Election 2024: Hidden Forces and Unseen Influences

When we spoke at the start of the year, the political landscape seemed steadfast, almost immutable. With the approach of November, the idea of switching candidates felt like a late-season Hail Mary—too rash, too late. Yet, hindsight has a way of humbling us. As the year unfolded, the odds—those fickle, elusive odds—started to paint a different picture.

The Fragility of Health and Politics

Joe Biden, at his age, faces a one-in-twenty chance of experiencing a debilitating event, including death, within any given year. Such statistics loom large, casting shadows over campaign trails and political strategies. It's not just about physical health; a "debilitating event" could very well be a public gaffe or a significant policy blunder. These uncertainties raise the stakes, making his journey to November anything but assured.

The Trump Enigma

On the other side of the political spectrum, Donald Trump's path is fraught with its own uncertainties. There's a notion that he may not even be "allowed" to become president again. The phrase seems cryptic, almost conspiratorial, but it hints at deeper, systemic issues within the American political framework. Mike Benz recently referred to something known as the "rules-based international order," a complex web of agreements and understandings designed to maintain global stability and open markets.

The Role of the State Department and Intelligence Community

Consider the perspectives of the State Department, the intelligence community, the defense department, and major international corporations. These entities rely on a stable international order, one that doesn't waver with the whims of populist candidates. Their goal is to prune the political field, ensuring that only candidates who align with this global order make it to the final showdown. This isn't democracy in its purest form; it's more akin to a controlled choice, a magician's trick where the outcome is subtly guided.

The 2016 Disruption

Everything was relatively stable until 2016. Donald Trump, the first candidate with no military or governmental experience, shattered the primary structure. Despite being deemed a wild card, a loser, and even a stooge of the Russians, he won. This unprecedented victory sent shockwaves through the political establishment, underscoring the fragility of the existing system.

The Illusion of Democracy

The concept of democracy, as it stands, is paradoxical. On one hand, it's about the will of the people. On the other, it's about maintaining strong institutions that originated from democratic principles. These two notions often clash, creating a tension that the political system struggles to reconcile.

The Washington Dilemma

In Washington, many believe that Trump cannot be allowed to return to the Oval Office. His wealth, unpredictability, and perhaps a grudge from the past six years make him a formidable wild card. He's learned to navigate the political games, making him a unique and unpredictable player in this high-stakes arena.

A Multi-Polar World

The post-World War II order is unraveling, leading us towards a multi-polar world. The old game theory of two major players is giving way to a more complex landscape with multiple influential entities. This new reality complicates the political strategies of both domestic and international actors.

The Media and Managed Reality

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, often acting as a filter for what is deemed acceptable discourse. For instance, MSNBC's recent deceptive editing of Joe Rogan's comments to make it appear as though he was praising Kamala Harris is a stark example of this manipulation. Such actions aren't just about fooling the audience; they're about instructing them on what to believe.

The Role of Social Media Giants

Tech companies like Google and social media platforms wield immense power in shaping political narratives. Their biases, whether intentional or emergent from the prevailing content pool, influence public opinion on a massive scale. The question isn't just about whether they're editorializing but also about the inherent biases within the content they pull from.

The Unseen Hand

Behind the scenes, various forces work to maintain the status quo. Whether it's about controlling the narrative or ensuring that only certain candidates make it to the final election, these unseen hands play a significant role in shaping our political reality. This managed reality, much like professional wrestling, requires a suspension of disbelief to function.

The Complexity of Modern Elections

Every election cycle seems more critical than the last. The 2024 election promises to be the most bizarre yet, with unprecedented levels of media manipulation, public discontent, and technological advancements like AI further complicating the landscape.

The Need for Transparency

Given the intricate web of influences and the high stakes involved, it's crucial for institutions like the State Department, intelligence community, and defense department to come clean about the challenges we face. The American people deserve to know the complexities at play, especially when populist candidates threaten to upend fragile international agreements.

In Search of Solutions

As we navigate this complex terrain, the need for responsible discourse and transparency becomes ever more critical. The stakes are high, not just for the upcoming election but for the future of democracy itself. The system, flawed as it may be, requires a nuanced understanding and responsible engagement from all stakeholders.