I confess to being someone who had questioned the legitimacy of the Democratic “deep bench” argument. Not anymore. The array of talent on display this week has been more than reassuring, and it stands in stark contrast to what the GOP rolls out in its ongoing war of anger and negativity that assaults the American eyes and ears with every…
I confess to being someone who had questioned the legitimacy of the Democratic “deep bench” argument. Not anymore. The array of talent on display this week has been more than reassuring, and it stands in stark contrast to what the GOP rolls out in its ongoing war of anger and negativity that assaults the American eyes and ears with every new campaign rally and media appearance. The list is long and necessarily incomplete, but several people have stood out in particular to me. We’ve already discussed how Josh Shapiro has a future. But Wes Moore does not get enough attention. He has both the substance and the style to get the job done. Pete Buttigieg impresses me more and more every time he speaks, as a natural leader and someone who can cut through GOP deflections and untruths with a particularly sharp knife. And of course there is Tim Walz, who reminds us of who we are no less than who we want to be. (If only every son and daughter appeared so loving and positively impacted as the Walz children demonstrated toward their father. Perhaps the GOP will use the footage as some sort of warped weapon as they continue to double down against childless cat ladies.) As noted, the list could go on and on.
It is a pleasant problem to have, looking to see who can play what role in the future. If indeed Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Pelosi, and of course Joe Biden, are moving gracefully toward the exit door of their political careers, at least they are seeing that the party and the movement are in very capable hands. If the team can stay unified, they could be dominant for years to come, especially if the GOP continues its current pathway of trying to scare us into conversion and convince us that we all are going to a fiery date with Hell and soon if we do not unflinchingly embrace their plans for America and the world. The contrast between the two parties cannot be greater right now, and only one seems to have the best interests of the American public at heart. Even before tonight there have been so many enduring memories of this convention, as Team D proves that it has risen to the magnitude of the moment. It will be interesting to see what kind of polling bump they get out of this, as America takes stock of what they’ve got. If the worst thing the GOP can show from it is the film of Chuck Schumer teaching us how not to dance, the Democrats appear to be in pretty good shape.
I agree. I have been impressed by many of them. One concern I have is that there is a lot of talk about who can run in 4, 8 or 12 years for President. Well and good, but let's make sure that the Dems are building their people for roles as Cabinet members, House and Senate members, Governors, State Assembly and Senate members, down to the local level. For those that want the big prize, support them. For those that don't, support them. We need these guys at all levels of government.
As always...great post. Stephen Colbert captured the moment in his DNC post-late night show with the Walz family perfectly as he showed that video clip of the children so moved by their dad. He (Colbert) then turned back to the audience sniffing and slightly sobbing and complained..."Thanks DNC for making me emotional...Hulk Hogan didn't make me do that!" It was classic.
Colbert also ended with a great line about the Coach showing what real locker room talk is. I hope and pray, not just for political reasons, that we can guide the young men and boys who are being sucked into a vortex of hatred of all kinds--misogyny, anti-semitism, homophobia, racism, xenophobia for starters--to embrace a kinder, more competent masculinity that what Josh Hawley and JD Vance are offering.
“Even before tonight there have been so many enduring memories of this convention, as Team D proves that it has risen to the magnitude of the moment. It will be interesting to see what kind of polling bump they get out of this, as America takes stock of what they’ve got. If the worst thing the GOP can show from it is the film of Chuck Schumer teaching us how not to dance, the Democrats appear to be in pretty good shape.”
Agreed! This is one amazing DNC. Compared to the RNC, it’s the difference between a top notch professional campaign and the T-ball league. My instincts tell me the bump will be tremendous, and the new voters drawn to the campaign will dwarf all records by the time the voting ends, and the votes are tabulated.
Harris has caught lightning in a bottle, while Trump continues to light himself on fire. It’s a difficult choice this November. We can choose joy, democracy and freedom, or fear, hate and projection.
The first time I heard the term "deep bench" to describe Democrats came Sarah longwell. I had thought of this before. JVL is irked that pundits now are using the term "double haters" and not crediting who came up with. (Sarah again) There is a reason there is a tee shirt that says; Sarah is always right. As another commenter said; "Sarah sure knows how to read the room". One last point, I teared up when Tim Walz (proudly my governor) spoke about the birth of his children and Gus (his son) stood up tearfully saying "That is my dad".
