I felt the weight of history tonight, yet it paradoxically felt like a weight taken off.
What Kamala Harris said tonight - though the substance of her remarks were certainly effective - was less important that how she presented them. She was absolutely beaming with relatable humanity, yet also formed a perfect portrait of power. She prese…
I felt the weight of history tonight, yet it paradoxically felt like a weight taken off.
What Kamala Harris said tonight - though the substance of her remarks were certainly effective - was less important that how she presented them. She was absolutely beaming with relatable humanity, yet also formed a perfect portrait of power. She presented as a person practically predestined to lead the world's largest democracy, largest economy, and largest fighting force, yet also as someone led by a passion not toward power only, but power for the sake of progress and prosperity. Her care and commitment for what she had to say and the country she needed to say it to were unmistakable. The fact she is a SHE was unremarked, because this fact of her groundbreaking both goes without saying but also is besides the point, which should remain her superlative qualifications and oratory. At the exact moment we needed a leader who possessed her qualities, she offered to us that leader. She is ready, and a nation and world is ready for her. It was a remarkable, unforgettable moment.
I (29) watched with my parents (66 and 75). We crowded into my bedroom as the sun went down outside on not just our day but an era of America, and not a moment too soon. The breeze blew in, not just through my window but over a country in need of a breath of fresh air. My Mom clapped and cried and said hope had come back to her. When the Walzes kicked the biggest balloons she declared them "just the cutest people!" My Dad watched intently and expressionless. At the end he got up, turned on a lamp, and with gusto simply declared "She seems like she's already President. Now the real work begins."
Will, you are wise beyond your years and a shoutout to your parents for raising such a beautiful young man. Like your mother, I, too, have felt the joy seep back into my soul, the thing that has been absent for so long. The days of doom and gloom are over. It’s time to remember that we are a nation of immigrants, all, and when we work together for the benefit of all, they cannot stop us.
Great comment. Anti-immigrant sentiment is fueling the rise of authoritarians, but in this country, being anti-immigrant is fundamentally un-American. Here, immigrants have the unique opportunity to become Americans, something that's rare elsewhere. Most other nations weren't founded by immigrants and don't offer the same path to national identity.
Seems like it’s sort of why there are always others ready to try out what we offer. Even when the path is fraught with danger, they still line up. There are always stories of immigrants who have done well. Elon is one although not the best example of the American dream. Still they come…as did my ancestors
My parents came to this country as teens, with an 8th grade education, no money and not knowing a word of English. My brother and I are both college grads--and engineer and a nurse. But life was always a struggle for my parents
Can’t imagine how hard that was. My parents were second generation. They had precious little education but we always heard how important it was. We listened and their progeny are educated and successful although hard work has not been a stranger. Sadly, some have succumbed to MAGAt coolaid and seem to have severed their roots. May they wilt or reconnect.
My grandparents came from Ukraine and Russia-no money-only the shirts on their backs. I know my grandfather worked on a farm. With saving, they bought a 2 family house, had lots of CDs and money. My dad went to college and got a masters, bought a house in a fairly wealthy suburb, retired comfortably and did lots of recreational travelling. They did not go into shady real estate deals or brothels. Maybe those were the people we did not want.
As a poster I saw at a demonstration said: "Without immigrants, Trump would have NO family." Also, minor point, he wouldn't exist as his mother was an immigrant! But, of course, all of this immigrant relatives had the correct level of melanin.
Wife #1 and wife#3 were all immigrants. Ivana wasn't even a citizen when Ivanka was born. The jury is out as to whether Melania was an undocumented worker. Different sources say different things.
"... being anti- immigrant is fundamentally un-American."
Sadly, I don't think that is true. Look at the anti-Irish sentiment during the great blight migration (signs saying No Irish need apply), anti-Italian in the late 19th century, anti- Chinese, anti-Hispanic.
Any large influx of labor threatens the staus quo and results in resenrment.
But “I’ve been here longer than you” seems to justify unjustifiable hatred. We have always needed an influx of labor it seems, now as much as ever. Sadly, it takes about 60 years for the obvious to become accepted. Maybe it just threatens the ability of the “powers-that-be” to orchestrate the hierarchy…
Bill L, I think both are true. Resentment of the other (more commonly called racism) does not negate the fact that we are almost entirely a nation of immigrants.
I grew up seeing signs in windows saying "we do not serve Indians"
I may be wrong, but didn't the immigrants take the jobs that no one wanted "black " jobs. Working on the railroad or sewing factories couldn't have been much fun.
Except for the regenerating indigenous nations that have always been here, every nation in the Americas was founded by immigrants. That's why to indigenous people, we are settlers no matter how long it has been since our ancestors came and stole the land we now call ours. Most countries have a standard process for becoming citizens - not particularly rare or unique.
“CHICAGO (The Borowitz Report)—In the latest sign that Kamala Harris is expanding her coalition, on Wednesday Melania Trump announced that she will speak on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
Explaining her decision to speak, Mrs. Trump said, "None of us can stand another four years of Donald Trump."
“I DO care—don’t you?” she added.
Indicating that she planned to steer clear of the personal attacks that have typified the Republican campaign, she said, "When they go worst, we go best."
Melania said she is already contemplating what her life might look like after Donald Trump, adding, “I may get cat.”
