Counting the gifts of this election ... regardless of the final result
Waking up with a new confidence in us
"Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Philadelphia socialite Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin on September 18, 1787, the last day of the Constitutional Convention that designed the United States.
“A republic, if you can keep it,” Franklin replied.
In other times that exchange, recorded in the journal of James McHenry, a delegate to that historic convention, might seem like a passing witticism of little import. Until the last election, the idea of losing our republic, our democracy, seemed ridiculous, making that exchange appear meaningless.
The wake-up call came on January 6, 2021, carrying the message: we could lose this imperfectly beautiful experiment in democracy.
There were already major problems that clamored for attention … as well as the inevitable devastating wildfires, floods and other climate disasters, a pandemic was sweeping through the world, claiming lives, overwhelming hospitals and healthcare facilities, closing schools and businesses; and then Russia invaded Ukraine and gradually sucked billions (trillions?) of financial resources into the conflict as well as killing or wounding approximately one MILLION people by current estimates.
However, time rolled on and. slowly, led by President Biden and Vice-President Harris, the financial systems of the US began to recover, manufacturing was brought back, unemployment shrank, the crime rate dropped, progress was being made. Many of us were relaxing a bit, thinking we were healing.
Then came the 2024 election campaign and polling that revealed a divide wide and deep: the administration that was making such remarkable strides domestically and around the world was in significant danger of losing the coming election.
And then, a remarkable thing happened:
President Joe Biden handed the baton to
Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Energy, motivation, and excitement exploded.
For a few moments, we were optimistic, giddy at the thought of the first woman president and the return of women’s rights and an administration committed to creating a system where everyone could thrive. However, the polls ticked up and then returned to a flat line of “who knows?”
That’s where we are at this moment. a month away from the big day. I am an eternal optimist and the rational part of me cannot fathom how so many people could still support a team like Donald Trump and JD Vance. Writing this post is a therapy session for me … a what if all of our efforts don’t turn the ship?
Until I began this election-focused series, my biggest fear was waking up on November 6th thinking I didn’t do what I could have done to help elect Harris/Walz. That fear left, only to be replaced by the fear that it isn’t enough. That we still might lose.
A few days ago, that fear faded; replaced by a confidence in the work we are all doing. As I’ve immersed myself in the daily events and rhetoric of this election, I’ve developed a pride in what’s happening here … millions of words from thousands of citizen journalists; daily podcasts and zooms with stars, professionals, homemakers, students, and organizers; cross-party endorsements; so many people, from newbies to wise elders using their talents and skills to contribute to the effort of electing an administration that wants to take us forward.
One of my favorite examples: a megabus from VoteVets parked in front of a Trump hotel.:
Surprisingly, it also occurred to me that if the outcome is not what we want, we now have developed the network, passion and determination to continue to fight for this republic. WE WILL NOT LOSE IT.
So, here are some of the gifts I see that have come out of this election campaign. I would love to have you add to the list.
GIFT: QUESTIONING MONEY - discussions about the role of money in our politics are becoming more common, questioning the impact of Citizen’s United on our elections. Example: Trump suggesting oil executives give him a billion dollars, presumably for his campaign, in return for tax breaks and favors.
GIFT: COUNTRY OVER PARTY - there is a broad-based desire to sustain our democratic systems and move away from extremes. Bipartisan support is the best way to to make sure changes are made in the best interests of all citizens. Example: Liz Cheney campaigning with Kamala Harris.
From phone banking, postcards, door knocking, creating new memes … millions of volunteers are engaged in this election
GIFT: ENTHUSIASM - the Harris/Walz team stimulates an outpouring of energy, money, and time to be part of saving our democracy. Example: Postcards to Swing States has 265,000 volunteers sending out 36 million postcards to swing states.
GIFT: DIVERSITY - remembering (slowly) that we were founded on and benefited from the diversity provided by our long history of accepting immigrants. Example: when JD Vance lied about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, which had invited immigrants to help them rebuild their rust-belt, devastated community, the Republican leaders called out his lies.
GIFT: FACT CHECKING - we’ve become more adept at recognizing lies and distortions whether they come from the media, podcasts, newsletters or campaign speeches. Example: Tracking over 30,000 lies of Trump 45, as well as studies that reveal which media Americans trust. Here’s a list of 10 more trusted and 10 less trusted media.
GIFT: WOMEN SPEAKING UP - Women of all ages have begun speaking out to clueless men who are creating unsound and devastating legislation about women’s healthcare. Reminder: Governor Abbott (TX) countered the cries about the no abortion exceptions after Roe vs. Wade was overturned, saying he would “end rape.” Texas law does not allow exceptions for rape. Scientific American reported that for the year and a half ending January 1, 2024, there were approximately 26,000 rape-related pregnancies … in Texas!
GIFT: YOUTH INVOLVEMENT - From the 200 content creators invited to the Democratic National Convention to the 8 million new voters coming of age in time for this election as well as many new political youth organizations, there is a greater interest amongst youth in participating in the development of their future. Example: Future Caucus’s mission is to activate young leaders to bridge the partisan divide and transform American politics. Sounds like a great start.
GIFT: CHECKS AND BALANCES - The recent political environment has reminded us of the importance of the division of powers of our Legislative-Executive-Judicial system. The founders of our system were wise enough to know that the balance would be fragile and needed protection. Example: Project 2025, the conservative playbook for the next Republican administration would strip away this balance in order to shift authoritarian power to the President. This Wall Street Journal video is the best short(ish) video I’ve found.
What other gifts do you think this election cycle is bringing us?
Sources:
Thanks for writing this, Joyce. The gifts you list here are invaluable. My mantra during the last election and this one is: Truth and Love wins. I truly believe it will.
Thanks, again. I am resharing now.
PS Added benefit: Friends sharing