I felt the same way about last evening. The sight of his children reacting said it all. It reminds me of a line from my favorite Dan Fogelberg song; "And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay".
I just tried thinking about how the great Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" lyrics could be modified for Trump and Ivanka, but then I tasted a little vomit and stopped.
Back in the day (of turntables), I had most of his albums. I've seen him in concerts twice. Fabulous. Every once in a while, I'll u tube one of his acoustical performances. I think "Make Love Stay" is his best
My favorite varies, depending on my mood. As a Mainer, I love The Reach. Old Tennessee is sweet. Dancing Shoes is up there. Such a talent. So versatile. I wept when he died.
I think the best music written are from very personal experiences. I'm talking about Lightfoot's "If you could read my mind", Clapton's "Tears in Heaven, James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" , kenny Loggin's "Danny Song" . "Leader of the Band" is such a song. In fact I played my Fogelberg's Greatest Hits CD today. Writing about it got me in the mood! I feel the same as you.He was tremendous talent who died way too young.
I’ve been looking at my Fogelberg playlist too. Song from Half Mountain was calling me.
I like your taste. If You Could Read My Mind is one of my all-time favorite songs. Have you ever heard Johnny Cash’s version? If not, keep an open mind and give it a shot. You won’t regret it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xEx147n9G1A
To me Gordon Lightfoot is my total favorite. I have all his CD s he has ever done.I saw him in six or seven concerts. The best song writter and melodies! What a wordsmith! I often quote his lyrical lines in my comments. (as well as Paul Simon) By the way "If you could read my mind" is my all time fav.song and album.
Love reading the Bulwark comments. Many of us all over the country with similar tastes. Love this thread as I share several things with others- I also saw Harry Chaplin when I was in college. Dan Fogelberg was my favorite - I have all his albums, saw him 6 times including the first when he returned for the first time to our shared college, the University of Illinois and finally , my fave song is also “If You Could Read My Mind” It still tops my playlist although there are so many great songs out there. Besides shared musical taste, many in the Bulwark community share similar political beliefs and the hope for a better America!
Fogelberg is one of my favorites. He belongs in that pantheon of great song writers. He once said in an interview that "Leader of the Band" is his best song. Of course my wife and I got married to "Longer".
Agreed, the bench is impressively deep on the Dem's side! The articulate, competent and accomplished people we've seen speak over the course of the convention perfectly convey that. Then, when I think of who is up and coming in the GOP, what are the names that come to mind? Lessee now, we got some MTG, Boebert, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Kristi Noem, JD Vance, Kari Lake... When Trump finally goes away, somebody going to have to take out the rest of the trash!
I'm a lifelong Dem, but I really long for the return of a sane and functional Republican Party. Anyone with any integrity and half a brain has been purged though, so I really hope y'all have a plan to take your party back from the dingalings.
On the other side, the Republican bench is so thin and extreme that I can honestly see some kind of new party forming in the future.Kind of like what happened to the Whigs in the 1850's evolving into the Republican party. (of Lincoln)
Great post...especially with the laundry list of the GOP names. What's really sad to me are the names not on there...of the GOP politicians who did NOT stand up when their country desperately needed them to.
A bench develops when you have elected officials who are allow to chart their own course, develop their own style. On the Republican side, you don't have a future unless you bow down and kiss the Trump ring, doing whatever he wants you to do. Plus, that sort of approach attacks the wrong people to public service. Strong-minded, independent thinkers don't want to kow tow to Trump.
Yes, the Dems deep bench includes a SLEW of Congress people. Watch a committee hearing, and you'll see that the questions from the D side are (almost) always serious and germane to the issue at hand, while the R side is usually a lot of jackasses preening for the cameras. The Ds have their performance junkies, and there are some serious R Congress people, but take a look at who is usually promoted by each party.
I confess to being someone who had questioned the legitimacy of the Democratic “deep bench” argument. Not anymore. The array of talent on display this week has been more than reassuring, and it stands in stark contrast to what the GOP rolls out in its ongoing war of anger and negativity that assaults the American eyes and ears with every new campaign rally and media appearance. The list is long and necessarily incomplete, but several people have stood out in particular to me. We’ve already discussed how Josh Shapiro has a future. But Wes Moore does not get enough attention. He has both the substance and the style to get the job done. Pete Buttigieg impresses me more and more every time he speaks, as a natural leader and someone who can cut through GOP deflections and untruths with a particularly sharp knife. And of course there is Tim Walz, who reminds us of who we are no less than who we want to be. (If only every son and daughter appeared so loving and positively impacted as the Walz children demonstrated toward their father. Perhaps the GOP will use the footage as some sort of warped weapon as they continue to double down against childless cat ladies.) As noted, the list could go on and on.