It makes me feel a bit better in my thinking that all republicans are not trumpers who are too gullible or uneducated to know what is happening to them OR they want something like the power which they believe trump can give them. trump is like a lobbyist. He wants something from Congress. NRA gives the politicians money (or in the case of Thomas expensive vacations). Trump says he will give them votes so they can keep their cushy jobs in Washington.
She doesn’t really care. She got hers and her parent(s)taken care of. Her son is a US citizen and she’s got her renegotiated pre nup. So she’s set. Screw the other guy.
Very well told' Will. Much national trauma from 1968 was soothed by Kamala last night. She is ready for the People' of the United States of America. I am 76 & approved as a November Election worker, 'Put me in Coach [Walz], I'm ready to play, Today'.
I am going to work at the polls for the first time ever! I am so excited. I just have to remember not to wear my t-shirt with trump hair on it that says nope. I had it for the last election. I'm getting my money's worth.
Political parties are clearly a blessing and a curse. A curse when partisanship tr#mps the needs of the nation. Ms. Harris has pledged to do things right.
Political parties are like muffin pans. They are structures that in the end only produce results of the same quality as the ideas and people they are filled with.
Too bad that all the soul and brains seem to have migrated solely to the one party in the US, but I guess we'll just have to make double the amount of muffins with the one pan.
Over the last couple of centuries, political parties have evolved as a kind of check-and-balance for each other. The concept of a loyal opposition is as necessary to a functioning democracy as all of our rules, laws, mores, and the parties themselves.
The Republican party is in the process of dying. MAGAs cannot fill the role of loyal opposition, as they are not loyal to democracy or the United States. Until we can repair/return to some kind of balance in our political system, we are in grave danger of becoming a one party system, prey to all the excesses and corruption history has shown us comes from all governmental systems with no effective oversight.
Last night, the Democrats held the line for democracy. Hallelujah!
You hit the nail on the head with loyal opposition. The Harris campaign has been brilliant with inviting and embracing non-MAGA Republicans, Independents, and Undecideds. (Independents were 26% of voters in 2022.) Republicans for Harris Zoom, and now the Republican and Independent (Oprah) speakers repeatedly created that permission structure for viewers to vote for democracy over party. They are the margin, and change happens at the margins.
I'm Independent so I can talk more easily to former or left leaning members of my old party that I would rather see just temporarily sign up with modern versions of the Opposition Coalition that formed in 1854 to become the House Majority in the 34th Congress.
To me, they were united in important principles more any particular party loyalty. I do believe there are more Independents in most states than Republicans. We need as many of their votes as we can get, and owe them the same consideration for any who support our most common goals.
The Biden Harris administration did so much evenhanded infrastructure work in their states that my old party members try to claim so much credit for, despite having ruthlessly voted against it every time they could.
Jim, maybe out of the ashes a new Republican Party can form -- "My Old Party." They could "MOP" up the myriad messes made when they chose to follow "the chauffeur."
Stuart Stephen’s, a former Republican operative, says it has all been a lie. The Republicans have been lying to voters for years. Infrastructure improvements are recent examples.
The first thing the Republican party must do if it wants to survive is admit that it is not in control. That's Step One. Then it will have eleven more steps to go.
At the margins, where change happens -- YES and stretching into beyond spaces like Pete Buttigieg going onto Fox News which reminds me why I go to meetings where I'd not be expected or recognized as belonging but where my opinion counts to represent views the 'powers that be' don't anticipate. (Like Military-Civilian Community Council Meetings looking at big-picture planning for uses of Joint Base Cape Cod.) Michelle Obama's words echo in my mind, "Do something", I'm wondering what that is.
Before even getting to candidates, we need to have people registered to vote for those candidates, especially Democratic candidates. That's the specialty of Field Team 6, which has opportunities for donations to support the work, and a variety of grassroots work of phone banking, text banking, writing postcards, etc. to register Democratic voters.
2. Donations and/or grassroots work for Democratic majority in the Senate and House to pass Harris-Walz legislation. Swing Left does this strategically:
I have a democratic computer. My state is so blue you need a winter coat. I would love to have an relatively intellectual conversation with a trumper and get his views. There is this flagrant trumper guy Graham something or other who has a blog type thing. So I made a comment and gave my reasons, and surprisingly got several civilized comments with the respondents giving their point of view. No name calling, very polite. I think I will continue making comments. This wouldn't be considered trolling, would it?
AbrahamLincoln would be appalled at Trump's policy, which is, "to give as much 'offence' to others, leave them in a fearful, mean-spirited mood to come to us, and they shall be compelled to give up their lives for the love of ME."
The Democratic Party is a Big Tent, but we are holding this coalition solely to save democracy and the right to vote for self-governance instead of being ruled.
The factions within the party will NOT hold going forward, they will evolve according to priorities and interests (and skill in leadership).
The "fatal flaw" I see with the GOP - this iteration - was its anti-American drumbeat of hate - treating everyone not a rich, straight, white male as "the enemy." The "Moral Majority" backed the "reality TV" celebrity with NO MORALS in order to have power. They caught the car by overturning ROE. They deserve to be eliminated.
As for the margins, North Carolina is probably THE prime example of what happens as a result of allowing the extremists to emerge from the party primary system. The GOP slate is full of lunatics who are completely unqualified and like 45's Cabinet appointees, hostile to the job functions of the positions they are seeking. Their intent is to burn the entire system down.
