There has never been any clear indication as to "what sort of President a particular candidate would make" in past elections, irrespective of previous experiences or lack thereof and history of policies, practices or general attitudes
Donald Trump has consistently shown unequivocally what is his 'character' and attitudes as well as policies in regard many important aspects of American life. There are reams of documented, 'verifiable' evidence to demonstrate that Trump is a virulent racist, poor business management capabilities with minimum 5 public bankruptcies and dozens of cases of non-payment of major debts, gross misogyny, and more. Yet none of the American media or those that formed the Bulwark questioned his competence or character to be President as "administrator" of Government.
Very many Americans, particularly white Americans have not evolved or matured in their thinking from centuries old endemic attitudes of superiority over other races and ethnicity that preclude clear, rational evaluation of issues without resorting to that sad human trait, exposed in strong 'automatic' doubting of Kamala Harris.
Ari Melber, host of The Beat on MSNBC "proved" this unfortunate attitude in showing all the 'negative' comments from Republicans and others in their TV interviews of Kamala Harris supposed "lack of administrative qualifications and experience". Issue by Issue, VP Harris was rated above all recent Presidents, even John F. Kennedy by equal measurements of those attributes deemed critical by nay-sayers.
Such revelations harden the view of America by foreign nations as remaining extremely bigoted and self serving, even while completely fracturing due to very same prejudices they pretend are of no consequence.
While I might agree with the aspirations of J.V Last and the Bulwark editors in 'hopeful 'election of Kamala Harris as the next President, the feedback that I and many dozens of more neutral observers of this American society, several in Canada and other nations in the North American region, suggest a strict hardening of attitudes and purpose from MAGA-land that might produce an occurrence other than what the election results would dictate.
Bulwark editors and probably most of it's readers and subscribers seemingly come from a political perspective as frequently enunciated based on 'traditional' Republican political practices and values - a true GOP, which has been shown as totally diametrically opposite what is the core of Donald Trump and MAGA - effectively named Trumpism, that have clearly stated on many occasions intending to destroy America if their goal of reversing history to their draconian period of dominance is not fully achieved.
Such mantra of 'tyranny' as explained in books and lectures by NYU and Yale professors of history is a significantly more ominous threat to the continued existence of USA as a stable, sane country than Bulwark and other half of populace seriously comprehend.
Kamala Harris winning the Electoral College vote may not preclude nationwide mass violence and killing of innocent citizens by 'more than' 1000 reported heavily armed MAGA militia groups, against which local and even state authorities unlikely have sufficient manpower or required US Dept of Defense level armaments. Besides which much of America's Law Enforcement maybe sympathetic to and/or supportive of, even involved in this attempted violent overthrow of civil order. The endorsement of Donald Trump by The Fraternal Order of Police Union codifies such possibility.
America has already experienced the 'unbelievable' effort of a recently deposed President to overturn legitimate government as well as the Constitution. Idealistic naivete and disregard for such repeat calamity on monumental scale would most certainly be dysfunctional thinking.
The gender divide in the upcoming election will be accentuated by the GOP full press campaign targeting young men, seeking to reinforce victim status. The RFK acquisition reinforces the young male targeting. The GOP campaign is so focused on negativity and division that I’m concerned it will be successful as the messaging is magnified by Musk, Rogan, and a host of younger intermediaries on social media.
Jonathan V. Last, a proud alumnus of The Johns Hopkins University, masterfully captures the essence of the Democratic convention in this piece.
His analysis highlights the broad-spectrum approach of the Harris campaign, both metaphorically and medically. Just as a broad-spectrum antibiotics target a wide range of bacteria, Harris’s campaign aims to appeal to a diverse array of voters, from urban progressives to rural moderates.
This strategic positioning contrasts sharply with Trump’s narrower focus, underscoring the Democratic party’s unity and commitment to moving forward. Last’s insights, rooted in his academic background and keen political acumen, offer a compelling narrative of the current political landscape.
