I’ve had similar experiences traveling abroad and around our country. And I agree with your observations and at times share your optimism, and I agree that we Americans need to search for common ground.
But! And I wish there was not a but…I’ve also been down that road before. I’ve told myself previously that Trump and MAGA are not going to implement Project 2025 and that our democratic institutions, especially our legal system, will protect us against extremism and corruption.
So, I’m all in with the idea of talking out political differences and finding common ground, but I’m certain that the gloves are off; that we really are engaged on a constitutional level in an existential battle for our democracy. And that’s my reservation about relaxing in any manner regarding things like election rule changes, devaluing human life based on ethnicity, religion, gender related identity, race, or any other status-type offense category.
You write very insightful essays, spot on every time. And I know, based on essays you’ve written in the very recent past, that you’re not advocating surrender. So, how do we balance these conflicting principles?
Michael, you’re right that my other work is anything but complacent about MAGA—I write often to criticize those efforts and to warn about Project 2025, but I also write for Republicans, independents, and wavering Democrats who can still be brought back to values first, then common ground, then facts. For me, that’is the only way to build a majority coalition strong enough to defend democracy and make better voting decisions while we keep fighting the authoritarian threat head‑on.
I’ve had similar experiences traveling abroad and around our country. And I agree with your observations and at times share your optimism, and I agree that we Americans need to search for common ground.
But! And I wish there was not a but…I’ve also been down that road before. I’ve told myself previously that Trump and MAGA are not going to implement Project 2025 and that our democratic institutions, especially our legal system, will protect us against extremism and corruption.
So, I’m all in with the idea of talking out political differences and finding common ground, but I’m certain that the gloves are off; that we really are engaged on a constitutional level in an existential battle for our democracy. And that’s my reservation about relaxing in any manner regarding things like election rule changes, devaluing human life based on ethnicity, religion, gender related identity, race, or any other status-type offense category.
You write very insightful essays, spot on every time. And I know, based on essays you’ve written in the very recent past, that you’re not advocating surrender. So, how do we balance these conflicting principles?
Michael, you’re right that my other work is anything but complacent about MAGA—I write often to criticize those efforts and to warn about Project 2025, but I also write for Republicans, independents, and wavering Democrats who can still be brought back to values first, then common ground, then facts. For me, that’is the only way to build a majority coalition strong enough to defend democracy and make better voting decisions while we keep fighting the authoritarian threat head‑on.
That’s a very solid reply. Thanks, Phil.
Well said. Polarization makes money for the jerks who don't actually care about the country or its people.
Love this article! Thank you so much!
Bravo