For much of my life, the word "patriotic" has been problematic. It feels like that word has been on a downward spiral since I learned it as a child in the early 90s. It's been jarring to see the emphasis on USA and the flag during the DNC. Maybe patriotism can be reclaimed. Maybe we can come together and make positive changes. I really want to embrace the joy and hope I have seen over the negativity and divisiveness of the past.
I thought this was a great piece. One aspect I’d love to hear more about is the back story as to how Dems collectively (and ruthlessly) elected to moderate their policy stands to win swing voters. It reminds me of how Dems similarly unified under Biden in 2020 as their nominee after he won the North (?) Carolina primary.
I’ve decided that no matter what the Democrats do, there’s always a meh reaction. Here they had a nearly perfect convention and complaints appear (among others) that she didn’t talk policy. If she had talked detailed policy, complaints would appear that she was too wonky. I am not a convention person and even I was impressed and moved by it. Can’t we have nice things for one day?
A little policy would have been nice given she still has not printed her full policy goals. Just sayin'. Right now, a vote for Kamala rests on "not Trump" and I do not like that, personally.
Each party remakes itself every four years. Time passes and public opinions change. Doesn't mean something nefarious is going on. Also, I've noticed a tone of cynicism in your posts over the last few days. Not knocking your age (I'm 57) but with age comes wisdom. I suggest some humility in the face that fact. Don't get me wrong: I very much appreciate your opinions. Just seems a bit preachy to me...
Gabe: You helped me see why I have had such a change in my thinking over the past few weeks …
… … … “When Harris walked onto the stage, the crowd didn’t chant ‘Kamala’ or ‘We’re not going back’ or any of the other slogans in their arsenal. They chanted ‘USA.’ “
This. This is why this lifelong conservative is now looking forward to doing something I never thought I’d do: happily voting for a Democrat.
In the past two elections I voted AGAINST someone who has irrevocably warped the party I grew up supporting.
But after reading your piece today I can understand why I am actually looking forward to Election Day.
Since I was young I’ve always (perhaps cynically) interpreted the message of the Democratic Party as something along the lines of “America is rotten and awful and unfair and broken, and we have to change America.”
Of course there are innumerable problems in our country. It’s called reality. There’s no such thing as a problem-free country. It’s like the old joke: ‘If you find a perfect church, don’t go there because then it won’t be perfect any longer.” Our country is far from perfect. But I still love it.
I can’t support someone who wants my vote because “America is rotten” … but I can support someone who says, “there are things that can be done to make our country greater.”
And as far as the question of “is this all smoke and mirrors,” who knows? But you were there. Do you think there were plants that were told to start the chant “USA”? And honestly, even if there were I’m ok with it … because THE PEOPLE THERE DID IT … and I do not believe that the Democratic Party of the past few decades would have been willing to do so.
Now I’m a realist, and of course there will be squabbles and push-pull from different factions in the Democratic Party and there will be things that are done that I don’t agree with. That’s reality. And frankly, that’s leadership. And that’s life.
But for the first time in a LONG time I see a chance for improvement, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things go.
Thanks for your inside reporting and for your insights.
Gabe…Project 2025 is driving lots of people to look anew at Democrats. I am surprised you have not mentioned it. That playbook, which we all know Donald Trump had more to do with than he admits, is scary. Read about the changes proposed to be given to the President. Every American should read it. These are not Republicans. They are populist autocrats and their motto is Heil Trump. As a matter of fact, I have long thought that the party of Trump are Republicans in name only. While we are at it, please look at the changes he is pursuing NOW in election laws and procedures in GA and other states. This is a time when Americans must educate themselves to make a choice for their country.
Actually we don't know that Trump had more to do with it. Heritage foundation is its own being. It isn't run by Trump at all. They're trying to run Trump. Trump has actually moderated the Republican platform from what it was.
Thrilled! Happy! Finding and recognizing all those wonderful things we all share daily. Because of Kamala, because of Tim and their families. They are us and we are fabulous!
As I see it, there’ll be a wave of independent voters who align with progressives on economic issues but conservatives on social issues, outnumbering the “CNN centrists”--Trump won them in 2016, Biden won them in 2024. There are also the ethnic minority voters (mostly young men) who are flocking to Trump, too. It remains to be seen whether Democratic Party will balance appealing to these two groups with appealing to the base to drive up turnout.
One important piece of info to share. The correct term for American women were fought for the right to vote in the early 20th century is “suffragists”. British women were “suffragettes”
Just a thought... Pence was attacked for taking seriously his role as the vote count official on January 6th. How do you think it will play from the Republican side having Kamala in that role this time? I'm just waiting for that to bubble up. Any thoughts on this?
Appreciate the clear eyed view on the vague party policies even among the revolt in the comments that want you to play party booster. What I think is the most alarming is the Dems inability to articulate their economic message outside of “middle class good”—Kamala’s grocery price policy could be spun as common sense anti trust policy that benefits the working class and small business owner, but it’s been left out to dry while the GOP takes culturally successful shots at it. Bidenomics may be great, the Inflation Reduction Act may be proving itself a massive success, inflation is certainly cooling: but that perception is not there.