Speaking as a non-American, the electoral college seems insane. The US is the only democracy in the world which still has something like it. Every other democracy got rid of it in the past two centuries. It’s surely time to get rid of it.. Whatever issues may arise from removing it, it seems deeply troubling that a popular vote doesn’t win an election.
He always likes to compare himself to his uncle John and hi father Robert but never alludes to his uncle Ted who, like him or not, was one of the most consequential Senators of the last century. Ted also, because of his political longevity, probably actually had more of an impact than either JFK or RFK
I wish the DOJ would come out and make a bold statement prior to the final months of the election season for people to not even THINK about trying to subvert democracy again or there will be SEVERE consequences!!!
She's made good decision after good decision in this campaign. I wonder if part of the problem last time around was because she didn't have good, highly experienced people helping her in 2019, and the ones she had were in conflict. I think she's smart enough that if you put enough great operatives with her, presenting pros and cons, she's going to make smart choices almost every time. She's got some of the best Dem campaigners on her side now all in lock-step, and probably a larger talent pool she could draw on if needed. Not to mention an insanely strong group of surrogates who want to show up for the party. On the other side, Trump has mostly crazy and crazier MAGA people, after the original group of people who supported him in his first term were a) jailed, b) bankrupted by lawsuits, c) abandoned him, and d) almost hanged by a mob. I also believe that the worse it starts looking for Trump, the more the "mainstream" chicken-sh*t Republicans start to distance themselves in anticipation of a fight for the party post 2024. Rats will be rats. They all hate Trump anyways.
Trump is only “loved” by the zombie horde of not-very-bright folks who have not much else in their lives outside of their favorite shock jock in an ill-fitting suit and too-long red tie.
He is thus “loved” by those at the furthest remove from him.
Those closer - working under him or is positions of power tied to him somehow - I would think fear and hate him in equal measure.
He rules by lies, threats and fear. And by his proximity to the Presidency, the ultimate ring of power.
But it he can’t obtain that ring, or even if it seems to be slipping away - all his underlings will implode, as in the final battle scene of Return of the King.
Perhaps. But then they are maybe bright like Elon Musk, who created 2 + groundbreaking companies and got fabulously rich, but whose moral compass and moral reasoning are broken.
Yes undoubtedly there are reprobates and malignant broken souls like Musk but one of the takeaways from the DNC that I am trying to appreciate is that not everyone who is wrong about politics (ie doesn't agree with me 100% of the time) aren't bad people.
I get your point, and I actually had the same takeaway. I have residual anger against Trump voters, but at this point that only gets in everyone's way. They criticized Trup plenty during the DNC, but never criticized his voters, and I think that was smart. And probably the best way forward, for all concerned.
So with you on the anger. But also trying to envision how we deradicalize at least some of them back into society. It is going to be very tough because even in the best case of a Democratic landslide there are going to be deadenders that believe Trump had a second election stolen from him (if two elections in a row can be rigged against him how strong is he exactly?!)
I am still in a state of (very pleasant) shock over the reversal of political fortunes that has taken place since the first and (thankfully only) Biden-Trump debate.
I love Biden, but I saw what most Democrats and independents saw on that gut-wrenching night: Biden struggling to keep his thoughts and statements clear and to the point, clearly a person in some decline, while Trump lied his behind off, made no points of contact with reality or decency, but “looked” more clear-headed and in control of his narrative, however psychotic that was. And it was.
But in the aftermath, Trump was ascending, with a momentum only heightened when the kind of violence he himself has sown, came back to him and almost took him out, then let him play the defiant fighter, and gave him a (short-lived, as it turned out) martyr bounce.
By the RNC, Trump and his vile minions were so very confident of ultimate victory against Biden.
Then, the almost unimaginable happened. Not only did Biden pull a Jedi mind scramble on Trump with his selfless declaration of stepping aside from the Presidency, and not only did he get fully behind Kamala Harris, but she rose so fully and seamlessly and artfully to the occasion as to leave Trump stammering in rage day after day, flailing with no clear target and sinking ever deeper into the mire of his own increasingly impotent rhetoric. “Where’s Hunter?” Not a serious question, from a candidate in Trump’s newly vulnerable position.
