It just feels like we’ve all given up."

Color me surprised when I realized that it wasn’t always like this!

“Politics have become pettier and more childish.

Screenshot of Fox News showing Kamala Harris interview with the headline "Cagey Kamala! Harris Avoid Specifics In First Interview Since Debate"

Politicians used to act like serious adults, and now it’s like watching kids fight in the schoolyard.

When did we decide that diplomacy skills aren’t important for politicians?

Bring back boring politics, kindly.”

Article image

Anonymous, 40s

3.

It’s great to see, in my opinion."

“Politics have absolutely become so incredibly hateful.

A group of women participates in a protest; one woman in a striped shirt holds a megaphone and smiles at the camera. Signs are visible in the background

Minds are already made up regarding the party you’re in; you’re able to’t win!

It doesn’t mean I worship Trump and want to take away women’s rights.

But we’re not allowed to have our own brains, it seems.”

Young woman with tattoos and short, styled hair looks at her phone while lying on a bed

wine_witch84

5.

“Because we didn’t have social media, no one was publicly shamed for their political beliefs.”

The bad news is the incivility, anger, and outright hatred.

John McCain speaks into a microphone during a public event on October 10, 2008, with a focused audience in the background

It makes me sad that young people today think this is normal.

It’s not normal we used to agree to disagree and move on to a new topic.

Tracy, 54, Oregon

7.

People voting at booths with American flags and "VOTE" signs. An American flag hangs in the background

“Presidential candidates used to hold some level of respect for one another.

It didn’t used to be so divided.

It’s not supposed to be like this.”

Rush Limbaugh at a radio station, seated at a desk with a microphone, wearing a shirt and tie. Signs saying "Talk Radio 700 KSEV Houston" are in the background

“Parties were put before individuals back then.”

homeyturkey30

9.

“It used to be like, ‘Oh, there are two candidates.

A boy in a camouflage hoodie and baseball cap examines T-shirts at a market stall. The stall features a red T-shirt with a photo of Donald Trump and the text "Not Guilty."

That’s not the case anymore!

I’ve ended multiple friendships because they voted for Trump, and I’m not sorry!”

arosebyanyothername2024

11.

Two men in suits, smiling and embracing outdoors. One man is wearing a bow tie and the other has floral decorations on his suit.

It ballooned into a far-right misinformation and fear-mongering juggernaut.

“There used to be hope.

It used to feel that change was a good thing.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are shown during the 2024 presidential debate. Caption reads: Trump: "They're eating the dogs […] they're eating the cats."

Now, no matter who’s running, it all feels like lies.

It just feels like we’ve all given up.”

Today, a grifter and convicted felon can run for presidency unimpeded."

Anonymous

15.

“On a more positive note, I’m glad to see how progressive we have become.

“It feels like we’re in the ’50s and ’60s again.

We’re going backward.

What happened to education, exploration, and the sense of wonder?”

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.