We have a LOT of true educating to do, to prevent these grifters and hatemongers from resurrecting. In their eyes, a stranger is an enemy, instead of a potential ally and neighbor. The caste system has a lot to do with that mindset. Isabel Wilkerson's books should be essential reading.
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
Steve, I'd like to see four American political parties that adhere to the missions of the founders.
A very "right" party that champions fiscal responsibility.
A "center right" party that is fiscally careful but embraces government's limited role. But also buys into infrastructure investments and universal voting rights.
A "center left" party that believes in leveling the playing field for all Americans and welcomes immigration as an infusion of much needed hard working enthusiastic workers.
A very "far left" party that is ready to assume responsibility for our total infrastructure by regulating and perhaps assuming ownership of our natural resources, utilities and complete supervision of industries that contribute to environmental destruction.
In my fantasy world, all four parties would pledge to keep all forms of religion out of the public domain while protecting the rights of all "believers" or non believers to worship privately as they wish. All four parties would be unified in defending the US and other nations - protecting democracy from the ambitions and horrors of autocrats (Russia, Iran, etc.) All four parties would believe in reproductive freedom. All four parties would eliminate the influence of big dark money in elections. Young people would be registered to vote automatically when they got a Social Security Card. Voting would be required. These principles are basic to a civilized society.
And lastly, as a "far lefty" I want a country where I can sit with a "far righty" and have a beer. I would listen respectfully while she explained her concerns about the national debt. He would hear my plea for ending fossil fuel dependency. We would debate intensely. Then clink our mugs, toast to living in a fine nation, and ask for another round. Then we would talk about food, dogs and grandchildren.
My husband and I have talked about the "loyal opposition" for quite a while now, and as we see the destruction of the old republican party, it'll be interesting to see what grows in it's place. We do need at least 2 more parties , with clear statements as to their beliefs. Dems know what we want. Colorado has more independent voters than dems or magites/republicans and there is now a proposal on the November ballot to basically do away with party voting. in primaries and elections -- ranked voting. I like the idea of everyone voting in the primaries as well as general elections, but I'm not for ranked voting. I think if someone wins by a small margin of direct voters, we should know that.
Joyce, I for one would like to SEE actual results of ranked voting used somewhere. If one person wins outright, even by a small margin, does it actually go on to count second (and/or third) choices? Or perhaps that's what is left to hash out before an election is actually held via ranked choice voting. It seems that was kind of what Lincoln and his allies engineered into his election; the more broadly approved 2nd best choice! As a New Yorker living nearby Seward's home, it would seem Seward was clearly a thoughtful, well-educated and judicious politician sufficiently widely enough recognized to have developed some vigorous opponents with Lincoln having less wide recognition at the time.
We also need to expand our horizons beyond the current duopoly. Both the electoral college and the unconscious insistence upon a two party system are like the human body's appendix, obsolete at best, problematic at worst
And the FtWorth Star-Telegram had a headline that reduced it to democrats only caring about the freedom to get an abortion. How dismissive can you get.
We know how to immunize children against smallpox and polio. But when will every elementary school student be immune against what Dr. Bandy X. Lee calls “Trump contagion?”
If on day one of middle school, it is readily apparent that every elementary school’s primary objective—graduates who demonstrate in every word and deed a commitment to treating others they way they would want to be treated if the shoe was on the other foot—has been achieved, then those children are immunized against the authoritarian impulse, and they are the children of the revolution.
In 2025, when Democrats are in control of all three branches of government, and the Republican party is purging reprobates from its leadership positions, it will seem again like politics is in harmony.
To those who prefer to divide and conquer, to wait until discord inevitably emerges in an unforeseeable novel context, to those who will once again try to fool people into believing that it’s “us” against “them,” you will have limited success. You can fool some people all the time, but “you won’t fool the children of the revolution.” —T. Rex.
But as W said. “You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” And they have. Use the Golden Rule to immunize against our social polio
In many states there are more independents than either Democrats or Republicans. We are fortunate to have one of the Senators who declares himself as an Independent. Since there is no longer a party that embraces conservative values what is the draw to being a Republican?
When each Republican administration drags us deeper and deeper into debt ($7.9 trillion under DonOLD), how do they expect us to believe they are fiscally responsible much less conservative.
Ya know? I think that the Democratic Party has broadened to occupy the center and a bit of conservatism. I still feel like I'm a fiscal conservative, yet I feel comfortable with Democratic leadership.
What's not conservative about investing in improving the means of production? That's what every serious business does. The revolutionary component of that is identifying human capital as the key source of American wealth.
It seems to me that non-ideological, non-partisan liberalism and conservatism are partners and can cooperate constructively even within a single cranium, so long is there is fealty, so far as we are able, to discovering, disclosing, and acting in compliance with truth.
What I am seeing is that the republicans are jumping on Kamala's switching stances on waitress's tips and building the wall. It goes without saying these people clearly have forgotten all about trump's flip flopping. Hey, he even was a democrat once!
I agree wholeheartedly🙏 I watched the whole DNC for 4 wonderful, joyous days & nights🤩 Thank you Joe for putting this LADY in to take over the fight!🇺🇸
It seems President Biden gifted us with one more shrewd act of political maneuvering. His endorsement of Harris was instantly embraced by his party and likely the country giving us the leader we need at this moment. Like the careful placement of delegations at Lincoln's convention, that should go down in history as the work of a master. Thanks again Joe!
