Another meme caught my attention several months ago. Campaigning in a crowd of anxious voters the political candidate was hoisting a red-white-blue banner of flags, political party emblems, glitter, spangles, and people images. The bold lettering read "TISSUE IS THE ISSUE". And, or course, the multitude was on the edge of riotous terror. On that day it was the most urgent concern for most Americans. You know, the toilet paper shortage, those weeks last April when the laws of demand far outstretched the laws of supply. Favorite store shelves were empty and people were in panic mode. The pandemic wasn't nearly as frightening as life without toilet paper. So, OK! That's far enough. We'll let it go right there. Days to remember. And, for one, I'm glad we're not back there as election season creeps into view. I mean, how many of us would really want "TISSUE IS THE ISSUE" to be the prevailing election slang on November 3, 2020?
So, what are the issues in 2020? As in most research analytics it depends on who you ask. Every people group from sea to shining sea has favorites in the preferred political issues list. Seniors want this, college students that, minorities this one, privileged whites that one, the working class the one over there, welfare recipients the one down here, left-handed folks the ones on that side, right-handed citizens the one on this side. It's one of our favorite election season games, the issues decisions, what the many candidates will choose as their campaign fodder. Capturing the whims of the American electorate is perhaps our most researched marketing pizzazz. I mean, think about what is at stake for the candidates and their political machines. Guessing the issues can mean the Oval Office, a seat in the Congress, or perhaps the unemployment line next year. Connecting to the voting population may be as simple as guessing the issues that will define the election.
Pew Research compiles data about issues that influence our voting population. Their research throughout the year has identified the changing demographics of American voters and our opinions about the issues of election 2020. You can review their data by clicking here. It's a vast compilation of their research. Be sure to study it with care. Also, the Gallup organization has surveyed the American voting public to determine the prime political issues of election 2020. You can read a summary of their research by clicking here. Each of these sources present the issues of election 2020. There's diversity in their conclusions and in their approach to surveying the voting public. But, they do provide scientific study of the nation's preferences and give us some information about the issues at hand in the coming election.
Pulling a switch or marking a ballot in election 2020 is the prerogative of every American voter. Sometimes our vote is cast to a particular candidate or a political party, or to an issue we've championed as personal. That is our right. Still, knowing the many issue matters of every candidate on our ballot is a significant voting decision. Our first step in navigating the hype is to be aware that it is coming. Our second preparatory strategy is to know where we stand on the many overall campaign matters. But, yes, we need to know the issues of the election at hand. They touch our lives in so many ways. We should know them all and vote them with passion.
In the Old Testament Joshua served the people of God after the able leadership of Moses. Before entering the Land of Promise he challenged the people---
Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the
gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if
it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the
gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in
whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24: 14-15, ESV
Joshua gave them options. The people had to weigh them and decide. And, that's where we are in election 2020. We have options too. And we must evaluate them and choose our selections as voters. No, tissue is no longer the issue. Deciding what is the issue is our deal right in the months ahead. Here's a prayer that we'll decide wisely.
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