And it is all glorious to behold.
And the coming debate against a younger, stronger, more articulate woman who looks and sounds the part of President, who will deflect his attacks and go for the jugular herself, will not end well for him. Tulsi Gabbard cannot save him from the Kamala that cometh.
And Walz versus JD Vance promises to be even more lopsided, with the coach hammering the bearded one with small town values, decency and the public good, versus Vance’s weird beliefs about cat ladies, parenting and all those folks unworthy of being his neighbor.
I know it’s no time for over-confidence or complacency. But I feel that at least we have the right team at this point, and a very good fighting chance. It feels good to be happy warriors. Even if we lose - which I don’t think we will, at this point - it feels good to be on the right side of this hugely consequential fight.
I was just looking at the Bulwark page and there is Kamala, laughing, in the center picture. I think this very much shows the difference between her and Trump - who is very proud of his scowling face in his mugshot. Scowls or joyous laughter - I know which one I'd choose even if I knew nothing else about the contest.
Diversity is not on the way, it's here now and the USA is a stronger country for that fact. As a super agger of 80 plus, I could not be more optimistic with the great gesture of President Biden stepping down, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz leading the way. It has thrown Trump and his Maga World off balance. We must stay on target for these two and a half months to save our democracy.
In your list of Republican speakers at the DNC you forgot Jeff Duncan of Georgia who delivered a concise, direct rationale for why Republicans and independents should vote for VP Harris. He said that it didn't make you a Democrat, it made you a patriot. He also said the Republican Party will not be back to normal until they "dump Trump".
There has never been any clear indication as to "what sort of President a particular candidate would make" in past elections, irrespective of previous experiences or lack thereof and history of policies, practices or general attitudes
Donald Trump has consistently shown unequivocally what is his 'character' and attitudes as well as policies in regard many important aspects of American life. There are reams of documented, 'verifiable' evidence to demonstrate that Trump is a virulent racist, poor business management capabilities with minimum 5 public bankruptcies and dozens of cases of non-payment of major debts, gross misogyny, and more. Yet none of the American media or those that formed the Bulwark questioned his competence or character to be President as "administrator" of Government.
Very many Americans, particularly white Americans have not evolved or matured in their thinking from centuries old endemic attitudes of superiority over other races and ethnicity that preclude clear, rational evaluation of issues without resorting to that sad human trait, exposed in strong 'automatic' doubting of Kamala Harris.
Ari Melber, host of The Beat on MSNBC "proved" this unfortunate attitude in showing all the 'negative' comments from Republicans and others in their TV interviews of Kamala Harris supposed "lack of administrative qualifications and experience". Issue by Issue, VP Harris was rated above all recent Presidents, even John F. Kennedy by equal measurements of those attributes deemed critical by nay-sayers.
Such revelations harden the view of America by foreign nations as remaining extremely bigoted and self serving, even while completely fracturing due to very same prejudices they pretend are of no consequence.
While I might agree with the aspirations of J.V Last and the Bulwark editors in 'hopeful 'election of Kamala Harris as the next President, the feedback that I and many dozens of more neutral observers of this American society, several in Canada and other nations in the North American region, suggest a strict hardening of attitudes and purpose from MAGA-land that might produce an occurrence other than what the election results would dictate.
Bulwark editors and probably most of it's readers and subscribers seemingly come from a political perspective as frequently enunciated based on 'traditional' Republican political practices and values - a true GOP, which has been shown as totally diametrically opposite what is the core of Donald Trump and MAGA - effectively named Trumpism, that have clearly stated on many occasions intending to destroy America if their goal of reversing history to their draconian period of dominance is not fully achieved.
Such mantra of 'tyranny' as explained in books and lectures by NYU and Yale professors of history is a significantly more ominous threat to the continued existence of USA as a stable, sane country than Bulwark and other half of populace seriously comprehend.