Cameron, while a shrewd move, methinks Joe was actually heavily pressed to "do the right thing" in giving up what he saw as the most cherished position of his life's work! It proved to be not only shrewd but a brilliant choice for the country and an opportunity to show the country how a politician of and for the people elevates his love for country over his personal aspirations!
This week, we Anderson’s devoted more time to the convention than time spent in the entire history of conventions in our lifetimes. It feels like the dawning of a new age, one desperately needed for the protection of freedom in the world.
Thanks to the Professor for faithfully documenting the progress through the week. What a week it has been. We have renewed hope for the future!
After the quick glances that were all I could bear of the earpatch "convention", I found myself eagerly glued to the whole of this one. I wish the press would stop telling us about all the technical problems - I wasn't aware of them.
Your words...so beautifully .....so precisely chosen ....mirror my own deep joy that a human being such as Kamala Harris is stepping up.....is willing to take on the job of becoming "President of the United States of America"!!!
And Yes....NOW THE REAL WORK BEGINS!
I live in the state of SC but was born in NC, where I have a small farm and some relatives and friends. During COVID, I always watched advice from NC Governor Roy Cooper and his excellent, very professional team. He was serious about watching over the people in the state he governed.
It was great to see him last night praising and honoring Kamala Harris. His words were true.
I, though a very regular citizen of this great nation would like to encourage Kamala Harris....who I believe will become our next President, to consider a place for Governor Roy Cooper who will be stepping down from his current position as governor of NC. He is smart...he is a good man and there is nothing wrong with ambition!!!
Nice job Will! But I have to say that all the exuberance and balloons in the world are insufficient without a really hard slog: Dems (especially white Dems) historically don't bother to vote. And they rely on others to do the hard work for them. If Dems had gone to the polls even in the same numbers as Rethuglicans in the last 12 years, voting DOWN ballot as well as up, the USA would be in a very different place than it is now. Getting people to vote when they are too lazy or whiney to do so is the hard work. In 2020, 47% of registered Dems voted. Without supposed Independents and Black women, Biden would not have won. We. Need. To. Bury. The. Other. Side.
Thank you, Will. I feel the snapshot of you and your parents last night evoke the snapshot of many of us. And, like your father, I say: “the work begins”. While remaining ever grateful to Joe, I think we can say those words with renewed energy and joy!
How you wrote this Wil, captures a National sigh of relief . Your Mom expressed the nation’s passion well.
Many will , several have already , write history ..book by book of these times . Our hope restored that the MAGA bunch will get their due, not in malice but justice as consequence ,further proof crime will not prevail ..it’s been a carefully plotted plan for 40+ years .
💙🇺🇸’Gus’s Team ‘, how very well put. Thank you , Gus 🫶
I felt the weight of history tonight, yet it paradoxically felt like a weight taken off.
What Kamala Harris said tonight - though the substance of her remarks were certainly effective - was less important that how she presented them. She was absolutely beaming with relatable humanity, yet also formed a perfect portrait of power. She presented as a person practically predestined to lead the world's largest democracy, largest economy, and largest fighting force, yet also as someone led by a passion not toward power only, but power for the sake of progress and prosperity. Her care and commitment for what she had to say and the country she needed to say it to were unmistakable. The fact she is a SHE was unremarked, because this fact of her groundbreaking both goes without saying but also is besides the point, which should remain her superlative qualifications and oratory. At the exact moment we needed a leader who possessed her qualities, she offered to us that leader. She is ready, and a nation and world is ready for her. It was a remarkable, unforgettable moment.
I (29) watched with my parents (66 and 75). We crowded into my bedroom as the sun went down outside on not just our day but an era of America, and not a moment too soon. The breeze blew in, not just through my window but over a country in need of a breath of fresh air. My Mom clapped and cried and said hope had come back to her. When the Walzes kicked the biggest balloons she declared them "just the cutest people!" My Dad watched intently and expressionless. At the end he got up, turned on a lamp, and with gusto simply declared "She seems like she's already President. Now the real work begins."
Boy, is he ever right.
Will, you are wise beyond your years and a shoutout to your parents for raising such a beautiful young man. Like your mother, I, too, have felt the joy seep back into my soul, the thing that has been absent for so long. The days of doom and gloom are over. It’s time to remember that we are a nation of immigrants, all, and when we work together for the benefit of all, they cannot stop us.
Great comment. Anti-immigrant sentiment is fueling the rise of authoritarians, but in this country, being anti-immigrant is fundamentally un-American. Here, immigrants have the unique opportunity to become Americans, something that's rare elsewhere. Most other nations weren't founded by immigrants and don't offer the same path to national identity.
Seems like it’s sort of why there are always others ready to try out what we offer. Even when the path is fraught with danger, they still line up. There are always stories of immigrants who have done well. Elon is one although not the best example of the American dream. Still they come…as did my ancestors
JD: And although immigrants may or may not do well here, their children generally do. Kamala is the perfect example.
My parents came to this country as teens, with an 8th grade education, no money and not knowing a word of English. My brother and I are both college grads--and engineer and a nurse. But life was always a struggle for my parents
Can’t imagine how hard that was. My parents were second generation. They had precious little education but we always heard how important it was. We listened and their progeny are educated and successful although hard work has not been a stranger. Sadly, some have succumbed to MAGAt coolaid and seem to have severed their roots. May they wilt or reconnect.