It is a pleasant problem to have, looking to see who can play what role in the future. If indeed Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Pelosi, and of course Joe Biden, are moving gracefully toward the exit door of their political careers, at least they are seeing that the party and the movement are in very capable hands. If the team can stay unified, they could be dominant for years to come, especially if the GOP continues its current pathway of trying to scare us into conversion and convince us that we all are going to a fiery date with Hell and soon if we do not unflinchingly embrace their plans for America and the world. The contrast between the two parties cannot be greater right now, and only one seems to have the best interests of the American public at heart. Even before tonight there have been so many enduring memories of this convention, as Team D proves that it has risen to the magnitude of the moment. It will be interesting to see what kind of polling bump they get out of this, as America takes stock of what they’ve got. If the worst thing the GOP can show from it is the film of Chuck Schumer teaching us how not to dance, the Democrats appear to be in pretty good shape.
I agree. I have been impressed by many of them. One concern I have is that there is a lot of talk about who can run in 4, 8 or 12 years for President. Well and good, but let's make sure that the Dems are building their people for roles as Cabinet members, House and Senate members, Governors, State Assembly and Senate members, down to the local level. For those that want the big prize, support them. For those that don't, support them. We need these guys at all levels of government.
A thousand times YES!
As always...great post. Stephen Colbert captured the moment in his DNC post-late night show with the Walz family perfectly as he showed that video clip of the children so moved by their dad. He (Colbert) then turned back to the audience sniffing and slightly sobbing and complained..."Thanks DNC for making me emotional...Hulk Hogan didn't make me do that!" It was classic.
Colbert also ended with a great line about the Coach showing what real locker room talk is. I hope and pray, not just for political reasons, that we can guide the young men and boys who are being sucked into a vortex of hatred of all kinds--misogyny, anti-semitism, homophobia, racism, xenophobia for starters--to embrace a kinder, more competent masculinity that what Josh Hawley and JD Vance are offering.
Excellent point and I have to confess that it took me a moment before I got the double entendre of that locker room line.
“Even before tonight there have been so many enduring memories of this convention, as Team D proves that it has risen to the magnitude of the moment. It will be interesting to see what kind of polling bump they get out of this, as America takes stock of what they’ve got. If the worst thing the GOP can show from it is the film of Chuck Schumer teaching us how not to dance, the Democrats appear to be in pretty good shape.”
Agreed! This is one amazing DNC. Compared to the RNC, it’s the difference between a top notch professional campaign and the T-ball league. My instincts tell me the bump will be tremendous, and the new voters drawn to the campaign will dwarf all records by the time the voting ends, and the votes are tabulated.
Harris has caught lightning in a bottle, while Trump continues to light himself on fire. It’s a difficult choice this November. We can choose joy, democracy and freedom, or fear, hate and projection.
What to do?????????…:)
The first time I heard the term "deep bench" to describe Democrats came Sarah longwell. I had thought of this before. JVL is irked that pundits now are using the term "double haters" and not crediting who came up with. (Sarah again) There is a reason there is a tee shirt that says; Sarah is always right. As another commenter said; "Sarah sure knows how to read the room". One last point, I teared up when Tim Walz (proudly my governor) spoke about the birth of his children and Gus (his son) stood up tearfully saying "That is my dad".
I can’t abide the term “double haters” and hope it’s on its way to the dustbin of history.
Walz’ son was the most moving part of the evening. Strive to be a parent whose child is as proud of you as Tim Walz’ boy is of him.
I felt the same way about last evening. The sight of his children reacting said it all. It reminds me of a line from my favorite Dan Fogelberg song; "And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay".
Not even trying to be snarky but the Cat's in the Cradle dad was a Father of the Year candidate compared to Trump.
The proof is Don Jr and Eric. And there is three marriages and multiple affairs.
Trump gives off a “Cat’s Cradle” vibe but without the regret or actually remembering the kid’s name.
That is Trumster's creed; never apologize, never admit to mistakes never regret anything, always blame others.
I just tried thinking about how the great Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" lyrics could be modified for Trump and Ivanka, but then I tasted a little vomit and stopped.
I saw him live in college. I can’t believe how long he’s been gone.
