National Democrats
“That’s My Dad”
Gus Walz gave us the most moving moment I’ve ever seen in politics. Tim Walz had just described “the hell that is infertility” that he and his wife Gwen experienced for years before fertility treatments led to the birth of their daughter, now 23. “We named her Hope,” Walz said. “Hope, Gus and Gwen, you…
Read MoreMore Silly Politics
Just before the election in October of 2008, sitting in my office pollster John McLaughlin opened a poll, said Obama was leading John McCain in North Carolina. No Democrat had won a presidential election in North Carolina in decades. No black man had ever won a statewide race for senator or governor. I shook my…
Read MoreWhich Road is Worse?
Sitting at a wide round table in a restaurant a local politician on a tear ended by saying Kamala Harris ‘is dumb as a rock.’ A tall thin man with a rectangular face sitting beside him, glanced at a lady sitting across the table lips pursed, curious, smiled. “Madeline?” Short thick dark hair with wisps…
Read MoreKamala’s Joy and Hope
I’ve been in and around political campaigns for 50 years, and I’m impressed by Kamala Harris’ operation. (Note to punctuation purists: AP uses Harris’ as the possessive, not Harris’s.) She smoothly took over the ship when President Biden stepped aside. She united our fractious party. She picked an all-star running mate in Coach Tim Walz.…
Read MoreThe Unexpected Strikes
For a year, from the night Trump announced he was running again, Biden’s unpopularity was the bedrock beneath Trump’s feet. He led in poll after poll. Until an unseen hand moved – and Biden got out. The ground shifted beneath Trump’s feet. Now poll after poll shows Trump trailing Kamala Harris. Last week, holding another…
Read MoreDiversity Wins
For 16 days, America’s diverse athletic talent lit up the Paris Olympics. Here at home, Vice President Kamala Harris and “Coach” Tim Walz have been lighting up huge, happy and diverse crowds. In sports and politics, our diversity is our superpower. At the games, America’s women – and Black women – stood out. Women won…
Read MoreA Warning Sign
Trump wanted to get more Black votes – he’d gotten 12% in 2020, was aiming to get 20% this time. And polls showed he was doing it – until Biden got out. Trump dropped back to 12% facing Kamala Harris. Trump set out to drive a wedge between Harris and Black voters, claiming ‘She was…
Read MoreA Teacher for America
Picking Tim Walz was the first play Kamala Harris called as the Democratic presidential nominee. It was a touchdown. Walz is the dad, coach and – above all – teacher we need as Vice President. At a time when Republicans like Mark Robinson and Michele Morrow demean and demonize public-school teachers, Walz is a testament…
Read MoreThe Ground Shifted Beneath Trump’s Feet
On stage at a rally Trump bashed ‘lyin’ Kamala…low IQ Kamala.’ Back in 2016 he pummeled ‘Crooked’ Hillary the same way – and won. But when he pummeled ‘Sleepy’ Joe in 2020 he lost. Marching in Trump’s footsteps, pummeling Democrats, Republicans lost in 2018 and 2022. The economy tanked – running a third time Trump…
Read MoreThe Smell Test
The headline surprised me: Trump donated to Kamala Harris campaign when she was California Attorney General. Trump gave Harris $6000, his daughter Ivanka gave another $2000. Trump’s campaign spokesman brushed it off saying Trump was a ‘global businessman who gave politicians money to play the game and win.’ Trump’s given the same answer himself before.…
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