US Prez polls presents a critical choice .... "Do we embrace a hopeful future or retreat to a reactionary past?" ... Will Trump win or will Kamala Harris fall into a 'trap' of the flaws of Democracy itself ?

 "I Voted" stickers are seen at an early voting location in Columbus, Georgia

It appears there are some similarities in the 'characteristics' and 'anecdotes' vis-a-vis Democracy and what's going on in Indian and American politics.  The underlining theme in both the case is that things are 'changing' and often changing fast !!  

To start with one argument or concept as a 'perception' already being pushed is -- the Muslim voters in US dread the choice between ‘bad and worse’. We shall debate these. 

Choosing between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris would mean voting for a candidate who supports immigrants’ rights. But with violence escalating in Gaza, many are reconsidering their long-standing political alignments.

This shift has led some traditional Democratic voters to weigh their concerns over Palestine alongside domestic issues, with a portion now considering backing Trump in the election.

Across the US, signs declaring “Full Ceasefire in Gaza Now” have appeared outside homes of Muslim residents, signalling this growing unease.  

snap 'Dawn' newspaper - Pakistan

There is an interesting version: 

“Democratic leaders, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have continued funding and supporting policies that escalate the situation. Voting for Kamala would mean endorsing these actions, and I just can’t do that.”  

Where does the debate US elections go from here.

Well, Race was a durable factor in US politics for long especially after the civil rights movement.

People of colour voted more for Democrats in the past… today, the division is more categorical and crystal clear to a large extent.

Professionals it appears will vote for Kamala Harris this time. This is a new scenario – the Americans will have to gear up to face.

Unlike past again, the Republicans now have a solid base among people with blue-collared jobs.

Social class is the great divider of the American society and not the economic class.

Besides education, even gender and geography will play a major role in US polls. And also Religion.

On the right is – Male, less educated and Religious and rural

The other side is with Kamala Harris – educated, secular, urban left and female.

As a result a bi-racial Kamala Harris is likely to get more of the white votes.

Men and youngsters are preferring Donald trump and republicans.

Democrats are apparently slow to understand this shift in voters’ mind and the mind space. The same with India’s opposition and worst the Leftists and casteist forces – who are slowly losing out relevance even in the bastions of their strongholds.

Communists in India are now only enjoying power in Kerala and have lost their solid base(s) in Tripura and West Bengal.

Now this is the 'Guardian view' (London)

This election presents a critical choice. Do we embrace a hopeful future or retreat to a reactionary past? We’re backing Kamala Harris. She will unlock democracy’s potential, not give in to its flaws  

Look at the changing dynamics -- 

There are prominent Republicans – such as the former vice-president Dick Cheney – who refused to support Mr Trump owing to the threat he poses. 

Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under Mr Trump, calls his former boss a “fascist”. 

America was founded in opposition to absolute monarchy. The Republican nominee models himself after the leader he most admires: Russia’s autocratic president, Vladimir Putin.  

Ting tong !!  

"Mr Trump’s authoritarianism may finish US democracy. He has praised and promised to pardon those convicted in the January 6 insurrection. He has suggested bypassing legal norms to use potentially violent methods of repression, blurring the lines between vigilantism, law enforcement and military action, against groups – be they Democrats or undocumented immigrants – he views as enemies." - says The Guardian.  

There is another Muslim angle -- Wajahat Ali, founder of a website The Left Hook, expressed concern, saying: “Yes, Democrats are complicit in the tragedy in Gaza. But Trump’s policies could be even more damaging for Muslims.”