Leading up to the Presidential election of 2016, more than 20 republicans entered the primaries. Along the tortuous path of those campaigns, many candidates dropped out of the race until there were only four. Then the republican national convention chose tRump.
Today, we are leading up to the Presidential election of 2020. Twenty-four Democratic candidates signed on for the primaries. Already a few have dropped from the race, and several more are fading from view. This is the slimming down of the pack. Personalities, leadership styles and core messages are being tested and winnowed out. Just because some issues are moved to a back burner, does not mean they will remain there. All messages are being considered. All are important. But some will retain potency in the final selection of a candidate, and a winner of the election.
Democracy in America is messy. It is loud and noisy. It is complex and confusing. It is emotional and aggravating. And it is terribly costly.
My nerves are battered and bruised. I applaud the messages touted and discussed, although sound bites are not discussions. Also, on display is a wide variety of ages, experience, and genders; even a gay candidate is in the mix. All of that is good for our democracy and form of government. This is how we the people become informed and engaged in the process.
Still, even as candidates leave the race, their issues, messages and participation have enriched the conversation. Jay Inslee of Washington state is a good example. His key issue is saving the planet from global warming. He is correct to support that issue. It is the one issue that is truly life or death for all of us. Global warming is real and must be dealt with if we dare to hope for a long future for successive generations of our families. Period.
Bernie Sanders is correct in many issues he supports. Whether all of those issues will be addressed and solutions implemented is highly questionable. There are not enough resources to do so, and that’s pure fact and logic. However, the issues deserve their time on the front burner.
And so it goes; issue after issue from one and many candidates. Not all of them – the candidates – will win; only one will. The issues, on the other hand, will continue to be present in our minds, and on our agenda for work to be done on them. They have a life long after the candidates have disappeared.
Slimming down the pack will happen. Today and over the next several weeks and a few months. The pack will be reduced to maybe 5 or 6 candidates. All I ask is these favored few represent what is good for we the people. Included in that is electability.
The finalist in the Democratic campaigns must be electable if we are to be rid of the current president. That is the biggest issue to me at this time.
I do not think Bernie Sanders is electable because of his advanced age. He is also too shrill and liberal to be elected. He is, however, a good agenda builder, discussion leader, and government problem solver. He will be invaluable as a ‘kitchen cabinet’ member for whoever wins the Presidency. I want him included after the election. That is very important to me.
The same is true of Elizabeth Warren. I believe she, too, will be too old to be President if elected. Her message is excellent; her logic is impeccable; and her nerves and presence are made of steel. All great assets for a President. But she will be in her 70’s when elected. I still think that’s too old to embark on a grueling journey of national leadership. She would be near 80 years of age at the end of a two term presidency. Much too old.
I’m 76. This is not an ageist position of mine. It’s a health and stability issue. We elders have good minds and abilities to share with others. I am a proponent of that sharing. Many of the current candidates are terrific. But in that pack is one who will be best. We need to determine who that is.
Electable. Healthy. Capable. Sustainable. Stable.
Let the journey carry on. But let’s look for the best and remove the current occupant of the White House.
August 23, 2019
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