Why Only Two Options? Desi Community Reacts to Limited Presidential Choices in US Politics. The American South Asian, or Desi, community has raised concerns about the limited choices available to voters in the United States presidential elections. Unlike other democracies around the world, where multiple parties and candidates vie for leadership, the U.S. political landscape is dominated by just two major parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. This year, the two primary contenders are Joe Biden, an 80-year-old Democrat, and Donald Trump, a 70-plus-year-old Republican.
Members of the Desi community, which includes Indian Americans, Pakistani Americans, Bangladeshi Americans, Afghani Americans, Nepalese Americans, and Sri Lankan Americans, have expressed frustration over this lack of diversity in presidential candidates. They argue that the current system restricts voter choice and undermines democratic principles.
A Stark Contrast to the UK Elections
The recent UK elections serve as a stark contrast to the U.S. political system. UK voters had the option to choose from around 32 parties and leaders to head their country, demonstrating a much wider array of choices for the electorate. This multitude of options allows for a more representative and inclusive political process, ensuring that different voices and perspectives are considered in the nation’s leadership.
“In the UK, voters have a real choice,” noted Sunita, an Indian American from New York. “Having 32 parties to choose from means that every voter can find a candidate who truly represents their views. It’s a stark contrast to our two-party system.”
“We need more diversity in our political options,” said Tariq, a Pakistani American from Illinois. “The UK system shows that it’s possible to have a more inclusive political environment. Why can’t we have the same here?”
Critical Concerns Over Age and Media Bias
The concerns are not just about the limited number of choices but also about the candidates themselves. Both Trump and Biden are significantly older, and many voters are seeking younger, more dynamic leadership. The debacle of Biden’s recent debate performance has only heightened these concerns, leading many to question the suitability of having such elderly candidates as the primary options.
“I find it baffling that in a country as diverse and progressive as the U.S., we are limited to choosing between two candidates who are well past their prime,” said Patel, an Indian American voter from New Jersey. “We need fresh ideas and perspectives, not just the same old faces.”
“It’s concerning that the only options being promoted by the media are candidates who are over 70 years old,” remarked Priya, a Sri Lankan American from Florida. “We need leaders who can relate to the younger generation and address modern challenges.”
Furthermore, the media’s role in shaping public perception has come under scrutiny. Other parties and candidates are often excluded from debates and receive minimal media coverage, creating a biased environment that favors the two major parties. This media bias perpetuates the oligopoly of the Democratic and Republican parties, leaving little room for alternative voices to be heard.
“Media bias is a real issue,” remarked Ayesha, a Pakistani American from Tampa,Florida. “It’s almost like other candidates don’t exist. We need a fair platform for all voices to be heard.”
“The media’s focus on only two candidates is frustrating,” said Ahmed, a Bangladeshi American from Michigan. “There are many other qualified candidates who deserve attention, but they are being sidelined.”
A Call for Better Options
Voters, especially those in the Desi community, are calling for a broader range of choices in presidential candidates. They argue that being forced to choose between two candidates, often seen as the “lesser of two evils,” undermines the democratic process. Many believe that having more parties and candidates in the race would lead to better representation and governance.
“Choosing between the lesser of two evils is not a real choice,” commented Farhan Ahmed, a Bangladeshi American from Texas. “We deserve a system that gives us real options and represents our diverse viewpoints.”
“I’m tired of voting for candidates I don’t fully support just because they are the only viable options,” said Sabeen, an Afghani American from Virginia. “We need more choices to truly feel represented.”
“Our democracy needs more voices,” added Ravi, a Nepalese American from Ohio. “With more parties, we could see real change and progress.”
Lecturing other countries on democracy and fair elections
The United States and Western media often lecture other countries on democracy and fair elections, yet they fail to address significant flaws within their own political systems. In the U.S., the dominance of the Democratic and Republican parties stifles the potential for a more diverse political landscape, despite the presence of other parties.
Other Candidates
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Party: Democratic Party (2024 Presidential Election)
- Background: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental attorney, author, and activist. He is a member of the prominent Kennedy family, being the son of Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
- Career: He has a long history of environmental advocacy and has been involved with organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Waterkeeper Alliance. He has been an outspoken critic of vaccines and has promoted various conspiracy theories, which has been a point of contention in his political career.