My grandparents came from Ukraine and Russia-no money-only the shirts on their backs. I know my grandfather worked on a farm. With saving, they bought a 2 family house, had lots of CDs and money. My dad went to college and got a masters, bought a house in a fairly wealthy suburb, retired comfortably and did lots of recreational travelling. They did not go into shady real estate deals or brothels. Maybe those were the people we did not want.
Those lined up at the border believe that at their core.
As a poster I saw at a demonstration said: "Without immigrants, Trump would have NO family." Also, minor point, he wouldn't exist as his mother was an immigrant! But, of course, all of this immigrant relatives had the correct level of melanin.
Wife #1 and wife#3 were all immigrants. Ivana wasn't even a citizen when Ivanka was born. The jury is out as to whether Melania was an undocumented worker. Different sources say different things.
"... being anti- immigrant is fundamentally un-American."
Sadly, I don't think that is true. Look at the anti-Irish sentiment during the great blight migration (signs saying No Irish need apply), anti-Italian in the late 19th century, anti- Chinese, anti-Hispanic.
Any large influx of labor threatens the staus quo and results in resenrment.
But “I’ve been here longer than you” seems to justify unjustifiable hatred. We have always needed an influx of labor it seems, now as much as ever. Sadly, it takes about 60 years for the obvious to become accepted. Maybe it just threatens the ability of the “powers-that-be” to orchestrate the hierarchy…
Bill L, I think both are true. Resentment of the other (more commonly called racism) does not negate the fact that we are almost entirely a nation of immigrants.
I grew up seeing signs in windows saying "we do not serve Indians"
I may be wrong, but didn't the immigrants take the jobs that no one wanted "black " jobs. Working on the railroad or sewing factories couldn't have been much fun.
"Being anti immigrant is fundamentally un-American" I love it! May I steal it?
Except for the regenerating indigenous nations that have always been here, every nation in the Americas was founded by immigrants. That's why to indigenous people, we are settlers no matter how long it has been since our ancestors came and stole the land we now call ours. Most countries have a standard process for becoming citizens - not particularly rare or unique.
I wonder how the orange traitor's wife feels about his disdain for immigrants?
I somehow missed her DNC speech last night…
“CHICAGO (The Borowitz Report)—In the latest sign that Kamala Harris is expanding her coalition, on Wednesday Melania Trump announced that she will speak on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
Explaining her decision to speak, Mrs. Trump said, "None of us can stand another four years of Donald Trump."
“I DO care—don’t you?” she added.
Indicating that she planned to steer clear of the personal attacks that have typified the Republican campaign, she said, "When they go worst, we go best."
Melania said she is already contemplating what her life might look like after Donald Trump, adding, “I may get cat.”
https://www.borowitzreport.com/p/melania-to-speak-on-final-night-of?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Kathy, I also like the meme of Melania standing over a plot of grass in heels while holding a shovel, saying "I dig grave for husband now." 🤣
Bipartisanship at its best - Michelle would be happy to push him in.
In fact, it could be "the biggest crowd ever!!!"
I don't get that, but Stephanie Grisham certainly did on night 2! Melanie was spoofed on the Colbert show i think. Here's Stephanie... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCjnETy3p2A&t=6s
It makes me feel a bit better in my thinking that all republicans are not trumpers who are too gullible or uneducated to know what is happening to them OR they want something like the power which they believe trump can give them. trump is like a lobbyist. He wants something from Congress. NRA gives the politicians money (or in the case of Thomas expensive vacations). Trump says he will give them votes so they can keep their cushy jobs in Washington.
too funny!
Melania has been looking for the exit ramp for some time now... with Baron.
Very Funny! LOL
Hilarious!!😆
She is paid to love whatever he spews.
She is trash just like him.
Her “I don’t care, do you” coat said it all. Two evil peas in a rancid pod.
JD, rancid indeed. I see him as a festering cancer who has spread rot all over the land with the help of Melanoma and his other aiders and abetters.
Why? For the right, she is the right color - it is not just anti-immigrant, it is an anti-immigrant of certain races, religions and incomes.
She doesn’t really care. She got hers and her parent(s)taken care of. Her son is a US citizen and she’s got her renegotiated pre nup. So she’s set. Screw the other guy.
Trump has made it clear that immigrants from Europe are just fine, especially Norway but presumably Slovenia is okay, depending on “credentials.”
It is like one saying I am not a racist because I have a black friend. Or as some might say to a black friend "your different".
I’ve wondered the same for many moons
But never doubt that they will try with all their money, manipulation and deceit. Just be ready and stead when it comes.
Never forget that the threat comes from inside the house. Evil is always busy
"Hope is a thing with feathers..." Emily Dickinson
Very well told' Will. Much national trauma from 1968 was soothed by Kamala last night. She is ready for the People' of the United States of America. I am 76 & approved as a November Election worker, 'Put me in Coach [Walz], I'm ready to play, Today'.
I'll be wavin' at ya from my table at my voting center!
6'2'' & white hair
I am going to work at the polls for the first time ever! I am so excited. I just have to remember not to wear my t-shirt with trump hair on it that says nope. I had it for the last election. I'm getting my money's worth.
I’m 80 and with ya , thanks Bryan…
Bryan You are the cream at the top of a lawyer’s milk bottle. From the courtroom to the election booth—-a 100% American!
