(America First Report)—As the Nation lurches into the 2024 Presidential Primary campaign season, many Americans with a sense of our heritage will reflexively hearken back to the famed “Lincoln Douglas” debates of the late 1850s as reason to continue the ritual this year. An open debate forum just seems like the “right thing to do.” Yet an intellectually honest appraisal of the debates of recent decades starkly proves exactly the opposite.
Understanding this requires a deeper examination of both those original 1858 debates between U.S. Senate candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, compared with all of the ways in which so-called “debates” have degenerated and been perverted since. Eventually, it becomes obvious that the sincere, worthy intentions of Lincoln and Douglas would hardly be served by the modern venue. Saddest of all, this is entirely by design.
With America teetering on the brink of Civil War, Lincoln and Douglas believed that the interests of the public would be best served by an honest and open exchange of ideas. Highlighting their contrasting viewpoints, an informed citizenry could then make the best choice as to who to put into office. Of course, both candidates had to possess sufficient integrity to present an honest case before the voting “jury.” With little or no other means of informing the public, such a venue proved invaluable, and was eventually adopted as standard fare for Presidential campaigns.
Much has changed since then. With the advent of widespread dissemination of the news, first through the press and then via radio and eventually television, a much greater portion of the American electorate had access to information on aspiring candidates. The inevitable proliferation of campaign ads throughout mass media ensured that candidates could get their messages out to the public. Yet the “debates” continued. Meanwhile, something else occurred in society that thoroughly upended any perceived benefits.
Beginning in the immediate aftermath of World War II, American media began to drift left, embracing one precept of Marxist/Globalist ideology after another. This became increasingly evident in every aspect of network broadcasting, from glib “one liners” of primetime sitcoms to severely slanted presentations of current events on the nightly “news.” By 1960, the television industry had sufficiently learned how to use visual cues to shift favor onto its desired candidates, and away from those it opposed.
It is no coincidence that although radio audiences, polled after Nixon and Kennedy debated, insisted Nixon had won, those viewing the event on television concluded exactly the opposite. Lighting and camera angles that portrayed Nixon as “shadowy,” in contrast to Kennedy, clearly had an impact. Furthermore, Nixon was prone to sweating when under pressure. So this was subtly but consistently highlighted for television audiences, who responded accordingly, even if not consciously.
Since that time, the entire so-called “debate” format degenerated to where current installments are an embarrassing caricature of the time-honored original. Every absurdity that leftists, who dominate major media, can incorporate into the events become predictable and thoroughly tedious. Again, this is absolutely intentional. Given the ugly reality of the leftist agenda, the last thing its minions want is a properly informed public. So every possible effort is made to change minds by presenting empty leftist promises of collectivist utopia, while suppressing any truth from Conservatives.
For starters, no real debate occurs. A “moderator” picks and chooses which questions to ask of which candidates, and is quick to interfere and stonewall as he/she sees fit. Often, during the Republican Primary season, candidates are posed a “Yes/No” group question, requiring them to respond with a show of hands. Again, this has nothing to do with ensuring an informed public, but rather is a means of belittling the candidates who, as potential leaders of the Free World are compelled to defer to the moderator as a pupil might do for a school teacher.
Similarly, too much is made of such absurdities as one candidate verbally “slamming” another, or who has the best “one liners,” as if such qualities in any way reflect the demands of running a country or making policy with world leaders on matters of international consequence. Such inanity begs the question of whether networks might seek to add a “presidential swimsuit competition” to upcoming “debates.”
Occasions on which the “moderator” blatantly takes sides (always against the more Conservative candidate and in favor of the leftist) have drastically increased in recent years. During the Obama/Romney debate of 2012 (and not suggesting that Romney, the “Republican” candidate was in any way “Conservative”), Romney was shocked as a point he made was directly challenged by “moderator” Candy Crowley, who had a printed publication mysteriously on hand, by which she refuted him. Neither Obama nor any thoroughly disingenuous Democrat has ever faced similar treatment.
Of course all of this escalated in the 2016 candidacy of President Trump, who often found himself attempting to make a counterpoint to some leftist platitude from Hillary, while being incessantly interrupted by the “moderator.” Clearly, any notion of informing the public was totally supplanted by the intent of the Deep State and their Fake News lackeys to promote the leftist/Democrat narrative, while thoroughly suppressing anything from the Right.
Things got far worse in 2020. By then the “debates” had descended into a truly pathetic circus, owing to Joe Biden’s obvious inability to understand a direct question or give anything resembling a coherent response. It was clear on every occasion that the entire effort of the leftists in charge was first to continually cover for Biden, and then to prevent President Trump from actually making his case. And all of this brings up a fundamental difference between left and right, that will ultimately render any real debate between them an impossibility.
Leftist ideology was founded entirely on the lies of Marx. Hence the leftist agenda can only be advanced through lies. So the greatest threat to it is any truthful analysis and discussion of who leftists are, and what they actually intend for America. Meanwhile, those on the right can only benefit from honest discourse. It follows that every leftist with any ability to influence the situation will always seek to mock and suppress the truth, in order to clear the field for the most efficient propagation of the approved lies.
