Madison Cawthorn: The Republican Rising Star
Sage Heleana
(Read Sage’s initial article on Madison Cawthorn here)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA—When exactly does the election season begin? Some say after the two weeks of conventions, while others say the first presidential debates. For the people of North Carolina, Election season 2020 kicked off on August 24th, 2020, on Boylston Highway in Mills River, North Carolina. I’d been nervous all week for Donald Trump’s grand appearance; however, the anxiety didn’t kick in until the grumbles of Air Force One interrupted my virtual math class. While I contemplated staying home and letting the wildfire that was now set in Western North Carolina spread free, I decided that this was an opportunity to experience a political event from my back yard...literally.
Police cars patrolled my neighborhood and flashed their sirens for at least 5 miles. Behind the police cars stood thousands of Trump supporters of all ages, not so much all races. Middle-class families with small kids appeared to make up most of the crowds. There were enraged chants of “Stop Socialism” and “Jesus’ Life Matters”. It was pretty easy to see what they were saying because about 90% of them weren’t wearing a mask. As I continued to drive through the crowd while my sister photographed the unbelievable site, I noticed many different variations of the confederate flag. There were combinations of the North Carolina state flag, “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, and the Christian flag combined with the Confederate Flag. The same flag that represented the Confederacy during the Civil War. My sister and I decided to park at a local grocery store where we’d observe some more while still keeping distance. I couldn’t tell if we were getting stares because of our complexion or because we were the only ones n with a mask on. About five minutes after we parked, we were approached by a counter-protester who warned us to be careful because Trump supporters were making threats, the counter-protesters then offered us a ride safely back to our car.
Part of me wishes I would have stayed longer, but part of me wishes I wouldn’t have gone at all. The event left me even more confused than I was before. Do Trump supporters support the United States of America or White Supremacy? Do they practice Christianity or Colonization? Are they upholding the police or the same systemic racism this country was founded on? August 24th taught me that the Republican nominee is not a “patriot” or a “nationalist”, he’s a fascist. “Tell me why you felt uncomfortable without using your race as an excuse” “Black Lives Matter is a terrorist organization” my social media were soon flooded by my conservative peers. What Trump Supporters fail to understand is that this election is worth more than a series of debate topics or harassing strangers you’ve never met. People’s lives are at stake in this election. Four more years of Donald Trump could mean a shift in the Supreme Court which could result in the abolition of Planned Parenthood and Trans healthcare protections. This election will determine the fate of the families separated at the border, the rising hate crimes in this country, and beyond. The Election of 2020 is important, even more important for the Swing States like North Carolina who will ultimately determine who’s sworn in January 2021.
North Carolina is in a state of political chaos. Not only is my home state one of the most popular toss ups of the 2020 election, but tense statewide races are happening as well. Incumbent Governor Roy Cooper vs. Dan Forest, Incumbent Senator Thom Tillis vs. Cal Cunningham, even Madison Cawthorn vs. his democratic opponent Moe Davis are close in local polls that fluctuate week by week.
The state that was once a solid red is now a murky purple, how is this impacting North Carolinians? I am glad that the progressive movement of the south is now spreading beyond Asheville however, the divide these political movements create could be damaging to Western North Carolina’s community. When COVID struck the area, we were forced to be physically distant and with such sensitive campaign season approaching, I fear that the community of Western North Carolina will lose its overwhelming hospitality. I never considered this election season a threat to my community until Donald Trump came to North Carolina. He rode through miles of confederate flags, and another racist paraphilia, accepting the welcome with open arms. The local phenomenon brought about the iconic anxiety every person of color has experienced at least once.
I honestly don’t know the political future of North Carolina, but November 3rd will be telling. There will be consequences regardless of the political position North Carolina is in after election day, but I’m confident District 11, as well as my state as a whole, will come together to continue to raising the voices of oppressed citizens and demanding the progressive change the Southern United States desperately needs.