The First Step to Victory
is showing up
Polling over the last few months have shown Biden “in trouble”. That his popularity is lacking. People whined about his age and lack of speaking agility. Biden has been struggling to find the balance between supporting the only democracy in the Middle East and condemning the horrors of their war on terrorists. Whatever he does or says about that will make enemies.
The “Border Crisis” also haunts whoever occupies the White House. Republicans in the House shot down the bipartisan bill that funded some solutions - the very bill Republicans demanded. Still, a president gets the blame for everything. Not logical, but forever true.
The last NYT poll showed some distressing numbers - with Trump ahead in key “battleground” states. I suggest we take all that with a large grain of salt. Why? Because it was a poll of registered voters - a large percentage of whom will not vote. Historically about a third of eligible voters will moan and groan, but won’t participate.
Some other recent polls show Biden ahead. Why? Because they surveyed "likely voters". The general populace loves to grumble. But it’s all about who shows up to actually vote - to participate. Who is really passionate.
The Republican National Committee is in a state of chaos. A high school political club could do better. The DNC and Biden campaign have deployed thousands of workers and opened many offices across the country. The RNC has not. They are firing professionals and hiring sycophants with little experience. And…Republican money will be drained to Trump’s legal expenses.
Add the fact that Trump’s image is hardly enhanced as the media is fascinated by Trump’s behavior in court. Now it’s “Sleepy Don”. Felony charges and farts. Not exactly inspiring.
Yes, all the news feeds are filled with Trump’s travails and the horrors of conflict around the world. Which are real. But for most, not that personal.
Women are being denied health care and their reproductive rights. Rights that are extremely personal and states are passing laws worthy of dystopian novels. Since the Dobbs decision reversed Roe v Wade, EVERY time that issue has been on the ballot (even in red states) Democrats have prevailed.
And, the Main Stream Media is FINALLY calling out Trump and the Heritage Foundation about Project 2025. The threat of his potential dictatorship is gaining traction. Prison camps for millions? Firing career government employees to be replaced with mini clones of Betsy DeVos and Ben Carson? Using the National Guard to “clean up” cities in Democratic states? A Federal registry of pregnant women?
(This is the section where you thank me for not including a picture of Trump.)
We have every reason to be hopeful, but not to be complacent. If everyone of us convinced two or three non-voters to vote, we would be victorious.
Read on if you would like an analogy that involves issue passion and participation - who shows up controls the future.
In our recent town election, the ballot results for a large budget override funding the school system passed by just 33 votes - of about 6000 voters. The town was divided between ardent supporters of education and those who are legitimately worried about high real estate taxes.
Two items are big drivers of the budget increases. One is the explosion of health care costs for town employees. I have deleted my rant about the corruption of our health care systems. Later.
The second big item is the cost of special needs students. The good news is that modern science, medicine and education are recognizing the range of possible conditions that students may have. I have watched this happen. It is wonderful.
I am grateful to live in a state that requires by law that those unique needs be addressed. This is a good thing. But it is expensive.
Then the total budget had to go to "Town Meeting". It is an old fashioned, you have to show up to vote, New England tradition. My thought is that we should be able to vote by phone for everything. The technology is there. The companies are there to provide it. And it would ensure the most participation. Let the majority rule.
The budget in question, if approved, would mean we are all going to pay a real estate override tax. Not small money. On balance, we have one of the best school systems in the state and the country. People flock here to buy homes or rent because of the schools. The result is ever more expensive housing but there is also a nice bonus.
Our kids are growing up in a very diverse environment. “White” kids are close to being a minority. Our grandchildren (5 and 7) hang out with peers who hail from China, India, Peru - it is their “normal”. This also costs more money as a large proportion of the kids know English as a second language. They need extra help. It is an American tradition to provide that help and assist in their assimilation.
Growing up in diversity is a huge advantage for young people. But it costs more money. I say well invested money. Diversity is American vibrancy.
At last Monday’s Town Meeting, a record breaking 2500 people actually showed up to vote. The auditorium, two gyms and the cafeteria were packed. It was a measure of passion about a specific issue.
The big school budget passed with 72% support. These were the "likely voters" who were passionate about education and view life from a "we” vs a "me" perspective. A large majority were willing to pay more in taxes to maintain a world class school system.
The ballot question (voting by mail is common here), which was actually a “poll”, was evenly split. The Town Meeting represented the people who felt so strongly, they were willing to show up for an hours long procedure.
Democrats have two big issues worth showing up for. Women’s reproductive rights and subsequent healthcare. And the looming threat of a dystopian dictatorship guided by Project 2025 - to be led by a sociopathic misogynistic bigot who doesn’t read and falls asleep during important events and meetings.
I think people are going to show up. Don’t you?
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/07/12/voter-turnout-2018-2022/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/110287/what-difference-between-registered-voters-likely-voters.aspx
https://apnews.com/article/republican-national-committee-trump-staffing-cuts-46bc8afcc152aecfd471161a59b74005
https://votem.com/
https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/23/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-presidential-polls/index.html
Bonus pics:
Nice job, Bill! I was especially struck by your mention of "we" vs. "me." That's the essence of the difference between the Ds and Rs nowadays, and something we need to focus on. As a society, we're much stronger, productive, and better off TOGETHER!
Bill, thanks for bringing the 'town hall' vibe to familiarize those of us who haven't attended. I'm guessing you're referencing your Massachusetts location(?). Congratulations to all your concerned and participating neighbors on a job well done!