With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching, tensions are simmering across the nation. From the rise of militia groups to city-wide protests, concerns about political violence have heightened, especially as Americans prepare for another divisive electoral showdown. The stakes are high as voters weigh not only candidates but broader social issues related to safety and stability.
Ron Hubbard, the owner of Atlas Survival Shelters, sees the election as not just another political event, but as potentially igniting a civil war—a sentiment echoed by more than half of self-identified strong Republicans. "I think the Democrats will probably steal the election by cheating, and then the judge will try to throw Donald Trump in jail. That will probably start the violence," he noted. Hubbard's preparation for turmoil includes providing custom-made bunkers for clients concerned with impending chaos.
Polling reveals considerable public anxiety; 43% of all Americans believe civil war is at least somewhat likely within the next decade. This number includes more than one in four Democrats. The political climate has also seen calls for "national divorce," where states segregate based on political alignment, reflecting the deepening divides present within society.
On the ground, people are channeling anxieties through preparations. Sean Gold of North Carolina, who manages a prepping website, noted, "With January 6, we saw a large increase of people looking to preparedness. But now it’s four times larger than before." Many find themselves immersed in the community of preppers—people preparing for possible societal collapse—especially after the Capitol riot shaped their perceptions of what the future may hold.
But it’s not only the right-leaning citizens who are concerned—among those tuning up their survival skills include moderates and liberals, alarmed by the atmosphere of hostility. Events surrounding the political campaign, such as the real-time discourse discussed across social media and news platforms, are reminiscent of past tumultuous times. The upcoming election has been described as particularly volatile, leading many to brace for what could happen next.
Reflecting on international perceptions, the Middle East is closely watching the U.S. election. Experts debate whether either major candidate—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—will significantly shift U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning Israel and Palestine. Political analyst Omar Baddar raises concerns about Trump’s alliances with figures like Prime Minister Netanyahu, warning it may worsen conditions for Palestinians. Conversely, Harris's continuity may not yield any substantial change either.
Back at home, community leaders are stepping up to ease the political fray. Rev. David Peck, located at the heart of Pennsylvania—a swing state pivotal for the 2024 outcome—has launched initiatives to promote contemplation and peace through spirituality. His weekly gatherings, labeled "Contemplative Citizenship," encourage citizens of diverse faiths to employ ancient techniques of prayer and meditation to deal with contemporary political anxieties.
Participants include individuals from various denominations who are actively seeking calming methods to cope with the pervasive stress surrounding the election. Peck emphasizes, "The hope of democracy is of citizens who are more contemplative," advocating for thoughtful engagement over reactionary hostility.
During one recent session, Peck guided about 50 attendees through meditation and offered teachings drawn from scripture, poetry, and even popular music, such as the Rolling Stones. With quotes like, "There was not only something wrong with the bad people out there, but something wrong within me and the good people out there, too," he draws parallels between living with differences and respecting the humanity present within political narratives.
Overall, the air is thick with anticipation as Americans brace for the weeks leading up to the election, grappling with deep-set fears of conflict balanced against hopes for reconciliation and unity, setting the stage for the political drama to come. Each side of the divide has its narrative, its perception of threat, and its hope for the future, leaving many to wonder what reality awaits them post-election.
America stands at a crossroads. If the current divisive pattern continues, it remains uncertain whether the nation can emerge unscathed from what many fear could be its most significant test since the Civil War. For now, citizens are forced to prepare, reflect, and hope for the best—even as the specter of violence looms closer.
