Der Spiegel called it “A TV duel like a car accident” according to this op-ed from the BBC. That was one of the more gentle comments from the global community. The world tuned in to watch two aging politicians trade rude remarks and comments. How did we get here?

More alarming than the de evolution of US politics is the racial undertones of the election. Specifically a comment on the Proud Boys, a racist, male only group that promotes political violence (Vox). During the debates Wallace, the facilitator, asked Trump if he would denounce racism. The big T sidestepped the question a few times and then finally responded with, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what: Somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left” (NPR). The question wasn’t about Antifa or the democrats, it was about a racist hate groups.

Trump hasn’t committed to accepting a loss if the elections don’t go his way (LA Times). I’m not sure what that means exactly. I can’t see a militia stepping in to take over the White House and send Biden and his wife back home. I can see political violence and protests. Racially divisive comments have been a Trump hallmark lately, Racism has been exacerbated by his political actions. The recently proposed Platinum Plan, sending federal officers to the Portland protests and his infamous “both sides” comment from 2017 after protesters were killed in Charlottesville are damaging to our society. We have enough problems without adding racist fuel to the fire.