Voting Beyond Identity: A Modern Perspective on Presidential Choice

In recent years, the discussion around race, gender, and other identity factors has become increasingly prominent in presidential elections. However, a significant portion of the population continues to prioritize policy and principles over identity when casting their ballots. This article explores the rationale behind such an approach and discusses how voters can base their decisions on their beliefs and the policies a candidate supports.

The Role of Identity in Modern Presidential Elections

The Democratic primary in 2020 highlighted a shift towards identity as a primary factor in voter decision-making. Despite the availability of candidates with diverse backgrounds, many voters found themselves voting for candidates based on their race, gender, or other identity factors. However, not everyone shares this perspective. A substantial part of the population views identity simply as a non-determining factor in their electoral decision. According to one voter, “I’ve pretty much only had that option in my lifetime save the Barack Obama option. I voted for him. So yes I would.”

Policy Over Identity: A Rational Voting Approach

For many voters, the most important aspect of a presidential candidate is their alignment with their core beliefs and the policies that they support. This approach transcends traditional racial and gender biases. As one voter noted, “I would vote for any President if I agreed with their policy regardless of their race or gender.” This perspective underscores the importance of evaluating a candidate based on their values and their plans to implement them rather than their personal identity.

Key Considerations for a Rational Voter

When evaluating a candidate, voters who prioritize policy over identity often look at the following key factors:

Support for the Constitution and Bill of Rights: Voters who support the foundations of the American legal system may prioritize candidates who not only support but also actively work to defend and uphold the Constitution and its amendments. Opposition to Socialism and Communism: Concerns over economic and political stability often lead voters to support candidates who oppose socialism, communism, and other forms of oppressive systems. Support for Free Markets: The importance of a robust and free-market economy is a critical consideration for many voters. Candidates who prioritize this often find favor with those who seek to maintain a thriving and competitive economic environment.

Race, sex, height, weight, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs are not determinants in the minds of these voters. Instead, they focus on the candidate's ability to deliver on their policy promises and uphold the principles they believe in. As one voter stated, “Race, sex, height, weight, sexual orientation, religious beliefs etc. Have no bearing.”

The Importance of Diversity in Leadership

While identity factors are not the hallmark of a candidate's ability to lead, it is important to recognize the value of diversity in leadership. A candidate who brings a diverse perspective can offer unique insights and solutions. However, this should be seen as a supplementary factor rather than a primary one, as the candidate's policies and principles remain the most important considerations.

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, a rational voter who prioritizes policy over identity seeks a candidate who can effectively fulfill the roles as the chief executive and commander in chief. The Constitution assigns the president these critical roles: enforcing laws, treaties, and court rulings, developing federal policies, and keeping the country safe and secure. A candidate who can uphold these duties, regardless of their background, is likely to be the best choice for voters who want their elected officials to be driven by principle and policy rather than identity.

As one voter eloquently put it, “Good grief. The Constitution assigns the president two roles: chief executive of the federal government and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. In short I pick a candidate I believe will best fulfill these roles for laws, treaties, and court rulings that I stand to support. I pick a candidate who I believe will keep our country safe from outside attack and keep and develop good relationships and standing with countries especially our neighbors as best to ability.”

In conclusion, while diversity in leadership is valuable, the most important factor in a presidential election is the alignment of the candidate's policies and principles with the voter's own beliefs. Policies, not identity, should be the primary driver of a rational voter's decision.