- Platform: His platform includes strong environmental policies, advocacy for clean energy, and efforts to address income inequality. He is also known for his controversial stance on vaccines and public health measures.
Cornel West
- Background: Cornel West is a prominent philosopher, political activist, social critic, author, and public intellectual. He is known for his work on race, class, and justice issues.
- Career: He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Princeton, and is the author of numerous books, such as “Race Matters” and “Democracy Matters.” West is also known for his outspoken criticism of neoliberal policies and his advocacy for social justice and democratic socialism.
- Platform: His platform includes universal healthcare, defunding the military-industrial complex, addressing climate change, fighting systemic racism, and promoting economic equality.
Jill Stein
- Party: Green Party (Former Presidential Candidate in 2012 and 2016)
- Background: Jill Stein is a physician and political activist. She has been a candidate for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections as the Green Party nominee.
- Career: Stein has a background in medicine and environmental health. She has been active in various environmental and public health campaigns, advocating for issues such as renewable energy, climate change action, and sustainable agriculture.
- Platform: Her platform has focused on the “Green New Deal,” which includes transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2030, universal healthcare (Medicare for All), free public education, and significant reforms to the criminal justice system.
Chase Oliver
- Party: Libertarian Party (2024 Presidential Election)
- Background: Chase Oliver is a political activist and former U.S. Senate candidate from Georgia. He is known for his advocacy for libertarian principles.
- Career: Oliver has been active in politics, particularly within the Libertarian Party. He has been involved in various campaigns and has worked to promote libertarian values such as limited government and individual freedoms.
- Platform: His platform includes reducing government intervention in the economy, advocating for personal liberties, criminal justice reform, non-interventionist foreign policy, and reducing the national debt.
These candidates bring a diverse range of perspectives and policies to the 2024 presidential election, each representing different facets of the American political spectrum.
“We come from countries where multiple parties are the norm, and it’s frustrating to see such limited choices here in the U.S.,” said Arjun, an Indian American from California. “The political system needs to evolve to reflect the diverse population it serves.”
“Seeing only two candidates heavily promoted by the media is disheartening,” remarked Amina, a Pakistani American from New York. “We need a political landscape that offers more representation and options.”
“Many of us chose to live in the U.S. because of its democratic ideals,” said Fahima, a Bangladeshi American from Texas. “However, the current system falls short of those ideals by limiting voter choice.”
“As a community, we value diversity and inclusivity, and we expect the same from the political system here,” noted Nimal, a Sri Lankan American from Florida. “More parties and candidates should be given a fair chance to participate.”
A Conundrum for the World’s Oldest Democracy
The U.S., often heralded as the world’s oldest democracy, finds itself in a conundrum. The current political system, dominated by two parties, fails to reflect the diverse and multifaceted nature of its electorate. This limited choice is seen as a significant flaw in a country that prides itself on democratic values and freedoms.
“As an American of Nepalese descent, it’s disheartening to see such limited options in a country that claims to champion democracy,” expressed Shrestha from Virginia. “We need more voices and more choices to truly call ourselves a democracy.”
“The lack of options is a major issue,” agreed Ranjit, an Indian American from California. “In a diverse nation like the U.S., our political system should reflect that diversity.”
As the 2024 presidential elections approach, the call for change grows louder. The Desi community’s reactions highlight a broader sentiment among voters who yearn for a political system that offers more choices and better represents their interests and aspirations. The debate over the future of U.S. democracy continues, with many hoping for a more inclusive and representative electoral process.
About the Author
Dr. Tausif Malik is an Indian American social entrepreneur, publisher, and academician, renowned for his innovative ventures. He founded and publishes The Desi Buzz, GCC Startup News, Startup Berita, and Halal Biz News, amplifying entrepreneurship globally. Dr. Malik also spearheads AIMBSN, Halal Angels Network, and Startup Villages, fostering startup ecosystems. His groundbreaking initiative, RiseBack.org, offers affordable edtech solutions, providing Indian university programs starting at $50 per month and professional IT courses priced at $250-$350. Through his diverse endeavors, Dr. Malik empowers individuals with access to education and opportunities.
