US Presidential Election and Consequences

Never in the history have the American citizens and the world shown such distress in watching the Presidential election proceedings and anxiety in the eventual outcome.

Imagine, once elected, the individual is expected to address a range of formidable issues affecting both his country and the world such as healthcare, the economy, immigration, abortion policy, climate change, foreign policy, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Image credit NPR

The world is closely observing another major democratic election following the turbulent exercises in half of the global population - India, Iran, Mexico, the UK, and France.

In the USA, American citizens face a Hobson's choice in electing a President between two men who are well past the standard retirement age. (A Hobson's choice is a term often used to describe an illusion that multiple choices are available!).

I wouldn't envy my American friends who have landed up in a situation essentially having to choose between two unappealing alternatives:

An 81-year-old current President with failing physical health and doubtful mental capability

AND 

A 78-year-old former President who is a convicted felon and charged in another three criminal cases.

Does it have to be a fateful rematch of the same old candidates?

Is this what democracy is all about? 

Why couldn't the great country come up with a more acceptable and beneficial choice of prospects from its gifted citizenry? 

Is it the lengthy process with several stages, including years of campaigning, caucuses and primaries to choose nominees, national conventions to rally support, and the Electoral College which determines the winner?