Yes! Optimism Restored.
The National Conversation has truly shifted
Democrats have concluded a Convention that I call joyous, refreshing and honest. Hasn’t it felt good? After years of the news being filled with stories about the Orange Menace, isn’t it wonderful that our days and nights have been filled with hope for a return to sanity? We, the people, dominated the public square.
True, Trump and Vance will continue to launch attacks using every dirty trick and lie they can fabricate. It will be infuriating. The core MAGA crew will still believe that their millionaire “heroes” want to help them. Ha! Most MAGAs are unwavering in their worship of two con men. We shouldn’t be surprised. Con men have always been with us - and will always hoodwink the angry and the gullible.
But there are two groups of voters that the superpowers of Harris and Walz will reach. One is obviously independents and disaffected Republicans who would normally lean right. I truly believe many of them have been disgusted by Trump and his sad partner. The authentic positive enthusiasm of Team Harris and Walz just might break through to them - especially when contrasted with the stream of consciousness babblings of their opponents. The Orange One has ignored his advisors and is running his own campaign of grievance and lie after lie. He is sounding more and more mentally unfit.
The other group is younger voters - some of whom have been apathetic - some were called “double haters”.
Some big issues have been reclaimed by Harris and Walz. Despite the common conception to the contrary, Dems are better for the economy and tougher on the border than Republicans!
The Dems have just presented a series of facts that neuter the MAGA mantras of Republicans being tough on the border and good for jobs. Use these facts when speaking to your uncertain friends. As Heather Cox Richardson noted:
“Bill Clinton explained - “since 1989, the U.S. has created 51 million new jobs. Fifty million of those jobs were created under Democratic presidents, while only 1 million were added under Republicans.”
and…
As future President Harris reminded us, there was a powerful, non-partisan immigration bill - passed in the Senate, but killed in the House of Representatives by Donald Trump’s phone call to House Leader Johnson. Trump: “We don’t want to give Joe Biden a victory.” WTF!?
The bill was endorsed by the Border Patrol. It funded more personnel at the border to control the flow of humanity. It offered more assistance in processing asylum seekers LEGALLY. It provided $millions for the latest equipment to detect fentanyl smuggling. But radical, selfish, power hungry House Republicans rejected it. Politics over people. Power over performance. Transparent irresponsibility - that’s on offer from Trump and MAGA.
And….most Americans are very freaked out about the rapidly changing Climate of our Home. All the issues we are yakking about will have little or no importance if our homes are burned down or washed away. A hurricane from the Gulf of Mexico causes drowning in Vermont? Wildfires in California burn areas larger than Los Angeles? Florida’s saltwater intrusion? The vast majority of Americans believe we should act to reduce global warming. Democrats agree. Republicans deny - in the face scientific facts, they would prefer to ignore the threat.
I believe that the Climate Catastrophe and Reproductive rights - layered with the truth about the economy and the border - these issues leave the MAGA campaign flat footed and flopping around for something to complain about. The Orange One is already babbling again about “Hunter”. What’s next? Hillary’s emails?
Yes, I am OPTIMISTIC! Not complacent. But we have positive momentum like never before. Build on it. Talk it up. Spread the word.
And sometimes, something wonderfully human and emotionally powerful just puts a cap on a terrific event. Gus Walz showed his unrestrained enthusiasm for his Dad, Tim. I bet you had at least a little more moisture in your eyes seeing his excitement. Ignore the mockery from social media MAGANAZIs. It just further reveals the emptiness of their hearts and darkness of their souls. Instead celebrate. Gus certainly did. If you missed it, here it is. Or watch it again. I can’t stop.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-24-2024
https://ourworldindata.org/climate-change-support
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/saltwater-intrusion-an-emerging-water-quality-issue-below-our-feet/#:~:text=Due%20to%20Florida's%20distinct%20underground,replacement%20by%20inflowing%20salt%20water.
Nice job, Bill! As I just posted on Today's Edition though:
"And yet, despite the Republican nominees' ample baggage, the Democrats' unbridled enthusiasm, the birth and growth of grassroots organizations, the massive defections of Republicans, and just common sense, this remains a close race. How is that possible? How do we break thru?"
How do we turn that optimism into resounding victory, not for Harris/Walz, per se, but for democracy and the American way?
Every time I see Trump on stage, I remember that the whole Republican Party is now a cult led by a mentally ill convicted felon.