Join the pre-election discussion!

November 5, 2022

          It is a nervous time for Democrats and all Americans who cherish democracy and the rule of law. I am opening the Comments section to all readers to share their thoughts and feelings this weekend. As always, be respectful and enhance readability by using paragraph breaks.

          I won’t tell anyone how they should feel (sage advice from my Managing Editor that is applicable in all situations). People should share what they feel, but I hope that everyone will maintain perspective and optimism. We will win; it is only a matter of time.

          Speaking of perspective, I have begun listening to Rachel Maddow’s new podcast series, Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra. Rachel covers events from 1939 through 1941 that are strikingly similar to today: right-wing demagogues espousing white nationalism and antisemitism; an armed Christian Front organized by a religious leader who was more popular and virulent than Donald Trump is today; an armed plot to overthrow the US government; and disloyal US Senators and Representatives who used congressional investigations to investigate the DOJ when it began to uncover Nazi sympathizers and enablers in Congress.

          In some ways, the threats in 1939-41 were more dangerous than those we face today because they occurred on the eve of WWII. But whether they were more or less severe than today’s challenges is beside the point. The point is that courageous Americans rose to defend democracy during a time of great peril—and prevailed. We can do the same.

          The podcast is interesting, superbly produced, informative, and perspective-inducing. The latter point is one that inspires calm and confidence in my outlook; it may do the same for yours!

          Some Democrats remain hard at work over the weekend to get out the vote. At 10:00 AM Pacific, I will be speaking to the Bay Area Coalition, a group of grassroots organizations that will be phone-banking and canvassing in priority western states—including Arizona, Nevada, and vulnerable seats in California. People are still fighting the good fight, so keep the faith!

          After I speak to the Bay Area Coalition, my wife and I will take our two granddaughters on a field trip to a museum, followed by a picnic lunch—their first “solo” excursion with “grandpa” and “grandma.” We are fighting this battle for them. On Saturday, however, we will simply enjoy the moment with our granddaughters, secure in the knowledge that we and millions of Americans are doing our best to secure a bright future for generations to come.

          We don’t have to win every battle—just enough of them over the long term to prevail. We can do that. We have been doing that for more than two centuries—and ours will not be the first generation to falter.

          For Americans living abroad who are able to vote, it is not too late to have your voice heard. The number of Americans living abroad who are eligible to vote can tip the balance in favor of Democrats in narrowly divided electorates. Please see the note at the top of the Comments section.

          Have a good weekend! Talk to you on Monday!