By John Q. Hosedrinker The idea that Donald Trump should ever be eligible for the presidency after January 6 is not only compelling; it is a necessary conversation we must have as a society. Reflecting on that day and its implications shakes me to my core. It wasn’t merely an unprecedented disturbance; it was an insurrection against the principles upon which this nation was built. If we allow someone who played a role in such a brazen attack on our democracy to run for office again, what does that say about our commitment to the very ideals of democratic governance? It scares me to think we could be heading towards a reality where actions that once would have been unequivocally condemned are instead normalized.
Watching the reaction to January 6 still baffles me. The fact that a substantial portion of the country seems unbothered by Trump’s actions on that day reveals something deeply troubling about our political landscape. When political loyalty supersedes ethical governance, we risk losing the very fabric of our democracy. For some, the desire to cling to power or support a particular agenda seems to overshadow the fundamental dangers of allowing someone who incited an insurrection to hold public office. The rhetoric surrounding the event, where Trump called it “a day of love,” makes it all the more evident that he distorts reality to fit his narrative, and that narrative continues to resonate with millions.
The disturbing willingness among some to submit their voices for the sake of harming others is reminiscent of regimes we’ve historically criticized. The potential consequences are profound. We often forget that if we don’t address this toxic political culture now, we might find ourselves living in a regime that no longer has our best interests at heart. Yesterday’s political support could easily become tomorrow’s tyranny. It is that kind of complacency that could very well place us on the path to regret; a path where every previous boundary of acceptable political behavior has been obliterated.
Constitutionally speaking, the logic is clear: if an attempted coup is not disqualifying, then what is? Trump’s actions conjure up imagery of treachery and betrayal. When we have witnesses—including members of his own party—coming forward to testify against him, our failure to act feel like a glaring indictment of our political system. It makes me reflect on how we even define accountability and justice in this context. The Jan 6 Committee revealed astonishing levels of culpability, yet here we are, facing a political landscape that remains unchanged for many.
The notion that Trump’s historical baggage—including impeachment and felony charges—should not disqualify him for the presidency is mind-boggling. It’s important to understand that the laws we put in place are there to protect us and our future. By allowing Trump to run, we risk creating a legal precedent where any leader can insidiously undermine democracy with no real consequences. I struggle with the worldview that enables people to support Trump despite obvious ethical transgressions. Are we really willing to offer blind allegiance over responsibility?
When the Supreme Court declined to uphold measures that could have removed him from the ballot after January 6, I was shocked. It felt as if they were sending a signal that decorum and ethical governance were secondary to political expediency. The mechanisms established to safeguard democracy are crumbling under the weight of partisan loyalty and fear of backlash. This rejection of constitutional fidelity is detrimental to the nation’s health and it numbs us to the reality of what can happen as a result of such negligence.
It is not enough to simply stand by and accept that Trump may run again. He systematically dismantled the notion of presidential integrity and continues to do so. The constant rallying cries for “Make America Great Again” are alarming, especially knowing how closely they echo historic nationalist movements that aimed to undermine democratic institutions. I remain perplexed that so many are willing to overlook a track record filled with criminality, immorality, and manipulative governance.
The deeper issue lies in our moral compass as a society. How do we reconcile supporting a leader who embodies so much of what we claim to abhor? It feels like a betrayal of our collective values. The very real possibility of Trump returning to power fosters a sense of instability and dread. We must be introspective about the political alliances we form and recognize that lifting someone into power who has repeatedly violated trust can lead to destructive consequences. The urgency of upholding our democratic principles is intensified by the prevalence of misinformation, as it distracts us from addressing the core issues at stake.
The notion that Trump should still be considered eligible for office is a dangerous gamble for our nation’s future. Each day that passes feels like a testament to our collective complacency, and each failure to act against this political tide pushes us further down a slippery slope. We must reclaim our commitment to democracy by raising our voices against individuals who do not embody the principles we hold dear, particularly when they are as glaringly disqualified as Trump. If we fail to learn from this moment, we may very well be staring into an abyss we cannot escape again.