The Final Episodes of a Most Bizarre Year. Hopefully.

The final episodes of this bizarre 2020 seem to be underway in the US. First, as anticipated, there is no clear winner of the presidential race, which took place on Tuesday. There is, however, plenty of speculation regarding voter fraud, voter suppression and election tampering. Sadly, a general assault on the integrity of this year's voting process, due to Covid-19 protocol initiatives, has left countless Americans discouraged and disgruntled. President Trump is incensed, Mr. Biden remains low-key and behind the scenes, social media ignites with conspiracy theories and rioters are ready to go with any sign of a tipping point -- either way.

It appears that the GOP kept their majority in the Senate and gained seven seats in the House. A record amount of votes were cast. It's anyone's guess how this will shake out, but the consensus is that the GOP had a strong showing across diverse demographics. The Democrats suffered material losses in key races. Oddly, we haven't heard much about the pandemic since the election. 

And finally, another storm is brewing and presenting a threat to SWFL. Category 4 Hurricane Eta is trying to regroup after plowing into Nicaragua earlier in the week. How much can we take?  

On the brighter side, it's a great time to escape in a book and stay away from the Internet and TV. I started reading "Desert Rescue" this week. It is a fictional story about Iraq and the chemical warfare program under Saddam Hussein. It was written by Bonnie Bozzo, a Marco Island resident.

Against All Odds

It is six days before the general election and the country is fragile and divided. If President Trump is reelected, it will be nothing short of a miracle. With old and new media working double time for Vice President Biden’s election campaign, Trump has been managing a grassroots-style operation to secure four more years in the White House. Video coverage around the Internet shows enthusiastic supporters and well-attended rallies for President Trump. If lawn signage is any indication, I can first-handedly report, after driving 5,000 miles cross-country this month, the 2020 winner will be Trump by a landslide. But, despite an impressive list of domestic and foreign policy accomplishments and an exhausting schedule of appearances, the president has a near insurmountable task of overcoming perceptions relating to:

• incessant media attacks 
• impeachment
• Covid-19 ineptitude and a resulting failed economy
• riots, unrest, BLM, ANTIFA
• disgruntled minority on SCOTUS appointments
• voter fraud accusations 
• inauspicious political polls 

After Mr. Biden’s 47 years in DC, most supporters can’t articulate a notable accomplishment or legislation attributed to the longterm politician. Biden looks increasingly unfit for office by frequently exhibiting incoherent speech, bewilderment and grievous gaffes. However, Joe is largely protected by the media and securely sheltered from unscripted events during this critical lead-up to November 3rd. In fact, Twitter and Facebook are in the hot seat for censoring and suppressing a major and consequential news story. On October 14th, the New York Post headlined what turned out to be the October surprise: Hunter and Joe Biden’s alleged illegal and profitable business relationships with foreign countries. Going forward, there will probably be legislation regarding social media’s editorial role, but for now, the platforms continue to support their liberal bias while silencing conservative voices. This does seem to give Mr. Biden a strong advantage at the polls. 

Regardless of who wins the general election, the campaign has been divisive. Over the next few months, we can be assured of special investigations, appointed attorneys, major mayhem and general upheaval. It will take a very special leader to bring the country together. Perhaps the prominent signage witnessed in the the Bible Belt this month is most telling.