---The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Lincoln Herald.

First, as someone who took advantage of the early voting option, I want to commend the Lincoln County Board of Elections for doing a wonderful job accommodating what looks to be a record turnout this election season.  We don’t give enough credit to the professionals and volunteers around the nation who ensure that the vote of every American is counted and that we have free elections. 

As a political moderate, I voted for candidates from both major political parties.  I did cast my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris to be our next president without hesitation.  My main concern is that President Trump and his more fervent supporters show no respect for our United States Constitution.  Mr. Trump and his MAGA (Make America Great Again) wing of the Republican party have demonstrated that they have little intention of upholding our democratic institutions.  They have shown no regard for these institutions as being sacred components of our American political structure.  Our system of checks and balances held during the first Trump administration, but the fear held by many, including former U.S. House of Representatives (Republican) member Liz Cheney, is that our form of government could be seriously threatened by a second Trump term.      

Let’s refresh our memories please.  Mr. Trump refused to concede his loss in the 2020 presidential election.  This was after being afforded multiple legal opportunities to provide credible evidence of illegal voting practices.  His refusal to concede demonstrated an unwillingness to adhere to the fundamental, constitutional principle requiring the peaceful transfer of power.  Then, President Trump rallied his followers on January 6, 2021, to essentially stop the U.S. Congress from performing its constitutional duty of certifying the winner of the presidential election.  Based on these actions, I consider Mr. Trump to be disqualified from serving another term as our commander in chief. 

As Americans, we are bound together by our shared commitment to uphold our U.S. Constitution.  We properly revere our Founding Fathers who wrote it, based on a doctrine of representative government for the people, with a special emphasis on establishing and protecting individual liberties.  Yes, I also call out as well those on the far left who seem lately to be focused on denouncing Western culture.  This greatly perplexes me, as their right to reject American culture is protected by that very culture and our democratic system that they so vehemently oppose.   So, I do not discriminate when it comes to my love of country and freedom that we enjoy in the United States.  I simply and clearly stand with our United States Constitution. 

When I witnessed on television the insurrectionists barbarically attacking both the police and the hallowed halls of freedom at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, I certainly felt anger at this display of anarchy, but more than that, I felt a great sadness, even mourning that my fellow Americans could attack the seat, the heart of our great democracy.  I have a chapter in my book in which I praise then Vice President Mike Pence for protecting our nation that day by following the Constitution in his role of overseeing the tabulation of the votes by the Electoral College.  Yes the chants of “Hang Mike Pence” revealed that this was not about Republicans or Democrats.  This was a struggle to protect our American, democratic values against those who sought to destroy our nation.  I call Vice President Pence a hero, as late in the night, following the January 6th Insurrection, he called upon our Congressional representatives to continue with the confirmation of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the duly elected president of the United States.  I disagree with Vice President Pence on various policy issues, but I did publicly commit that if Mr. Pence had been the Republican nominee, I would have voted for him for president in 2024.  We must remember that we are Americans first before party affiliation.  And, yes, we can talk about inflation, crime and border security.  These are valid concerns, but we must elect leaders who are dedicated to upholding our U.S. Constitution and our free, democratic system of government.  So, yes, I proudly say, “I Am With Her.”    

Having provided my point of view, I do respect everyone’s right to vote as they decide.  Let’s all commit to a peaceful and free election season.  Whoever wins the White House, let’s give him or her a chance to demonstrate a commitment to serving in the best interests of the American people.  If President Trump wins, I pledge to do all I can to support him.  My hope is that President Trump will bring his business knowledge and very likable sense of humor to the office to support our economy, as well as bring Americans together.  As an aside, I would love to see former South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley as our next U.S. Secretary of State, regardless of which party is in the White House during the next administration.  I am in lockstep with Governor Haley on her foreign policy platform.    

Happy 2024 Election Season America!  GO VOTE!      

About Eric Nachamie:  Eric has worked in NC local government for over 20 years.  He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from NC State University and his master’s degree in public administration from UNC-Charlotte.  His recently self-published book is Man in the Middle:  A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American.  His book website is https://www.redwhiteandblueamerican.com/ .  He is on YouTube as well @ManIntheMiddleRWB.   In addition, he has an interest in working with schools and civic organizations, etc. to promote civil discussion and debate.  Eric can be reached via e-mail at maninthemiddlerwb@gmail.com

---The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Lincoln Herald.