Optimism v Pessimism or Optimist v Optimist: USA Presidential Election
By Victor Perton
"We must be worthy of this moment. It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done, guided by optimism and faith, to fight for this country we love," declared Kamala Harris in her acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination.
This statement encapsulates a central theme in her and President Joe Biden's vision for America—one steeped in optimism and the belief that the future can be shaped for the better through collective effort and unwavering faith in the nation's potential.
President Biden, self-described as a "congenital optimist" and a "cockeyed optimist," has echoed this sentiment throughout his political career.
Biden said, "I'm a little bit of a cockeyed optimist. I realiserealise that. But the truth of the matter is I've never been more optimistic about America's prospects. I really mean it, from the bottom of my heart. Never, never, never, never. And there are two reasons for it. Because of these — we're the only country in the world that has — the only country that has come out of crises stronger than we went in. Not just returned to where we were — stronger than we went in."
In a world where the media frequently spotlights negativity, Biden's optimism stands out as a call to focus on what can be achieved through perseverance and hope.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, presents a complex relationship with optimism and pessimism. While his rhetoric often played on fears and frustrations, Trump's personal philosophy has been influenced by the teachings of Norman Vincent Peale, author of "The Power of Positive Thinking." Peale, the Trump family's pastor at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, emphasised the power of optimism, self-confidence, and positive thinking. Trump has frequently mentioned Peale's influence on his outlook, stating, "You always have to go into it believing that you're going to win. If you don't, you're not going to win. I learned that from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale."
Trump's brand of optimism, rooted in Peale's teachings, is evident in his assertive, sometimes brash public persona, where confidence and belief in success are paramount. However, in his political messaging, notably during his 2016 campaign, Trump often painted a picture of a declining nation, rallying support by appealing to those who felt left behind. His slogan, "Make America Great Again", was less about continuous progress and more about reclaiming perceived lost greatness, a message that resonated with many but also introduced elements of pessimism—highlighting what was lost rather than what could be gained.
Michael McKenna, president of MWR Strategies, argues in his article "Trump should take Reagan's lead and release his inner optimist" that Donald Trump could greatly benefit from adopting a more optimistic approach similar to Ronald Reagan's. McKenna suggests that by embracing a forward-looking, positive vision, much like Reagan did, Trump could broaden his appeal and energise a broader base of supporters drawn to a message of hope and progress rather than one primarily focused on reclaiming the past.
In their speeches and public statements, these leaders have presented a clear dichotomy: Biden and Harris appeal to a forward-looking, inclusive optimism, while Trump's messaging often focused on restoring past glory, blending Peale's influence of positive thinking with a more pessimistic view of current realities. McKenna's advice highlights an intriguing possibility—could Trump's embrace of a more Reagan-esque optimism reshape the dynamics of the 2024 election?
In The Times after the Democrat Convention, Gerard Baker suggests, “while Trump may be able to call out the hypocrisy, he’ll struggle to match the optimism.”
The Power of Perspective
The debate between optimism and pessimism is more than just a clash of personal philosophies; it reflects broader societal divides. As Biden and Harris frame it, optimism is about faith in progress, resilience, and the collective power to shape a better future.
Pessimism, as seen in some of Trump's rhetoric, can fuel a different kind of motivation based on fear of decline and the urgency to recapture a better past.
Both perspectives have their appeal, but they lead to different approaches to governance, leadership, and, ultimately, the future of the United States.
I prefer optimism.