There has never been a more consequential presidential election in more than two centuries. The country is woefully divided, morale is low, and the two candidates both see the world in vastly different ways.

In past presidential campaigns, candidates represented minor deviations in policy approaches, or differing interpretations of the law, but essentially both candidates agreed upon the foundations of the American republic. The Constitution, the history of the nation, foundational societal norms and a common sense understanding of American law were never at issue.

Today, however, we face a frightening reality: the two opposing sides of the political debate view the future of the nation, and the world, from diametrically opposite perspectives. The Republican and Democratic party approaches to the very real problems of today are not aligned whatsoever. They represent two radically different views of what America is, has been, and will be in the future. These divisions are further reflected in the anger, derision and downright nastiness that has engulfed our political dialogue. While true that social media exacerbates this so-called hostile political environment, this anger is within each of us, as we "fight" for what we see as the best path ahead for the nation. America is a powder keg ready to explode. Perilous times, indeed.

Voters are confronted with an embrace of capitalism or an evolution towards socialism, parental rights or minors deciding their gender, national sovereignty or embracing international government, enforcing border laws or permitting "illegal" immigration and rewarding such violations of the law with citizen rights (e.g. the right to vote); pride and reverence for our Founding Fathers or denigration of George Washington, John Adams and other founders of our Republic; patriotic embrace of American exceptionalism or rejection of such notions and an acceptance of American mediocrity on the world stage.

America once stood as the unparalleled beacon of innovation, ambition and achievement, setting the standard by which other nations measured their progress. From the industrial revolution to the space race, the United States epitomized the spirit of ingenuity and perseverance, fostering a culture where striving for greatness was not just encouraged but expected. This relentless pursuit of excellence forged a society where hard work and discipline were revered, and where the American Dream was not just a slogan but a tangible reality. However, recent events have exposed deep fissures in this once mighty foundation. Political polarization, economic disparities and cultural fragmentation have caused the nation to falter, undermining the very principles that once propelled it to greatness. The erosion of a shared national identity, coupled with a retreat from the values of entrepreneurship and self-reliance, has left the United States vulnerable to decline. As the nation wobbles on the precipice, it faces a critical juncture: either to recommit to the ideals that once made it the exemplar of human achievement or to continue down a path that risks diminishing its stature on the global stage. The choice is not just about policy but about reclaiming the ethos that once made America exceptional

This is not hyperbole. This is factual. It is a dangerous time for the nation. The debates happening at summer barbecues and dinner tables are no longer simply minor distinctions on policy, but two completely different paths ahead for the United States. The division is real. Perhaps that is why it is constantly reported that the nation is divided. We have arrived at this juncture: two different views of America. It is clear this election will prove to be an inflection point in the history of our young nation.

Lee Elci is the host of The Lee Elci Show on 94.9 News Now radio and a former regular columnist for The Day.