This election certainly will rank as one of the most acrimonious and daunting in the nation’s history. Not since Abraham Lincoln declared that a “nation divided against itself will not stand” have the divisions seemed so clear. Despite attempts by political consultants to make it seem like just another campaign, their rhetoric does not match the usual preferences for mush-mouthed sloganeering.

Take the Trump campaign for example, his advisors seem convinced that he can be managed as if he was the demur retiring type. A few weeks ago, his crew thought they had him on automatic pilot. Then Donald Trump decided to ratchet up the language that was blunt and inflammatory. He referred to Kamala Harris as “dumb”, “stupid” and worse. Moreover, he contradicted himself — one minute he urged his audiences to vote early, and a few days later he was big on election day voting only.

The Harris effort has resembled, at times, a celebrity tour — garnering endorsements from Taylor Swift and recently Beyonce Knowles. She has also trotted out former President Barack Obama who has ribbed Trump during his speeches. Throw in Tim Walz and you have a pep rally fitting of a former football coach. At times her messaging seems benign, focusing on the politics of joy. But at other times she has sharpened her cautions of Trump.

What has been ignored by most media is that in between the barbs and the jabber are serious issues which they blithely attempt to neglect. Harris has tagged Trump as “Fascist” and Trump refers to the Vice-President as a “Communist.” General John Kelly, former Trump Chief of Staff, in an interview with Bob Woodword, introduced the “Fascist” comment. Others associated with the military, including Joint Chief of Staff General Mark Milley, concur. As usual, the Fox machine refused to delve into the matter.

Such back and forth belies the attempt to portray this election as just a rough and tumble version of a normal contest. Given corporate control of the media, it appears that truth is a special feature, not part of the general package. Foreign policy, economic policy and the future of the nation are barely touched upon. Generalities on key issues are all you hear. J.D. Vance, the Republican Vice-Presential candidate, when not focusing on “childless cat ladies,” distorts and trivializes the differences. Fortunately, his running mate does campaign more forthrightly.

But what has not been emphasized are the stakes. Some still doubt the validity of the 2020 election. Others have not forgotten Jan.6, 2021. No amount of airbrushing or pompom waving can paper over these differences. And do not forget that Trump still faces a sentencing hearing in New York in late November. Republican fun and games devotees have no messaging for that. And, do not forget the Supreme Court and the Dobbs decision which hangs over the nation just as the Dred Scott ruling in 1857. Add on arrest threats and this election is not a trivial pursuit of the Presidential chair. Election day in this environment might only be the beginning of a crisis facing this nation. Not even staged events and happy talk will forestall the final reckoning.