Kamala: " ... to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on Earth, the privilege & pride of being an American."
Political parties are clearly a blessing and a curse. A curse when partisanship tr#mps the needs of the nation. Ms. Harris has pledged to do things right.
Political parties are like muffin pans. They are structures that in the end only produce results of the same quality as the ideas and people they are filled with.
Too bad that all the soul and brains seem to have migrated solely to the one party in the US, but I guess we'll just have to make double the amount of muffins with the one pan.
Over the last couple of centuries, political parties have evolved as a kind of check-and-balance for each other. The concept of a loyal opposition is as necessary to a functioning democracy as all of our rules, laws, mores, and the parties themselves.
The Republican party is in the process of dying. MAGAs cannot fill the role of loyal opposition, as they are not loyal to democracy or the United States. Until we can repair/return to some kind of balance in our political system, we are in grave danger of becoming a one party system, prey to all the excesses and corruption history has shown us comes from all governmental systems with no effective oversight.
Last night, the Democrats held the line for democracy. Hallelujah!
You hit the nail on the head with loyal opposition. The Harris campaign has been brilliant with inviting and embracing non-MAGA Republicans, Independents, and Undecideds. (Independents were 26% of voters in 2022.) Republicans for Harris Zoom, and now the Republican and Independent (Oprah) speakers repeatedly created that permission structure for viewers to vote for democracy over party. They are the margin, and change happens at the margins.
I'm Independent so I can talk more easily to former or left leaning members of my old party that I would rather see just temporarily sign up with modern versions of the Opposition Coalition that formed in 1854 to become the House Majority in the 34th Congress.
To me, they were united in important principles more any particular party loyalty. I do believe there are more Independents in most states than Republicans. We need as many of their votes as we can get, and owe them the same consideration for any who support our most common goals.
The Biden Harris administration did so much evenhanded infrastructure work in their states that my old party members try to claim so much credit for, despite having ruthlessly voted against it every time they could.
Jim, maybe out of the ashes a new Republican Party can form -- "My Old Party." They could "MOP" up the myriad messes made when they chose to follow "the chauffeur."
Stuart Stephen’s, a former Republican operative, says it has all been a lie. The Republicans have been lying to voters for years. Infrastructure improvements are recent examples.
The first thing the Republican party must do if it wants to survive is admit that it is not in control. That's Step One. Then it will have eleven more steps to go.
In Texas they have no qualms about stealing credit for any democratic program or action. With no attribution of course.
Oprah wearing her purple outfit & Kenzinger in Prime Time. I kept lookin' for Tom Paine but, common sense was present.
At the margins, where change happens -- YES and stretching into beyond spaces like Pete Buttigieg going onto Fox News which reminds me why I go to meetings where I'd not be expected or recognized as belonging but where my opinion counts to represent views the 'powers that be' don't anticipate. (Like Military-Civilian Community Council Meetings looking at big-picture planning for uses of Joint Base Cape Cod.) Michelle Obama's words echo in my mind, "Do something", I'm wondering what that is.
How we can "Do Something:"
Be strategic in our donations and our labor.
As David Pepper writes, state legislatures are the Laboratories of Autocracy, so it is critical that we support Democratic candidates in state races.
https://statesproject.org/get-involved/give-smart/
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/-
Before even getting to candidates, we need to have people registered to vote for those candidates, especially Democratic candidates. That's the specialty of Field Team 6, which has opportunities for donations to support the work, and a variety of grassroots work of phone banking, text banking, writing postcards, etc. to register Democratic voters.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/all-volunteer-ops
We can support Kamala Harris for President by:
1. Any ActBlue donation to her campaign
2. Donations and/or grassroots work for Democratic majority in the Senate and House to pass Harris-Walz legislation. Swing Left does this strategically:
https://swingleft.org/
I have a democratic computer. My state is so blue you need a winter coat. I would love to have an relatively intellectual conversation with a trumper and get his views. There is this flagrant trumper guy Graham something or other who has a blog type thing. So I made a comment and gave my reasons, and surprisingly got several civilized comments with the respondents giving their point of view. No name calling, very polite. I think I will continue making comments. This wouldn't be considered trolling, would it?
If we get out the millions of unregistered folk who trend Democratic, and those that failed to vote in 2020, we win.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
AbrahamLincoln would be appalled at Trump's policy, which is, "to give as much 'offence' to others, leave them in a fearful, mean-spirited mood to come to us, and they shall be compelled to give up their lives for the love of ME."
And people say he doesn’t have a detailed policy. You nailed it, just add Project 2025
The Democratic Party is a Big Tent, but we are holding this coalition solely to save democracy and the right to vote for self-governance instead of being ruled.
The factions within the party will NOT hold going forward, they will evolve according to priorities and interests (and skill in leadership).
The "fatal flaw" I see with the GOP - this iteration - was its anti-American drumbeat of hate - treating everyone not a rich, straight, white male as "the enemy." The "Moral Majority" backed the "reality TV" celebrity with NO MORALS in order to have power. They caught the car by overturning ROE. They deserve to be eliminated.
As for the margins, North Carolina is probably THE prime example of what happens as a result of allowing the extremists to emerge from the party primary system. The GOP slate is full of lunatics who are completely unqualified and like 45's Cabinet appointees, hostile to the job functions of the positions they are seeking. Their intent is to burn the entire system down.
