Flood The Zone With Normalcy

Today's quote, courtesy of Mark Twain: "Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

I skipped Trump's endless ramble before Congress last week — life's too short. But I did watch rising-star Elissa Slotkin’s response. This role is notoriously challenging — Marco Rubio’s sweat, Michele Bachmann’s wandering gaze, Katie Britt’s folksy idiocy, Kathleen Sebelius’ awkward pauses. And some blasted Slotkin for not blasting away at Trump (e.g., Tom Nichols’ Atlantic piece).

I disagree. 

Slotkin was calm, reasoned, relatable, and normal.  Democrats would be wise to follow suit. Flood the zone with normalcy.  Since 2015, we’ve pounded America with the singular message – Trump is an asshole who will destroy our country. If Democrats had a blue hat (a good idea, btw), it would read “Don’t Vote For Trump.” A decade-long message that 77 million Americans rejected in 2024. Americans have heard from us. Consider two contrasting remarks: Slotkin’s and an anonymous French politician’s powerful attack (far more effective than Chuck Schumer’s chanting):

Sure, we need some of both. But which message from Democratic Party leaders will reach the voters we need on our side to preserve democracy?

There’s an age-old adage, “When you’re in a hole . . . stop digging.” This adage has eluded Democratic leaders. On a national stage, don’t wear fuchsia. Don’t hold futile protest placards. Don’t shout crazed interruptions that hand R’s an easy talking point. Maybe even issue a clear statement: “Just as we condemned Joe ‘You Lie’ Wilson’s behavior in 2009, we condemn Al Green’s behavior.” Applaud when a 13-year-old battling brain cancer is recognized. 

Like you, I fear the onslaught. I see the parallels to 1930s Germany.  We can’t be Neville Chamberlain. I support Norm Eisen’s courageous and effective Democracy Defenders. 

But the Democratic Party has trashed its credibility. We underscored the existential importance of the 2024 election, then royally botched it: Biden's delusional cling to power, the last-minute coronation of Kamala Harris, a billion dollars pissed away on ineffective media buys delivering tone-deaf messaging. So 77 million voters returned Trump to power, fully warned of his agenda. For Democrats, think Dunkirk, not Normandy. Time to regroup, not charge ahead with more of the same.

While it pains me to wish hardship on others, Americans are going to feel the consequences of irresponsible voting. That’s how we learn. Views will shift because of Trump-inflicting suffering, not because of fiery attacks. Wailed-on voters will gravitate to sensible leaders like Slotkin who offer a sane, normal alternative.

It’s important to keep donating, but be strategic. Support candidates with pragmatic views. Early, not late. Close races. Case in point, Abigail Spanberger in the Virginia Governor’s race. Like Slotkin, Spanberger is dynamic, articulate, and floods the zone with normalcy. The leaders we need to save America’s democracy.

About these emails: Always short, Monday morning, and free. Occasionally interesting. Special thanks to those who forward this to friends.

Nervously yours,

Ted