Another vaunted pillar of “Politics as usual” bites the dust! America owes a huge debt of thanks to President Trump for finally showing that a candidate can make his case without having to genuflect at the leftist altar of Fake News, or the phony debate circus. This despite all the feigned outrage and indignation from leftist Democrats and Establishment Republicans, as if he is forsaking some sacred Constitutional obligation. He can reach out to the American people and trust their ability to see through the lies and manipulations, choosing for their own good, and for the good of the Country.
Sound off about this article on The Liberty Daily Substack.
Bio
Christopher G. Adamo is a lifelong conservative from the American Heartland. He has been involved in grassroots and state-level politics for many years, seeking to restore and uphold the Judeo-Christian principles on which our Nation was founded. His book, “Rules for Defeating Radicals,” is the “Go To” guide for effectively confronting and overcoming the dirty tricks of the political left. It is available at Amazon.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Why Bullion Beats Numismatics and Collectible for Your Safe or IRA
Precious metals continue to attract Americans seeking reliable ways to protect their wealth amid inflation, geopolitical risks, and stock market swings. Whether stored in a home safe or held inside a self-directed IRA, physical gold and silver deliver tangible value that paper or digital assets often lack. Yet investors must choose carefully between bullion—pure bars and coins valued mainly for their metal content—and numismatics or collectibles, where rarity, history, and collector demand heavily influence pricing.
Advisor Bullion serves as a dependable source for straightforward, high-quality bullion. The company specializes in physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, emphasizing transparent pricing and products that deliver maximum metal content for every dollar spent. This approach makes it ideal for both personal holdings and retirement accounts.
Bullion consists of refined precious metals in standard forms like one-ounce coins (American Gold Eagles, Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs) or bars. Their value tracks closely to the current spot price of the metal. A typical gold bullion coin trades near the live gold spot price plus a small premium. This structure keeps costs clear and predictable.
Numismatic coins and collectibles add substantial value from factors such as age, rarity, minting errors, or historical significance. A pre-1933 U.S. gold coin or graded proof piece can carry premiums of 30%, 50%, or even 200% above melt value. While this appeals to hobbyists, it creates complexity. Pricing depends on subjective grading, collector trends, and auction results instead of daily spot prices.
For investors focused on wealth preservation and retirement security rather than building a collection, bullion often delivers better results.
Lower Costs and Better Liquidity for Home Storage
When keeping metals in a home safe or private vault, liquidity and efficiency count. Bullion offers clear benefits:
- You acquire more actual gold or silver per dollar invested. Numismatics divert a large share of your money into rarity premiums and massive sales commission, reducing your metal exposure.
- Selling bullion involves tight bid-ask spreads, so you recover nearly full spot value with minimal fees. Collectibles require finding the right buyer and may sell at a discount if demand for that specific item weakens.
- Bullion prices remain transparent and update with global spot markets. You can track gold near current levels or silver accordingly and know exactly where your holdings stand. Numismatic values are priced by the Gold IRA companies with hefty margins applied.
- Standardized coins and bars store efficiently and divide easily for partial sales. Rare coins often need protective slabs and controlled conditions, adding hassle and expense.
- Bullion enjoys worldwide acceptance. A 1-oz Gold Maple Leaf or Silver Eagle sells quickly to dealers anywhere. Niche numismatic pieces may appeal only to limited buyers, slowing liquidation when speed matters.
In times when quick access to value becomes important, bullion’s simplicity stands out.
Stronger Fit for Precious Metals IRAs
Precious metals IRAs continue gaining traction as investors diversify retirement portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. IRS rules permit certain bullion products in self-directed IRAs if they meet purity standards (.995 fine for gold, .999 for silver) and are held by an approved custodian. Eligible items include American Gold and Silver Eagles plus many generic bars and rounds from recognized mints.
Numismatic and most collectible coins generally face heavy scrutiny from custodians due to valuation disputes and elevated markups. These higher premiums mean less actual metal ends up working inside the account.
Bullion avoids these issues. Its value links directly to verifiable spot prices, which simplifies reporting and lowers the risk of regulatory challenges. More of your IRA contribution purchases real metal instead of dealer profits or speculative upside. Over time, owning additional ounces that appreciate with the metal itself can create meaningful outperformance compared with high-premium alternatives that deliver fewer ounces.
Regulatory guidance from the CFTC and state securities offices repeatedly cautions against aggressive sales of expensive numismatics or “semi-numismatic” coins for IRAs. For retirement planning, transparent bullion from established providers reduces risk and aligns better with long-term goals.
How to Get Started with Bullion
Begin by clarifying your goals. Are you protecting savings in a safe, or moving part of a retirement account into a precious metals IRA? Focus on the number of ounces you can acquire at current prices rather than chasing marked-up collectibles.
Diversify sensibly: use gold for core preservation and silver for its blend of industrial and monetary qualities. Mix coins for easier divisibility with bars for lower per-ounce costs on larger buys. Arrange secure storage—whether at home with proper insurance or through professional facilities.
As economic uncertainties linger and faith in conventional assets erodes, bullion continues proving its worth as a dependable store of value. Its direct approach avoids the hype that sometimes surrounds collectible markets and keeps the focus on the metal itself.
For investors prepared to strengthen their portfolios, Advisor Bullion supplies the expertise and selection needed to acquire high-quality bullion efficiently. Whether building personal holdings or integrating metals into an IRA, their emphasis on transparent, investment-grade products helps secure more ounces today that support greater financial security tomorrow. In a complicated financial landscape, bullion’s clarity and reliability make it the smarter foundation for protecting what matters most.