Millions of Americans are watching their television sets, refreshing their screens, and filling up their coffee cups in anticipation of a late night, all feeling tremendously anxious about the forthcoming election projections and results.
Why do Americans feel this degree of emotional intensity? The answers may seem obvious. Of course, the policy stakes of either outcome are high. Moreover, voters have extraordinarily strong partisan feelings in 2024—a level of animosity toward those who support opposing sides that goes well beyond policy preferences. Part of this sentiment stems from Donald Trump himself, one of the most divisive figures in modern American history.
But a large part of the tension revolves around an existential question: What is America’s character in 2024? In the final days of the campaign, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris offered fundamentally different views on what the country is about. In her closing argument, Harris embraced the values of democracy, pluralism, bipartisanship, and hope. In his, Trump chose fear, danger, rage, and reactionism.
Presidential elections certainly don’t define a nation. The United States is more complicated than that. Yet this election falls in the category of those that bring us closer to an answer. And for this reason, voters are watching with bated breath.
This post is part of FP’s live coverage with global updates and analysis throughout the U.S. election. Follow along here.