I planned on writing nothing about the Biden “drop or stay” nonsense.
But there’s a vital point being ignored by all sides here.
You’re all on the same side.
Whether Biden stays or goes, all those involved in the current debate are going to be Democrats on November 5. Guaranteed.
I acknowledge the fear. Those who want Biden out are afraid there’s some group of fuzzy minded voters who will vote for the fascist because he seems more dynamic. Those who demand the critics shut up believe there are millions of cynics who will decide, based on this fight in July, that there’s no difference between the parties and either stay home or vote for a third party.
The fears are overblown.
This Is A Base Election
The 2024 electoral battle between fascism and democracy is an extension of the 20th century’s Cold War.
Most battles this year have been won by democracy. Britain voted for democracy. France voted for democracy. Europeans voted for democracy. Mexico voted for democracy. India voted for democracy. Even Iran voted for the more democratic choice Iranians were given.
It’s true that like fascist leaders everywhere, Trump has a base. It consists of Christian nationalists, financial oligarchs, and people who think the 19th century was, somehow, better than the 21st because it was relatively better for their ancestors.
This represents 40-45% of the voting public. Give or take. Same as it has for decades.
The rest of us believe in America. We believe in honorable disagreement. We want to pass freedom on to our grandchildren.
At some point in the next weeks the Biden question will be settled. But the answer doesn’t matter much.
We’ve been here before. Abraham Lincoln was losing before the Union won the battle of Atlanta. Republicans thought they had a real shot with Tom Dewey, who was younger and more vigorous than the dying FDR of 1944.
Calm down. Relax. Worry less, work more. America has got this, even while pundits and politicians are losing their minds.
Such is the terrible beauty of democracy.
