worth noting that, despite Trump’s many weaknesses as a candidate this go-around—even with the 91 combined felony charges he’s been indicted for—Biden is struggling against a supposedly compromised Trump. 

As time progresses, and the Donald Trump trials get underway, Trump may find his popularity—such as it is—decline as more Americans learn about the extent of Trump’s alleged perfidy. 

One thing is certain: whatever happens with GOP Primary voters, independent voters will not be as sympathetic toward Trump’s claims that he is a victim of the dreaded “Deep State”. 

Instead, they will likely be increasingly turned off, as more damaging information is leaked. At that point, just as with the previous two presidential elections (only with far greater importance), the margins will decide the winner.

Donald Trump is a Proven Loser 

The fact that on most major issues voters are infinitely more supportive of the GOP over the DNC, yet Donald Trump is struggling to decisively defeat unpopular Joe Biden in the polls indicates how awful of a candidate Trump is. 

Whether that can be changed remains to be seen. 

In the aftermath of the devastating 2022 Midterm loss, most Republican voters were finally open to electing a new avatar to further their cause. That is until the first of several indictments befell Donald Trump in March of this year. Then, the former president’s political woes reversed. Strangely, Republican voters have taken leave of their senses.

Unlike in 2016, when Donald Trump was the only clear worthwhile Republican candidate, there is at least one other candidate on the GOP side who is appealing. Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis is Donald Trump without the mania. At least, he could have been, as he is now out of the race. 

And from November 2022 to March 2023, most voters saw that reality. If Republicans could break the creepy spell that the terribly weak Trump has on them, they would easily nominate DeSantis who, in turn, would smash the gerontocracy, and restore sanity and order to this country. But, of course, now that won't happen. 

Alas, we’re a nation in decline and declining nations usually choose to continue the decline into collapse. I fear we might be watching such a disaster unfolding today. 

Another Trump vs. Biden presidential election will not bring this country together or place a competent leader in office. It will further divide the country and assure its continued decline into historical oblivion. 

About the Author 

An energy analyst at the The-Pipeline, Brandon J. Weichert is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, as well as at the Asia Times. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower (Republic Book Publishers), Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life (Encounter Books), and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. Weichert occasionally serves as a Subject Matter Expert for various organizations, including the Department of Defense. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.