The Witness Chronicles, June 28, 2024
The debate, the pain, and the change
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The Democratic Party Has To Step Up, For Democracy
The Biden thing is not the issue, it’s the future of our country
For nearly everyone I know, the debate ended things as they are. I’m a believer in the accomplishments made under Joe Biden, but he is not the person we need right now defending the very existence of our democracy.
It’s an existential battle. We know that there is overwhelming evidence that any reasonable, younger, experienced Democratic candidate is what the Trump people fear the most. They may have won the night, but if the Democrats step up, they will have lost the war.
The contrast is stark. Trump represents everything humanity has evolved to combat as a civilized society: reason, honesty, civility, tolerance. Seriously basic values it has taken thousands of years to become standards for us to live together on this planet.
I’ve made my arguments over and over again for what is going on and how serious it is, but that story needs to be told on the largest stage by a solid, healthy leader that those on both sides can respect. Joe has been that man but his time has passed and he has to admit it. And his party, my party, has to change.
Trump’s performance was a cascade of shocking lies and fabrications, a picture of a nation torn by corruption and divided by hatred, so far from reality that it is obvious that their strategy is a calculation that we are idiots. And, apparently, we may be. At least a significant number of us.
That is the terrifying reality we witnessed last night, a reality entirely created to support a man who has never accomplished anything for anyone else. Not just that, a man who cannot even conceive the reason anyone would do anything for anyone other than themselves.
If we elect him, we tell the world that the cliche of American belief in our superiority is true and utterly corrupt. It says we are a nation of selfish petty people, making excuses, blaming others for everything, and greedily taking anything within reach.
That is not who we are, not who I am, and not who anyone I know is. And we need someone to stand up and tell the truth to Donald Trump. Unfortunately that person is not Joe Biden. His time has passed.
My normal reaction to crazy politics is to be concerned but also somewhat amused. But last night we veered into seriously dangerous territory. We saw a candidate willing to lie on the biggest stage, repeatedly and on a scale never before contemplated.
And this man has a real chance of being elected. There are many who want to believe the lies because they describe a fantasy world that explains that their own problems are entirely created by others who are out to get them.
This, in the real world, is called paranoia. And it is being created in real time by an entire political party in the most powerful country on the planet. Why?
For two pitiful reasons. Greed and power. We need to end this insanity.
~ I write The Grasshopper, an occasional letter on the creative life and it’s sister, mostly daily publication The Witness Chronicles, a place for my articles on politics and climate. They share a free and paid subscription. I also write The Remarkable, a recovery letter, about my addiction and reentry experience. I don’t paywall any content in these, however this is how I live and I strongly believe all writers and creatives should get paid, if we provide value. Your support with a paid subscription helps make that happen.
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The decision we have to make, fundamentally, is what candidate will lead us to victory. Where do we put our money to have the greatest chance of prevailing, not only with the presidency, but down ballot as well.
My gut leans strongly to a change. If we do, our next decision is who shall carry the party flag. If the Democratic party does it right, we don't need a dog fight. Set up the structure to select 10 viable candidates by delegate votes. Then, without voting for themselves, have a secret ballot amongst the 10, of who is thought to be the best choice to, 1.) be an effective president, and 2.) go successfully toe-to-toe with the worst, but arguably the most talented liar and bloviator in our political history. Trump needs to meet his match -- and I think we can find that talent.
Robert Reich brings up obstacle in the transfer of funds already donated, and the massive changes required in campaign literature, etc. But these can be addressed and overcome.
The excitement generated with such a change would be electric and, by itself, give the Party the motivation and enthusiasm to inspire America and lead to victory. We just can't pass. We need one more card for a winning hand (and we can pick the card).
Pete Buttigig ?(mispelled his last name)