From the media’s assertions that we are a hopelessly divided country to the relentless personal attacks on the personalities and backgrounds of presidential candidates, it’s no surprise that most people think the American electorate is more polarized than ever. A closer look at the respective platforms of the two parties, however, reveals the story of a homogeneous population and a nation unified in its temperament and values.

Political polarization oscillates depending on various social and political factors, both domestic and international. Since the mid-2000s, the Democratic and Republican parties have moved in opposite directions across the political spectrum on various issues. However, in this election we are witnessing a return of both parties and their presidential candidates to centrist political positions.

Let’s start with illegal immigration. Donald Trump has emphasized his priority on border security. And Kamala Harris followed suit by pledging to increase resources and staffto stem the tide of illegal border crossings. While Trump has made clear his intention to deport those who entered this country illegally, Harris’ plans are more ambiguous. She has been reluctant to use the word “deportation,” with all its brutal implications, but it is difficult to imagine the societal and legal ramifications of granting instant citizenship to tens of millions of illegal immigrants.

On Second Amendment rights, an issue classically touted by the Republican Party, Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, visited great efforts to demonstrate their affinity for personal gun ownership and use. On health care, Trump and the Republican Party have made little effort to overturn ObamaCare, and Harris has done just that. reversed its previous position in favor of a single-payer system. Thus, these two eternal battles have been relegated to the background.

Despite Democrats’ attempts to characterize the GOP as homophobic, sexist, racist, anti-Semitic and Islamophobic, the party has celebrated its commitment to equality and diversity. Given the libertarian spirit of many Republicans, there have been no serious attempts to overturn same-sex marriage. The last candidate in the Republican presidential race was a woman, Nikki Haley, and the party convention included many female speakers.

And it’s difficult to deploy the racism card when Trump names a running mate whose wife is neither white nor Christian, and proudly displays Usha Vance as a symbol of American success. Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, Harris and the Democratic Party have notably stopped using the canard that it is racist to have a well-funded and effective police force.

Republicans in Congress passed the anti-Semitism awareness lawand the gargantuan efforts of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and others highlighted the anti-Semitic climate that reigns on many campuses todayeven forcing several university presidents to resign. Arab and Muslim Americans no longer identify solely with the Democratic Party. Indeed, in recent weeks, many prominent Muslims have supported Trump. In addition to its achievements for Middle East peace and regional stability, conservative social values ​​resonate with this population.

On trade and economic issues, Trump has been called a protectionist and isolationist. However, the Biden administration has not removed any of the restrictions placed on Chinese imports under its predecessor. As much as Trump likes to focus on populist notions of strengthening domestic industry, the truth is that it was not America that started this trade war. The reason for the parties’ consensus on China is that China has never been a fair player in the international market.

Despite its membership in the WTO, China has managed to circumvent its global agreements and commitments. When Donald Trump promises to increase customs duties on Chinese productsit only levels the playing field to avoid a Chinese takeover of the American economy. And in other economic news, Harris appears to have backtracked on his opposition to frackingwhile conservative budget voices within the GOP have silenced the alarm bells of a decade ago.

Support for Ukraine was a line in the sand that differentiated the two finalists in the Republican Party’s presidential race. However, once the dust settled, Trump and even his more isolationist running mate, JD Vance, both moved closer to the center, denouncing Russian aggression, and showing support for a free Ukraine.

While the two presidential candidates may not be exactly on the same page regarding Israel, they have both emphatically stated and demonstrated undeniably whose side America is on. The State of Israel maintains bipartisan support in a manner unmatched in any other country on the planet. Trump can proudly point to his unprecedented efforts and success of normalization between Israel and Arab countries. And the Democratic convention’s refusal to include the pro-Palestinian voice is also a sign of the party’s unconditional commitment to Israel and its people.

Although abortion is a polarizing issue in the United States, the gap between the two candidates’ positions is less striking. At the request of Donald Trump, the Republican Party has softened its position on abortion. The final party platform only opposes late-term abortion. Trump has expressed opposition to a national ban on abortion. And the party platform pledges to advance prenatal care as well as access to birth control and in vitro fertilization. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has shifted its terminology from the strong language of “pro-choice,” preferring to use words like “reproductive rights.” This shift also suggests a shift toward more centrist and inclusive language that would appeal to a broader portion of the American public.

The biggest issue dividing the candidates can be broadly described as “wokeness.” While conservative pundits have criticized the presidential debate moderators, the best criticism may not be about what they said to Trump, but rather what they didn’t say to Harris. Where was the question: “What do you think about transgender athletes?” » The vast majority of Americans today oppose allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports. Or appear in the women’s locker rooms.

Additionally, opposition to arcane diversity, equity, and inclusion regulations that hinder growth, creativity, and prosperity is growing. Companies that experimented with woke practices and marketing saw their revenues plummet. Americans are tired of identity politics, cancel culture, and the policing of their speech.

The people of this blessed land simply want to see a return to traditional, patriotic American values. The candidate who represents these values ​​will be the next president.

Daniel Friedman is professor of political science at Touro University.

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