We have a LOT of true educating to do, to prevent these grifters and hatemongers from resurrecting. In their eyes, a stranger is an enemy, instead of a potential ally and neighbor. The caste system has a lot to do with that mindset. Isabel Wilkerson's books should be essential reading.
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
- Maya Angelou, On the Pulse of Morning
Independents 26% of voters in 2022... but aren't independents the single largest electoral block? 49% a year ago! Nearly half didn't even vote. Here's a table. https://www.axios.com/2023/04/17/poll-americans-independent-republican-democrat
Wow, this is a very big shift from D or R to Independent over the past 19 years. It begs the question of the numbers of D versus R who shifted.
Steve, I'd like to see four American political parties that adhere to the missions of the founders.
A very "right" party that champions fiscal responsibility.
A "center right" party that is fiscally careful but embraces government's limited role. But also buys into infrastructure investments and universal voting rights.
A "center left" party that believes in leveling the playing field for all Americans and welcomes immigration as an infusion of much needed hard working enthusiastic workers.
A very "far left" party that is ready to assume responsibility for our total infrastructure by regulating and perhaps assuming ownership of our natural resources, utilities and complete supervision of industries that contribute to environmental destruction.
In my fantasy world, all four parties would pledge to keep all forms of religion out of the public domain while protecting the rights of all "believers" or non believers to worship privately as they wish. All four parties would be unified in defending the US and other nations - protecting democracy from the ambitions and horrors of autocrats (Russia, Iran, etc.) All four parties would believe in reproductive freedom. All four parties would eliminate the influence of big dark money in elections. Young people would be registered to vote automatically when they got a Social Security Card. Voting would be required. These principles are basic to a civilized society.
And lastly, as a "far lefty" I want a country where I can sit with a "far righty" and have a beer. I would listen respectfully while she explained her concerns about the national debt. He would hear my plea for ending fossil fuel dependency. We would debate intensely. Then clink our mugs, toast to living in a fine nation, and ask for another round. Then we would talk about food, dogs and grandchildren.
Cheers! Presupposing the trained monkeys, spouting only the dogma they’ve been taught, disappear back under their rocks.
Sounds close to heaven on earth to me.
Well you forgot and left out the Cosmo Dimonic Religio-Facist Party. They need a seat, too, don’t they, lol?
My husband and I have talked about the "loyal opposition" for quite a while now, and as we see the destruction of the old republican party, it'll be interesting to see what grows in it's place. We do need at least 2 more parties , with clear statements as to their beliefs. Dems know what we want. Colorado has more independent voters than dems or magites/republicans and there is now a proposal on the November ballot to basically do away with party voting. in primaries and elections -- ranked voting. I like the idea of everyone voting in the primaries as well as general elections, but I'm not for ranked voting. I think if someone wins by a small margin of direct voters, we should know that.
Joyce, I for one would like to SEE actual results of ranked voting used somewhere. If one person wins outright, even by a small margin, does it actually go on to count second (and/or third) choices? Or perhaps that's what is left to hash out before an election is actually held via ranked choice voting. It seems that was kind of what Lincoln and his allies engineered into his election; the more broadly approved 2nd best choice! As a New Yorker living nearby Seward's home, it would seem Seward was clearly a thoughtful, well-educated and judicious politician sufficiently widely enough recognized to have developed some vigorous opponents with Lincoln having less wide recognition at the time.
New York has some local elections using ranked choice voting. HCR's home state of Maine is the forerunner, with Alaska close behind.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranked-choice_voting_in_the_United_States
We also need to expand our horizons beyond the current duopoly. Both the electoral college and the unconscious insistence upon a two party system are like the human body's appendix, obsolete at best, problematic at worst
And the FtWorth Star-Telegram had a headline that reduced it to democrats only caring about the freedom to get an abortion. How dismissive can you get.
Ridiculous. If that's all that they boil it down to, they've completely missed the point!
Deliberately skewed. Texas pols and media are experts.
It’s Fort Worth for Christ’s sake. What do you expect from a bunch of ignorant hicks?
Amen🙏🇺🇸
I think Adam Kinzinger will bring some friends to eat muffins with you.
We know how to immunize children against smallpox and polio. But when will every elementary school student be immune against what Dr. Bandy X. Lee calls “Trump contagion?”
If on day one of middle school, it is readily apparent that every elementary school’s primary objective—graduates who demonstrate in every word and deed a commitment to treating others they way they would want to be treated if the shoe was on the other foot—has been achieved, then those children are immunized against the authoritarian impulse, and they are the children of the revolution.
In 2025, when Democrats are in control of all three branches of government, and the Republican party is purging reprobates from its leadership positions, it will seem again like politics is in harmony.
To those who prefer to divide and conquer, to wait until discord inevitably emerges in an unforeseeable novel context, to those who will once again try to fool people into believing that it’s “us” against “them,” you will have limited success. You can fool some people all the time, but “you won’t fool the children of the revolution.” —T. Rex.
But as W said. “You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” And they have. Use the Golden Rule to immunize against our social polio
And Mamala is a GREAT COOK!
Man, you can really write! Thank you!
I'll take 90 million this time around
Wow!
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=180575
In many states there are more independents than either Democrats or Republicans. We are fortunate to have one of the Senators who declares himself as an Independent. Since there is no longer a party that embraces conservative values what is the draw to being a Republican?
