National Democrats
The View from Iceland
If you seek political asylum the next four years, try Iceland. We went there last week and loved it. Yes, it’s cold, dark half the year and expensive. But it’s also beautiful and historic; the people are friendly, peace-loving and progressive-minded; and it’s a six-hour direct flight from RDU. Still, don’t give up on the…
Read MoreRecessional
The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the Kings depart: Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, A humble and a contrite heart. Victoria ruled for 60 years, Great Britain was the most powerful nation on earth, but its strength was ebbing. Rudyard Kipling, in a short poem in 1897, wrote about battles the British…
Read MoreDon’t Give Up
This is bad. Bad for America and for the world. Bad for women, for immigrants, for LGBTQ+ people and for all marginalized people. Bad for the Democratic Party nationally. But North Carolina proved that Democrats and progressives can win. Good candidates who ran good campaigns won: Josh Stein, Rachel Hunt, Jeff Jackson, Mo Green and…
Read MoreNo Healing?
Biden got out. Harris got in. Trump got shot. Insults flew. The election boiled down to seven states. It’s over tomorrow night – and Lord willing Wednesday the sun will rise on a peaceful day. And healing begins. But what if…as Trump watches votes roll in tomorrow night, leading Harris, he announces he won. But…
Read MoreA Tale of Two Rallies
The contrast couldn’t have been more stark. And it could easily swing a close election. Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden Sunday was hateful, divisive and mean-spirited. Kamala Harris’ rally in front of the White House Tuesday was hopeful, unifying and uplifting. She drew the contrast in her speech: “I pledge to you to…
Read MoreA Different Drummer
Russia’s targeting Hispanic voters in six swing states, spreading tales on the internet during our election. Iran’s targeting Arab Americans, Muslims, and Black voters in swing states. China’s spinning tales in Spanish on Facebook, YouTube and X, targeting Hispanic voters not just in the Presidential race but in House and Senate races. And it hacked…
Read MoreWild Times
This election keeps getting crazier and crazier – we’ve now got China hacking Trump’s cell phone. And Russia spinning tales on the internet to help Trump. A New York Times headline howled Harris dropped an F-bomb on Trump – calling him a fascist. Trump fired back – calling her a communist. Elon Musk’s holding a…
Read MoreTwo Warriors
There are newer names and bigger stars campaigning for Democrats this year: the Obamas, Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé. But two veteran warriors, Bill Clinton and Jim Hunt, were back together this month doing what they’ve done for decades: campaigning for progress, fairness and equal opportunity. Hunt and Clinton were at a get-out-the-vote event in Hunt’s…
Read MoreCarville is Right: We Will Win
James Carville was the first and loudest Democrat to say President Biden should step aside. I disagreed, but Carville was right and I was wrong. Now he’s written an op-ed in The New York Times: “Three Reasons I’m Certain Kamala Harris Will Win.” This time, I agree. He’s right again. His three reasons: “Mr. Trump…
Read MoreFree Speech and Football
I went to Berkeley last weekend for football. I got an unexpected lesson in free speech – and a reminder that freedom is on the ballot this year. Because wannabe dictator Donald Trump would terminate the First Amendment in a minute. My son James and I were exploring the University of California’s beautiful, hilly campus…
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