A Founding Document Forgotten: The Potential Impact of Mentioning the Declaration on the Biden-Trump Debate

The 2024 US elections are anticipated to be a significant event with a heightened sense of political polarization. The first presidential debate during the previous election cycle, which featured heated exchanges between the candidates, left many citizens feeling disheartened and disillusioned. However, one cannot help but wonder how the atmosphere would have been altered if either candidate had invoked the profound words of the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone of American history, symbolizing the nation's founding principles and ideals. It articulates the fundamental rights of individuals and the inherent liberties endowed upon all citizens. By referencing this pivotal document during a momentous event such as a presidential debate, the tone and tenor of the discourse could have shifted from one of acrimony to one of earnest sobriety.

In an alternate scenario, picture a candidate addressing the audience with the solemn words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The invocation of these timeless principles could have served to refocus the debate on the foundational values that unite Americans, rather than the divisive rhetoric that often dominates political discourse.

Acknowledging the Declaration of Independence during the debate would have underscored the gravity of the issues at hand and demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles on which the United States was built. It would have signified a departure from the rancor and incivility that have come to characterize contemporary political debates, instead elevating the conversation to one befitting the significance of the occasion.

Additionally, referencing the Declaration of Independence could have served as a unifying force, transcending partisan divides and reminding citizens of their shared heritage. By evoking the essence of this historic document, candidates could have conveyed a message of inclusivity and patriotism, appealing to the common values that unite Americans irrespective of their political affiliations.

Moreover, such a gesture would have conveyed a sense of reverence for the nation's history and the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure and protect the freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. It would have signaled a deep appreciation for the nation's heritage and a solemn commitment to preserving the principles upon which the country was founded.

In conclusion, the 2024 US elections present an opportunity for candidates to set a new precedent in presidential debates by infusing the discourse with the solemn spirit of the Declaration of Independence. By harkening back to this seminal document, candidates can steer the conversation towards a more dignified and substantive exchange, and in doing so, rekindle a sense of unity and purpose among the electorate. As the nation stands on the cusp of yet another pivotal election, let us hope that the candidates will recognize the transformative power of invoking the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence.