When looking back to the last debacle of a debate, the second presidential debate was tame in comparison thanks to the threat of a mute button. 

The American people were finally given the debate they deserved. 

The candidates were respectful of one another so the viewers were able to actually remember the contents of the debate — instead of the mayhem through which it was conveyed.

The second presidential debate covered COVID-19, foreign policy, immigration and race relations.

Although this was a professional debate which allowed for a clear understanding of both candidates’ plans, this debate will most likely have little impact on the election results.

With a whopping 64 million Americans who have already cast their ballots — which will ultimately decide who will win the 2020 Presidential Election. We are on our way to the highest voter turnout in decades, with new voters leading to the most diverse electorate in American history.

Michael McDonald, a University of Florida political scientist who is an expert in voter conduct called this “a voter turnout storm of the century in 2020.” 

With only eight days to go until election day, all that is left to do is wait. As COVID-19 cases rise and the California wildfires lead to a mass evacuation of 100,000 people, the American people are in need of a leader now more than ever.

To say this has been a difficult year would be an understatement and the political division in the U.S has not made it better. 

Personally, I feel as if I am in limbo. I have cast my vote, registered my friends and family to vote and have done all I can to bring awareness to issues I find important on social media. 

There is not much I can do anymore but reflect on this year, on who I have become, on the social and political change which has occurred and the people who helped spark these changes. From protests, donations and volunteering to voting and educating. It was not our president, government or any one person with significant power.

It was us. The American people did this.

It is easy to think we are powerless in the world — and perhaps alone we are — but together we are a force to be reckoned with. 

With the unjust murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May igniting a passion in America, polls indicate, as of June, more than 21 million people attended a Black Lives Matter protest, yet another record breaking number. 

Then with teens and young adults pulling a mass prank on President Donald Trump. Using the social media app, Tiktok, Gen Z and Millenials hatched a plan to sabotage Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma by reserving tickets to the rally and then not showing up. 

We have proved there is power in numbers.

There are a lot of things in this world that are out of our control, but we are never powerless, especially when we are united together.

Hinrichs can be reached [email protected]