As Election Day nears, tension over the possibility of a second Trump presidency has many wondering where accountability lies if voters once again choose a path that could upend American democracy. Since becoming her party’s nominee, Kamala Harris has done everything in her power to warn the public of the dangers associated with another four years of Donald Trump. In the short time she’s had since assuming the role, she has navigated the political landscape with a steady hand, clear messaging, and relentless focus. She has more than met every challenge, and in many ways, exceeded exceptions.

However, if the unthinkable happens, the responsibility for such a choice does not rest on her shoulders. Instead, Americans must confront a far-reaching cultural and institutional apathy that has created an environment where good governance takes a backseat to entertainment, sensationalism, and tribal loyalty; where a lazy, indifferent electorate has become more enthralled with the drama of politics than with its outcomes. Decades of an underfunded and fractured educational system have left millions of Americans ill-equipped to critically assess political issues, easily falling for rhetoric over substance. 

If the unthinkable happens, the role of right-wing media, especially Fox “News,” cannot be ignored. By prioritizing partisan talking points over factual reporting, Fox and similar outlets have consistently amplified misinformation, sowing doubt in institutions, science, and even basic truths. As a powerful megaphone for Republican messaging, these platforms have shaped public opinion to align with a narrow, ideologically charged agenda, often without regard for journalistic integrity or objectivity. This media environment has created a bubble of misinformation that insulates many Americans from understanding the broader consequences of their political choices.

If the unthinkable happens, blame a Republican Party willing to cling to power at all costs; a radicalized party that has abandoned its commitment to democratic principles, embracing gerrymandering, voter suppression, and outright disregard for norms that protect electoral integrity. This erosion of democratic ideals has been accelerated by an extremist Supreme Court willing to place ideology above the law, making it one of the most partisan, corrupt courts in recent history.

And finally, if the unthinkable happens, we must not overlook the billionaire class, whose relentless pursuit of wealth has often come at the expense of the country’s stability and well-being. Driven by greed and self-interest, this elite group has prioritized tax cuts, deregulation, and policies that protect their fortunes, regardless of the harm these measures inflict on working families and society in general. Their influence in politics, facilitated through lobbying and campaign contributions (thanks to a horrendous Supreme Court decision), has helped shape a system where wealth and corporate power take precedence over democratic ideals and equitable governance. All this has contributed to a climate where the public good is sacrificed for private gain, paving the way for a populist like Trump to exploit that disillusionment and gain power.

No, if the unthinkable happens next week, it is not Kamala Harris who will bear the blame. The fault will lie within the deeply embedded indifference, misinformation, and systemic flaws that have shaped the nation’s present condition. 

In a sane, non-Twilight Zone, world, this election would never be so close. With any luck, we may soon awaken from this near decade-long nightmare and once again see the light of day.

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