The air is thick with anger. From the heated rhetoric of presidential campaigns to the vitriol spewing across social media, the 2024 US election has become a battleground of rage. While Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., confidently predicts a win in the razor-thin New York House races, and President Biden, seemingly unable to contain his ire, lashes out at his opponent, the nation is caught in a vortex of political fury. This isn’t a new phenomenon. As I argue in my book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” politicians have long exploited rage as a tool to galvanize voters, fostering a culture of opposition rather than genuine support for policies. This poisonous cocktail of rage is infectious, spilling over into everyday life as neighbors argue, signs are vandalized, and even violence erupts. Yet, amidst this toxic atmosphere, a glimmer of hope emerges. This weekend, as I journeyed to New York for Fox election coverage, I was struck by the story of a man, just months away from becoming a US citizen. He shared his journey from a country where freedom of speech is suppressed, where he was warned by religious leaders to silence his dissent. Driven by his unwavering belief in the American ideal of free expression, he chose to become an American. However, he expressed bewilderment at the anger and hatred he witnessed during the election. “They don’t understand what they have here,” he lamented. His words resonated with me. It was as if his perspective, fresh from the crucible of oppression, had pierced through the fog of our political turmoil. His journey served as a stark reminder of the value of the freedoms we often take for granted. He chose us, choosing the principles that define America. He embodies the spirit of Tom Paine, the immigrant who ignited the American Revolution with his powerful words, inspiring a nation to fight for liberty. His voice, born from a deep appreciation for the freedom he had gained, served as a powerful antidote to the poison of rage. We are often reminded of our nation’s greatness by the people who choose to become a part of it. They are our newest converts, our truest citizens. As I head back to the studio on election night, I can’t help but wonder what the outcome will be. Half the country is going to be deeply disappointed. But we must remember, this election, however divisive, does not define us. The rage does not define us. We, as a nation, are defined by our unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in our founding documents. We are defined by the stories of individuals like my new friend who chose this nation, who chose us. There is hope in who we are, even if we sometimes forget it.
Rage, Hope, and the American Dream: A New Citizen’s Perspective on the Election
