I know it's cliché but the idea that the left is mainly "coastal elites" resonates deep here in the Midwest. The truth is the GOP is masterful at messaging and staying on message. They've bought all the way into the idea that "facts tell and stories sell."
Meanwhile the left (my team, btw) is constantly trying to workshop talking points and playing tone police. Tbh, picking Walz was a masterstroke--there is a Tim Walz living on every block up here. Having him tone down his messaging and playing nicer on stump speeches was like stepping on a rake.
"We won't go back" is a great message...unless your town was gutted by NAFTA and you've spent your whole life waiting for the American Dream to come true for you.
Glenn, so much (tinged) goodness and truth in this piece. I'm sad. I'm disappointed (that word does not do the feeling justice). Power. Sigh. As long as the pursuit of power and money supersedes the value and needs of people, we will have difficulty moving forward. As one who has always put people first over the pursuit of power and money, I struggle with this realization. How did I get this far without understanding this before? The idealist in me struggles. As a Christian, I struggle with the dark hearts of others even more. I do have hope and I will find my joy, but the idealist is dying. I must fight the urge to become cynical.
I want you to know that I have found such great value in the words you write. I've been remiss in telling you so.
Thank you, Jan. Understand your confusion and how you’re feeling. I lost my idealism some time ago; being a journalist does that to you, despite movies to the contrary. For me, the first time around was Nixon 2.0; this time, I fear it’s Reagan 2.0.
I agree that globalism is part of the economic angst of Trumpish Americans. Do you think the unfettered stock market and tech industries also play a role, incentivizing quarterly stock price growth rather than strong middle class jobs throughout an organization? Also, do you think the Dems need to do more than offer breaks for small business development? Does that go far enough?
Yes, the stock market’s spikes since 2017 and the role of tech (especially social media) have put the focus on profits and misinformation that have greatly contributed to the overall angst. And the Dems have to do something more than talk. The small town “Main Street” messaging without substance does nothing.
Understand completely. Same in my circle. Again, morality has become corrupted by festering anger and the desire to wrest back control no matter the cost.
We are wrecked here. The daughter is particularly distraught, hysterical even.
I don’t know what has happened to the country I thought I knew. Everything feels ugly and heavy.
I know it's cliché but the idea that the left is mainly "coastal elites" resonates deep here in the Midwest. The truth is the GOP is masterful at messaging and staying on message. They've bought all the way into the idea that "facts tell and stories sell."
Meanwhile the left (my team, btw) is constantly trying to workshop talking points and playing tone police. Tbh, picking Walz was a masterstroke--there is a Tim Walz living on every block up here. Having him tone down his messaging and playing nicer on stump speeches was like stepping on a rake.
"We won't go back" is a great message...unless your town was gutted by NAFTA and you've spent your whole life waiting for the American Dream to come true for you.
Beautifully said, Kevin!
Glenn, so much (tinged) goodness and truth in this piece. I'm sad. I'm disappointed (that word does not do the feeling justice). Power. Sigh. As long as the pursuit of power and money supersedes the value and needs of people, we will have difficulty moving forward. As one who has always put people first over the pursuit of power and money, I struggle with this realization. How did I get this far without understanding this before? The idealist in me struggles. As a Christian, I struggle with the dark hearts of others even more. I do have hope and I will find my joy, but the idealist is dying. I must fight the urge to become cynical.
I want you to know that I have found such great value in the words you write. I've been remiss in telling you so.
Thank you, Jan. Understand your confusion and how you’re feeling. I lost my idealism some time ago; being a journalist does that to you, despite movies to the contrary. For me, the first time around was Nixon 2.0; this time, I fear it’s Reagan 2.0.
I agree that globalism is part of the economic angst of Trumpish Americans. Do you think the unfettered stock market and tech industries also play a role, incentivizing quarterly stock price growth rather than strong middle class jobs throughout an organization? Also, do you think the Dems need to do more than offer breaks for small business development? Does that go far enough?
Yes, the stock market’s spikes since 2017 and the role of tech (especially social media) have put the focus on profits and misinformation that have greatly contributed to the overall angst. And the Dems have to do something more than talk. The small town “Main Street” messaging without substance does nothing.
Understand completely. Same in my circle. Again, morality has become corrupted by festering anger and the desire to wrest back control no matter the cost.