Maybe I’m not quite a full blown Never-Trumper, but I’m certainly no fan of President Trump. I want to explain why, even though I wouldn’t vote for Trump, I don’t dread the idea of a second term; in fact, I cautiously hope he wins.
Now, some might ask why I’m deciding to weigh in on the U.S. election when I’m not an American, but there are a few reasons I care about U.S. politics despite not being an American.
Firstly, the U.S. is the global hegemon. Being the most powerful nation in human history, America’s politics affect the whole world—and not just America’s foreign policy. The soft power and cultural influence the U.S. exerts by simply existing and setting an example are as significant as the foreign policies it pursues.
Secondly, I enjoy American politics more than Aussie politics. It is perhaps the only country with a strong genuine conservative movement and America is founded on the best, most true and most moral ideology of any nation ever.
Thirdly, I hope to one day call America home.
Now onto Trump. My view of Trump has been mostly constant. Even if I could have, I wouldn’t have voted for him in the 2016 primary or general elections, and I wouldn’t vote for him this time around either. That being said, I still think he is far better than either Clinton or Biden.
There are, I think, two plausible conservative arguments against voting Trump. The first is the possible damage Trump will do to the conservative movement if given another four years in the White House. The idea is that any short term gains in policy will be outweighed by the long-term effect of tying the conservative movement to Donald Trump. Even though I agree with at least some of the worries conservatives have with Trump, I think that the potential risks of re-electing Trump are balanced out by the potential risks of electing a Democrat. Here’s why:
In recent months, many members of the Democratic party have made it clear that they will, if able, court pack, end the filibuster and potentially add states which tip the balance of power. Furthermore the majority of this year has been characterized by massively violent riots in American cities. Any parent knows that giving in to a child because they’re throwing a tantrum only encourages them to throw a tantrum the next time they want something.
If conservatives want to see riots every time there’s an incumbent Republican up for re-election, then there’s no better way to do it than give in to the rioters wishes. Partisan court packing, dismantling of institutions and endorsing rioting as a campaigning tactic will be the long term consequences of a Democrat victory.
The second plausible argument against voting for Trump is less about the two candidates and more about what a vote actually is.
A vote is not just a nod to the lesser of two evils, it’s a mandate to govern. And whilst conservatives definitely won’t give this mandate to Democrats, that doesn’t mean they have to give it to Trump. Everyone knows Trump’s flaws, so I won’t go over them again here, but, if we grant Trump that approval, then I worry it sets a dangerous precedent for the type of character we see in our future GOP candidates.
Getting past the election there are two things that matter: who is chosen to lead America but also, and maybe more importantly, what message the conservative movement sends to the Republican party about future leaders.
All that being said, people who vote for either candidate are faced with a choice between two evils, but conservatives who vote Trump aren’t doing something at odds with conservatism. If we disagree on Trump, or on how to use a vote, that’s fine.
But that’s why I wouldn’t vote for Trump. Why do I hope he wins?
As mentioned above I think there are worrying long-term consequences either way for this election, but, when it comes to the short term-effects, conservatives have much more to fear from a Biden administration.
Biden will pursue policies conservatives that dislike. Increasing taxes and increasing regulations will likely hinder economic recovery from COVID-19. Biden’s foreign policy is likely to be disastrous with America being soft on Iran and China and deferential to the European nations. On pro-life issues, on guns, and on preserving government institutions, Biden is likely to make decisions antithetical to conservative beliefs.
I understand completely why Never-Trumpers will choose not to vote for Trump, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s also not all doom and gloom if he wins.
Keegan Nazzari
Keegan is currently studying a Poli-Sci and Communications degree at The University of Western Australia. He was born and raised in Perth but hopes to relocate to the U.S. after his degree to pursue a career in political media. Other than discussing politics Keegan hopes to inform Americans about the true greatest sport in the world, Aussie Rules football.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
@Keegan_Nazzari
