America Deserves Better Than These Candidates

Author Pamela Gurley, Ph.D, calls on the political parties to attract candidates capable of leading America to a brighter future.

As an American citizen who has been voting since the age of 18, I have always looked forward to having the opportunity to vote to elect the leaders of this country. However, as the 2024 election looms, I find myself feeling less enthusiastic about the potential candidates (and goodness, it is a lot of them). In fact, I am worried about the future of our country, given the quality of the candidates running for office.

First, the current top contenders stay at the same table. From Senators to Governors, the potential candidates' policies are mere repackaging of previous politicians and leaders (or setting the country back decades with the current policies). The need for new and fresh approaches to the country's exigencies is concerning and speaks volumes about the current state of American politics. It seems as if the Democratic and Republican parties are more concerned with staying afloat than proposing solutions to their constituents' daily issues.

Second, the potential candidates are mainly career politicians with poor track records. Although American politics has always had its fair share of scandals, the potential candidates for 2024 lack transparency and accountability. Many of these politicians have histories of corruption, putting their interests before the greater good and failing to execute their responsibilities efficiently. Considering this lack of credibility, it is challenging to feel confident that any of these individuals are fit to lead the nation towards a better tomorrow. After all, we are a very broken nation, and many other nations are starting to take notice of that.

Third, the need for more diversity in the candidates is also a significant concern. Sure, there are a few women, non-white, and LGBTQIA+ members in the mix, but that hardly suggests genuine representation of the American population. The demographics of this country have shifted significantly, and we need leaders who reflect that. The current top candidates lack innovative and forward-thinking ideas that could address the issues people of color and other marginalized communities face in our society.

Last, the potential candidates need more charisma and the ability to inspire and unite the

nation. A President is not just an administrator but also a public figurehead who can inspire the people, represent their values, and speak on their behalf. The ability to connect with people and bring them together is crucial. Yet, none of the potential candidates possess the charm, charisma, or vision to inspire the nation. At least, I feel this way.

As both parties gear up for a knock-out-drag-out battle, the one thing that they should be considering is how their candidates will position themselves as leaders who will benefit the country rather than securing their party's power.

America deserves better than these candidates. As a voter, I hope the political parties eventually recognize this and take the necessary steps to find candidates capable of leading the nation toward a brighter and stronger future.

Dr. Pamela Gurley is a Content Strategy Expert, International Speaker, World-Renowned Best-Selling Author, and Journalist who understands the power of words (both verbal and written). As the Founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise and IAMDRPGURLEY and Founder/President of the Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation, she is on a mission to empower, grow, transform, and motivate others, as well as lead and challenge social norms and false narratives.