Kamala Harris winning the Electoral College vote may not preclude nationwide mass violence and killing of innocent citizens by 'more than' 1000 reported heavily armed MAGA militia groups, against which local and even state authorities unlikely have sufficient manpower or required US Dept of Defense level armaments. Besides which much of America's Law Enforcement maybe sympathetic to and/or supportive of, even involved in this attempted violent overthrow of civil order. The endorsement of Donald Trump by The Fraternal Order of Police Union codifies such possibility.
America has already experienced the 'unbelievable' effort of a recently deposed President to overturn legitimate government as well as the Constitution. Idealistic naivete and disregard for such repeat calamity on monumental scale would most certainly be dysfunctional thinking.
The gender divide in the upcoming election will be accentuated by the GOP full press campaign targeting young men, seeking to reinforce victim status. The RFK acquisition reinforces the young male targeting. The GOP campaign is so focused on negativity and division that I’m concerned it will be successful as the messaging is magnified by Musk, Rogan, and a host of younger intermediaries on social media.
Jonathan V. Last, a proud alumnus of The Johns Hopkins University, masterfully captures the essence of the Democratic convention in this piece.
His analysis highlights the broad-spectrum approach of the Harris campaign, both metaphorically and medically. Just as a broad-spectrum antibiotics target a wide range of bacteria, Harris’s campaign aims to appeal to a diverse array of voters, from urban progressives to rural moderates.
This strategic positioning contrasts sharply with Trump’s narrower focus, underscoring the Democratic party’s unity and commitment to moving forward. Last’s insights, rooted in his academic background and keen political acumen, offer a compelling narrative of the current political landscape.
Well Done JVL~
Beautifully written as always JVL.
Speaking as a non-American, the electoral college seems insane. The US is the only democracy in the world which still has something like it. Every other democracy got rid of it in the past two centuries. It’s surely time to get rid of it.. Whatever issues may arise from removing it, it seems deeply troubling that a popular vote doesn’t win an election.
An offside comment about RFK, Jr.
He always likes to compare himself to his uncle John and hi father Robert but never alludes to his uncle Ted who, like him or not, was one of the most consequential Senators of the last century. Ted also, because of his political longevity, probably actually had more of an impact than either JFK or RFK
I wish the DOJ would come out and make a bold statement prior to the final months of the election season for people to not even THINK about trying to subvert democracy again or there will be SEVERE consequences!!!
"Dana White" perfect name for a White Supremacist. Seems like a fictional character in "The Onion."
Brilliant as ever JVL. Gotta say though, it’s weird to get the sort of optimism vibes from you. Sorry to use both the words weird and vibes.
She's made good decision after good decision in this campaign. I wonder if part of the problem last time around was because she didn't have good, highly experienced people helping her in 2019, and the ones she had were in conflict. I think she's smart enough that if you put enough great operatives with her, presenting pros and cons, she's going to make smart choices almost every time. She's got some of the best Dem campaigners on her side now all in lock-step, and probably a larger talent pool she could draw on if needed. Not to mention an insanely strong group of surrogates who want to show up for the party. On the other side, Trump has mostly crazy and crazier MAGA people, after the original group of people who supported him in his first term were a) jailed, b) bankrupted by lawsuits, c) abandoned him, and d) almost hanged by a mob. I also believe that the worse it starts looking for Trump, the more the "mainstream" chicken-sh*t Republicans start to distance themselves in anticipation of a fight for the party post 2024. Rats will be rats. They all hate Trump anyways.
Trump is only “loved” by the zombie horde of not-very-bright folks who have not much else in their lives outside of their favorite shock jock in an ill-fitting suit and too-long red tie.
He is thus “loved” by those at the furthest remove from him.
Those closer - working under him or is positions of power tied to him somehow - I would think fear and hate him in equal measure.
He rules by lies, threats and fear. And by his proximity to the Presidency, the ultimate ring of power.
But it he can’t obtain that ring, or even if it seems to be slipping away - all his underlings will implode, as in the final battle scene of Return of the King.
There are plenty of bright ones taken in by the lies.
