Saturday therapy!

October 22, 2022

The main purpose of this edition of the newsletter is to open the Comments section to all readers to share their work, worries, and opportunities for engagement. As always, be respectful, and at this challenging moment for everyone, try to motivate others to continue the hard work of defending democracy. There are plenty of other forums specializing in doomsaying, so there is no need for us to pile on.

I was traveling most of the day and did not get the chance to read today’s Comments, but I did read emails sent to my inbox. Readers frequently use that mode of communication to vent, rant, and otherwise emote in ways they would prefer not to do in public. I understand that approach and respect it. But I was a bit surprised by the tone of a handful of emails. After thanking me for my optimism, some readers unloaded with lengthy litanies of impending disaster they expect to befall us. And as is surprisingly common, several readers suggested that my optimism is misplaced or unhelpful. I disagree. Let me explain.

First, let me be clear about my position on the midterms.

• I am not saying we will win.

• I am saying we can win.

• I am also saying that we won’t win if we quit two weeks before Election Day because of volatile polling and unrelenting negativity in the media.

• I am saying that to have any hope of maintaining control of Congress, we must contest every race—even those that appear to be long shots. Why? Because that’s what Republicans are doing; it would be foolish for us to do otherwise if we expect to win a few upsets where least expected. Moreover, effort put into an ultimately unsuccessful race carries the possibility of pushing down-ballot candidates over the line to victory.

Second, I am not promoting false optimism. Observant readers will recall these frequent exhortations in the newsletter:

• It will get worse before it gets better, but it will get better.

• We will win. It is just a matter of when.

• We have every reason to be hopeful, but no reason to be complacent.

Optimism (like hopefulness, determination, or courage) in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges is a choice. I won’t belabor the point, but if our predecessors quit when things seemed bleak, we would not be here today defending the world’s oldest democracy. Valley Forge. Antietam. Pearl Harbor. D-Day. Edmund Pettus Bridge. 9-11.

We can’t ignore the bad news, but neither should we surrender to it. On November 9, 2022, it is possible (but not predetermined) that Democrats will experience some measure of disappointment. At that moment, the most important people in the nation will be those who say, “That hurt, but let’s get to work on making this right.” That small but determined cohort will carry democracy on their shoulders until the sting of loss has subsided and others are willing to rejoin the battle.

Choosing to be optimistic, determined, and undaunted is not foolish; it is necessary; it is our duty; it is our privilege as the beneficiaries of a gift entrusted to us by those who refused to give up when they faced challenges far greater than our own.

There is no moral failure in feeling bad or anxious or depressed by events that are maddening and dispiriting. Those feelings are understandable and reasonable—for a time. When you are ready, rejoin the fight in whatever way is comfortable for you. You will be welcomed back with open arms!

Let’s recognize that this is an emotional moment for many Americans. If you can be someone who leads by example, do so! Don’t make false promises but share your certitude that the full promise of the Constitution will be realized if we remain optimistic, confident, and determined—come what may!

Talk to you on Monday!