Dispelling the clouds of uncertainty.

November 12, 2022

          Last Friday, we were looking to the midterms with equal parts hope and anxiety. Some predicted that Election Day 2022 would bring the “end of democracy.” Even those who maintained faith in America were fearful that a “red wave” would further imperil liberty and erode the rule of law. Although the fight to defend democracy is not over (and never will be), Americans did something on Tuesday that was both extraordinary and unremarkable: they voted in a vigorously contested election that unfolded in peace and security.

          That simple but extraordinary event has changed the outlook of tens of millions of Americans. Fear has been replaced by renewed confidence that America has more heft and momentum than its critics and opponents imagined. Those who doubt America do so at their peril. In the main, candidates who ran against democracy lost—and those who championed democracy won.

          But most importantly, all it took to dispel the clouds of uncertainty about America’s future was a reminder that its people look to the Constitution and the rule of law for governance. It is in their bones—as it should be. It has been so for more than two centuries and will be so for centuries more—so long as the majority of its citizens remain diligent in defense of the Constitution. Each of you is part of an unbroken chain of faithful servants of democracy. Our charge is to safeguard democracy until the next generation rises to the task. We can do that. We did it in 2018. And 2020. And 2022.

          True, there is danger ahead—there always is. But the last week should fortify us for the battles to come. We must neither surrender to imagined fears nor deny reality. If we are to be responsible stewards of democracy, we must ground ourselves in truth. In an age of disinformation and cynicism, truth is our ally. Our biggest challenge in 2022 was seeing our way through the thicket of lies manufactured by the GOP and spread by credulous journalists. We must never again fall victim to the GOP’s deliberate deceptions or the media’s complicity. We are better than that. We must be if we hope to prevail.

          Thanks to all of you who are doing double and triple duty in the next four weeks by curing ballots, writing postcards, texting, making calls, and knocking on doors. Yesterday’s newsletter is brimming with opportunities for engagement. Be sure to check out the Comments section of yesterday’s newsletter, which includes a dozen additional opportunities posted by readers!

          The comments section for today’s newsletter is open to everyone! Talk amongst yourselves!

          Although I say it frequently, my usual exhortation has special meaning after the 2022 midterm: We have every reason to be hopeful, but no reason to be complacent!

          Talk to you on Monday!