Perhaps. But then they are maybe bright like Elon Musk, who created 2 + groundbreaking companies and got fabulously rich, but whose moral compass and moral reasoning are broken.
Yes undoubtedly there are reprobates and malignant broken souls like Musk but one of the takeaways from the DNC that I am trying to appreciate is that not everyone who is wrong about politics (ie doesn't agree with me 100% of the time) aren't bad people.
Er um, are bad people. Excuse my logic error by realizing how difficult it is for me to admit that I am not perfect.
I get your point, and I actually had the same takeaway. I have residual anger against Trump voters, but at this point that only gets in everyone's way. They criticized Trup plenty during the DNC, but never criticized his voters, and I think that was smart. And probably the best way forward, for all concerned.
So with you on the anger. But also trying to envision how we deradicalize at least some of them back into society. It is going to be very tough because even in the best case of a Democratic landslide there are going to be deadenders that believe Trump had a second election stolen from him (if two elections in a row can be rigged against him how strong is he exactly?!)
I am still in a state of (very pleasant) shock over the reversal of political fortunes that has taken place since the first and (thankfully only) Biden-Trump debate.
I love Biden, but I saw what most Democrats and independents saw on that gut-wrenching night: Biden struggling to keep his thoughts and statements clear and to the point, clearly a person in some decline, while Trump lied his behind off, made no points of contact with reality or decency, but “looked” more clear-headed and in control of his narrative, however psychotic that was. And it was.
But in the aftermath, Trump was ascending, with a momentum only heightened when the kind of violence he himself has sown, came back to him and almost took him out, then let him play the defiant fighter, and gave him a (short-lived, as it turned out) martyr bounce.
By the RNC, Trump and his vile minions were so very confident of ultimate victory against Biden.
Then, the almost unimaginable happened. Not only did Biden pull a Jedi mind scramble on Trump with his selfless declaration of stepping aside from the Presidency, and not only did he get fully behind Kamala Harris, but she rose so fully and seamlessly and artfully to the occasion as to leave Trump stammering in rage day after day, flailing with no clear target and sinking ever deeper into the mire of his own increasingly impotent rhetoric. “Where’s Hunter?” Not a serious question, from a candidate in Trump’s newly vulnerable position.
And it is all glorious to behold.
And the coming debate against a younger, stronger, more articulate woman who looks and sounds the part of President, who will deflect his attacks and go for the jugular herself, will not end well for him. Tulsi Gabbard cannot save him from the Kamala that cometh.
And Walz versus JD Vance promises to be even more lopsided, with the coach hammering the bearded one with small town values, decency and the public good, versus Vance’s weird beliefs about cat ladies, parenting and all those folks unworthy of being his neighbor.
I know it’s no time for over-confidence or complacency. But I feel that at least we have the right team at this point, and a very good fighting chance. It feels good to be happy warriors. Even if we lose - which I don’t think we will, at this point - it feels good to be on the right side of this hugely consequential fight.
Very well said! You captured my feelings perfectly.
I was just looking at the Bulwark page and there is Kamala, laughing, in the center picture. I think this very much shows the difference between her and Trump - who is very proud of his scowling face in his mugshot. Scowls or joyous laughter - I know which one I'd choose even if I knew nothing else about the contest.
Some might refer to it as a scowling face of defiance, but to me trump's mugshot looks like a prison intake photo of his first cavity search.
Godspeed Kamala.
Diversity is not on the way, it's here now and the USA is a stronger country for that fact. As a super agger of 80 plus, I could not be more optimistic with the great gesture of President Biden stepping down, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz leading the way. It has thrown Trump and his Maga World off balance. We must stay on target for these two and a half months to save our democracy.
JVL. The footnotes are getting out of hand. What’s wrong with parentheses?
Or putting the footnotes for each section after each section?
In your list of Republican speakers at the DNC you forgot Jeff Duncan of Georgia who delivered a concise, direct rationale for why Republicans and independents should vote for VP Harris. He said that it didn't make you a Democrat, it made you a patriot. He also said the Republican Party will not be back to normal until they "dump Trump".