The prospect of a fundamentally competitive ideological contest for the 2024 Presidency appears to be fading as preliminary appearances reflect more repetitive talking points than serious mutual articulation of policy proposals. Moreover, neither side has an assured ballot presence at this juncture – the challenger’s slate due to potential incarceration, campaigning constraints, and an unconfirmed running mate, the incumbent’s noticeably affected by advanced age, mental acuity, and a short resume of the likely associate and potential successor. This muddled background makes it difficult for the voting public to form fully informed judgments about the credibility of likely governance by what at this stage is a speculative cast of characters. As one side considers a lengthy list of qualified backups, the other is openly pondering possible post-debate replacement of both declared candidates. This unprecedented situation lends unusual drama and historical significance to the quadrennial election of a President. Severe foreshortening of the customary 18 months or so of preliminary sparring may this time lead to a late-round barrage of knockout punching. We must not lose sight of the essential fact that the decision rests on the judgment of the eligible voting public. Phil Osifer