Don’t do it with Trump and Don Jr.
Dan Fogelberg is one of the few artists that I love as much now as I did when I was in junior high, when I bought my first album (Souvenirs).
Back in the day (of turntables), I had most of his albums. I've seen him in concerts twice. Fabulous. Every once in a while, I'll u tube one of his acoustical performances. I think "Make Love Stay" is his best
My favorite varies, depending on my mood. As a Mainer, I love The Reach. Old Tennessee is sweet. Dancing Shoes is up there. Such a talent. So versatile. I wept when he died.
I think the best music written are from very personal experiences. I'm talking about Lightfoot's "If you could read my mind", Clapton's "Tears in Heaven, James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" , kenny Loggin's "Danny Song" . "Leader of the Band" is such a song. In fact I played my Fogelberg's Greatest Hits CD today. Writing about it got me in the mood! I feel the same as you.He was tremendous talent who died way too young.
I’ve been looking at my Fogelberg playlist too. Song from Half Mountain was calling me.
I like your taste. If You Could Read My Mind is one of my all-time favorite songs. Have you ever heard Johnny Cash’s version? If not, keep an open mind and give it a shot. You won’t regret it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xEx147n9G1A
To me Gordon Lightfoot is my total favorite. I have all his CD s he has ever done.I saw him in six or seven concerts. The best song writter and melodies! What a wordsmith! I often quote his lyrical lines in my comments. (as well as Paul Simon) By the way "If you could read my mind" is my all time fav.song and album.
Love reading the Bulwark comments. Many of us all over the country with similar tastes. Love this thread as I share several things with others- I also saw Harry Chaplin when I was in college. Dan Fogelberg was my favorite - I have all his albums, saw him 6 times including the first when he returned for the first time to our shared college, the University of Illinois and finally , my fave song is also “If You Could Read My Mind” It still tops my playlist although there are so many great songs out there. Besides shared musical taste, many in the Bulwark community share similar political beliefs and the hope for a better America!
Leader of the band…. I love that song about his father
Fogelberg is one of my favorites. He belongs in that pantheon of great song writers. He once said in an interview that "Leader of the Band" is his best song. Of course my wife and I got married to "Longer".
Nice. Fogelberg’s version of Since You’ve Asked was played at our wedding. Lesser known than Longer, but super-romantic.
Mary, great minds think a like!
The "bench" thing can change quickly. Remember when Cantor, Ryan and McCarthy were the Republican "Young Guns"?
I'm from Mn. and Vim Webber was also a member of the young guns. Of that group McCarthy turned out to be such a dip
Agreed, the bench is impressively deep on the Dem's side! The articulate, competent and accomplished people we've seen speak over the course of the convention perfectly convey that. Then, when I think of who is up and coming in the GOP, what are the names that come to mind? Lessee now, we got some MTG, Boebert, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Kristi Noem, JD Vance, Kari Lake... When Trump finally goes away, somebody going to have to take out the rest of the trash!
I'm a lifelong Dem, but I really long for the return of a sane and functional Republican Party. Anyone with any integrity and half a brain has been purged though, so I really hope y'all have a plan to take your party back from the dingalings.
On the other side, the Republican bench is so thin and extreme that I can honestly see some kind of new party forming in the future.Kind of like what happened to the Whigs in the 1850's evolving into the Republican party. (of Lincoln)
Great post...especially with the laundry list of the GOP names. What's really sad to me are the names not on there...of the GOP politicians who did NOT stand up when their country desperately needed them to.
ex-GOP guy
A bench develops when you have elected officials who are allow to chart their own course, develop their own style. On the Republican side, you don't have a future unless you bow down and kiss the Trump ring, doing whatever he wants you to do. Plus, that sort of approach attacks the wrong people to public service. Strong-minded, independent thinkers don't want to kow tow to Trump.
I think Hakeem needs a shout here too. And Cory always seems to be a rung away but has a lot to offer.
Yes, the Dems deep bench includes a SLEW of Congress people. Watch a committee hearing, and you'll see that the questions from the D side are (almost) always serious and germane to the issue at hand, while the R side is usually a lot of jackasses preening for the cameras. The Ds have their performance junkies, and there are some serious R Congress people, but take a look at who is usually promoted by each party.
That's a great point and his speech was clever and articulate too. The passing of the baton between he and Nancy was textbook.
Absolutely. Thanks for the worthy additions to the list.