When each Republican administration drags us deeper and deeper into debt ($7.9 trillion under DonOLD), how do they expect us to believe they are fiscally responsible much less conservative.
Ya know? I think that the Democratic Party has broadened to occupy the center and a bit of conservatism. I still feel like I'm a fiscal conservative, yet I feel comfortable with Democratic leadership.
What's not conservative about investing in improving the means of production? That's what every serious business does. The revolutionary component of that is identifying human capital as the key source of American wealth.
It seems to me that non-ideological, non-partisan liberalism and conservatism are partners and can cooperate constructively even within a single cranium, so long is there is fealty, so far as we are able, to discovering, disclosing, and acting in compliance with truth.
Very clear and balanced on the subject of Israel/Gaza. And didn't hide her personal collaboration with the President on matters of State.
Yes, she threaded THAT needle well.
What I am seeing is that the republicans are jumping on Kamala's switching stances on waitress's tips and building the wall. It goes without saying these people clearly have forgotten all about trump's flip flopping. Hey, he even was a democrat once!
Tribal loyalties are eternally necessary and dangerous, for sure!
I agree wholeheartedly🙏 I watched the whole DNC for 4 wonderful, joyous days & nights🤩 Thank you Joe for putting this LADY in to take over the fight!🇺🇸
Dee, you're only going to make DonOLD mad. You know he looks at ratings and it's people like you that get his dander up.
I hear they only give DonOLD one ketchup packet at a time now.
In those hermetically sealed packets you can't open without scissors.
Dee, you mean this bad ass lady. She was tougher than Trump ever pretended to be.
It seems President Biden gifted us with one more shrewd act of political maneuvering. His endorsement of Harris was instantly embraced by his party and likely the country giving us the leader we need at this moment. Like the careful placement of delegations at Lincoln's convention, that should go down in history as the work of a master. Thanks again Joe!
Cameron, while a shrewd move, methinks Joe was actually heavily pressed to "do the right thing" in giving up what he saw as the most cherished position of his life's work! It proved to be not only shrewd but a brilliant choice for the country and an opportunity to show the country how a politician of and for the people elevates his love for country over his personal aspirations!
INDEED! Thank you for this brilliant move, Joe!
This week, we Anderson’s devoted more time to the convention than time spent in the entire history of conventions in our lifetimes. It feels like the dawning of a new age, one desperately needed for the protection of freedom in the world.
Thanks to the Professor for faithfully documenting the progress through the week. What a week it has been. We have renewed hope for the future!
After the quick glances that were all I could bear of the earpatch "convention", I found myself eagerly glued to the whole of this one. I wish the press would stop telling us about all the technical problems - I wasn't aware of them.
There were tech problems? If so, the power of the messages, the emotions, the enthusiasm masked them.
I was out of town, yet I managed to see more of the convention than I've watched in decades!
Will from Cal,
Your words...so beautifully .....so precisely chosen ....mirror my own deep joy that a human being such as Kamala Harris is stepping up.....is willing to take on the job of becoming "President of the United States of America"!!!
And Yes....NOW THE REAL WORK BEGINS!
I live in the state of SC but was born in NC, where I have a small farm and some relatives and friends. During COVID, I always watched advice from NC Governor Roy Cooper and his excellent, very professional team. He was serious about watching over the people in the state he governed.
It was great to see him last night praising and honoring Kamala Harris. His words were true.
I, though a very regular citizen of this great nation would like to encourage Kamala Harris....who I believe will become our next President, to consider a place for Governor Roy Cooper who will be stepping down from his current position as governor of NC. He is smart...he is a good man and there is nothing wrong with ambition!!!
He saved NC from McCrory. He needs to be used to keep up the good work
Nice job Will! But I have to say that all the exuberance and balloons in the world are insufficient without a really hard slog: Dems (especially white Dems) historically don't bother to vote. And they rely on others to do the hard work for them. If Dems had gone to the polls even in the same numbers as Rethuglicans in the last 12 years, voting DOWN ballot as well as up, the USA would be in a very different place than it is now. Getting people to vote when they are too lazy or whiney to do so is the hard work. In 2020, 47% of registered Dems voted. Without supposed Independents and Black women, Biden would not have won. We. Need. To. Bury. The. Other. Side.
Well said, Linda. The down ballot voting is crucial. Vote every election, every time.
There is always a PARADOX in the disappearing act !
Thank you, Will. I feel the snapshot of you and your parents last night evoke the snapshot of many of us. And, like your father, I say: “the work begins”. While remaining ever grateful to Joe, I think we can say those words with renewed energy and joy!
Will, you should start your own blog. You have the writer’s instinct. Well said.
Wow, you captured it, Will.
This needs to go national. Like, an opinion in the sadly declining NYT. it might just help them realize who they used to be.
Thanks.
How you wrote this Wil, captures a National sigh of relief . Your Mom expressed the nation’s passion well.
Many will , several have already , write history ..book by book of these times . Our hope restored that the MAGA bunch will get their due, not in malice but justice as consequence ,further proof crime will not prevail ..it’s been a carefully plotted plan for 40+ years .
💙🇺🇸’Gus’s Team ‘, how very well put. Thank you , Gus 🫶
Well said, Will.
For 29 a terrific comment. (India is the largest democracy, we are the oldest democracy)
India is pretty far over on the autocracy side of the line, and upwards of 74 million Americans want the US to be over there with them.
Up to us to make it so.