SFDebate Political Discussion Meetup

The 2024 presidential election is rapidly approaching, and we are confronted with the possibility of yet another Trump presidency. Some of us would welcome this development. Others would consider the reelection of Trump an existential threat to democracy, humanity and the planet. Here are a few of the arguments on both sides:

Case for a Trump presidency: Americans that defend our country are willing to follow Trump as the commander in chief and the leader of the nation. Recruitment fell sharply after Biden's election. Donald Trump has pledged to end institutionalized racism and discrimination, specifically in education. Kamala Harris has promised to push DEI policies and create equal outcomes. Donald Trump has pledged to remove restrictions on energy production and bring down inflation through increasing supply. No one knows what Harris is going to do. Donald Trump has pledged to fully support the 1st amendment and will ban federal agencies from censoring speech including withholding money from academic institutions that engage in censorship. The Biden administration engaged in huge censorship efforts on Twitter and Facebook and others in actions that a federal judge described as: the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian “Ministry of Truth.”

Case against a Trump presidency: Trump is the most flawed individual to ever hold office — a racist, homophobe, Islamophobe, misogynist, serial liar, sexual offender, sociopathic narcissist, and convicted felon. Should he be reelected president, Trump's vindictiveness, chaotic governing style, and likely ongoing attacks on the media, judiciary, federal bureaucracy, and former allies would further erode trust in American institutions (already at a low point) and within all levels of government. Based on his statements and the record of his previous administration, Trump does not appear to care one whit about climate change, endangered species or protecting wild habitat (none of which are even mentioned in this year’s Republican platform). Nor does Trump propose a serious plan to reduce the national debt – in fact, he wants further tax cuts and universal tariffs. Just this month, the Tax Foundation warned that this combination of policies could “shrink economic output and grow the national debt.”

So, what do you think? Should Donald Trump be reelected president? We invite you to attend this debate, which will begin with speakers arguing for and against a second Trump presidency, followed by a floor discussion in which participants contribute their own ideas.
A Zoom link to the meeting will appear on the event web page when you RSVP. You need not turn on the camera, but people who are seen are often more persuasive. Everyone gets a chance to speak and is encouraged to do so, but no one is required to speak.