A lot of the Democratic Party has become so myopic in response to Trump, reflexively measuring everything in contrast to some Truth social post. That might (might! The election is far from over!) do well for 2024, but as soon as a Hawley or Cotton or some other upstart really finds their voice and runs the Trump playbook without the gaffes and with a populist sounding economic plan, boom roasted as they say.
OK, Gabe... much as this pains me, since I am among your earliest followers back to your earliest days in high school ... I am unsubscribing ... I believe deeply in the power of reciprocity and you have neither reciprocated with a (free!) sub, nor responded to a single e-mail. So really the best of luck in your career, but I'm movin' on !
I have looked forward to and very much enjoyed your coverage of the convention. There’s more I want to point out - what I’ve enjoyed & found interesting & educational - but I’m recovering from having hand surgery a few days ago & I can’t quite sufficiently corral my thoughts to do so. Suffice it to say for now - great job Gabe! Thank you. (I imagine you need a few days to recuperate. Take good care.)
For much of my life, the word "patriotic" has been problematic. It feels like that word has been on a downward spiral since I learned it as a child in the early 90s. It's been jarring to see the emphasis on USA and the flag during the DNC. Maybe patriotism can be reclaimed. Maybe we can come together and make positive changes. I really want to embrace the joy and hope I have seen over the negativity and divisiveness of the past.
I thought this was a great piece. One aspect I’d love to hear more about is the back story as to how Dems collectively (and ruthlessly) elected to moderate their policy stands to win swing voters. It reminds me of how Dems similarly unified under Biden in 2020 as their nominee after he won the North (?) Carolina primary.
I’ve decided that no matter what the Democrats do, there’s always a meh reaction. Here they had a nearly perfect convention and complaints appear (among others) that she didn’t talk policy. If she had talked detailed policy, complaints would appear that she was too wonky. I am not a convention person and even I was impressed and moved by it. Can’t we have nice things for one day?
A little policy would have been nice given she still has not printed her full policy goals. Just sayin'. Right now, a vote for Kamala rests on "not Trump" and I do not like that, personally.
Each party remakes itself every four years. Time passes and public opinions change. Doesn't mean something nefarious is going on. Also, I've noticed a tone of cynicism in your posts over the last few days. Not knocking your age (I'm 57) but with age comes wisdom. I suggest some humility in the face that fact. Don't get me wrong: I very much appreciate your opinions. Just seems a bit preachy to me...
I honestly think that the way world is going today, he has right to be cynical. Look at who our presidential nominees are. He has right to be cynical.
Gabe: You helped me see why I have had such a change in my thinking over the past few weeks …
… … … “When Harris walked onto the stage, the crowd didn’t chant ‘Kamala’ or ‘We’re not going back’ or any of the other slogans in their arsenal. They chanted ‘USA.’ “
This. This is why this lifelong conservative is now looking forward to doing something I never thought I’d do: happily voting for a Democrat.
In the past two elections I voted AGAINST someone who has irrevocably warped the party I grew up supporting.
But after reading your piece today I can understand why I am actually looking forward to Election Day.
Since I was young I’ve always (perhaps cynically) interpreted the message of the Democratic Party as something along the lines of “America is rotten and awful and unfair and broken, and we have to change America.”
Of course there are innumerable problems in our country. It’s called reality. There’s no such thing as a problem-free country. It’s like the old joke: ‘If you find a perfect church, don’t go there because then it won’t be perfect any longer.” Our country is far from perfect. But I still love it.
I can’t support someone who wants my vote because “America is rotten” … but I can support someone who says, “there are things that can be done to make our country greater.”
And as far as the question of “is this all smoke and mirrors,” who knows? But you were there. Do you think there were plants that were told to start the chant “USA”? And honestly, even if there were I’m ok with it … because THE PEOPLE THERE DID IT … and I do not believe that the Democratic Party of the past few decades would have been willing to do so.
Now I’m a realist, and of course there will be squabbles and push-pull from different factions in the Democratic Party and there will be things that are done that I don’t agree with. That’s reality. And frankly, that’s leadership. And that’s life.
But for the first time in a LONG time I see a chance for improvement, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things go.
Thanks for your inside reporting and for your insights.
Gabe…Project 2025 is driving lots of people to look anew at Democrats. I am surprised you have not mentioned it. That playbook, which we all know Donald Trump had more to do with than he admits, is scary. Read about the changes proposed to be given to the President. Every American should read it. These are not Republicans. They are populist autocrats and their motto is Heil Trump. As a matter of fact, I have long thought that the party of Trump are Republicans in name only. While we are at it, please look at the changes he is pursuing NOW in election laws and procedures in GA and other states. This is a time when Americans must educate themselves to make a choice for their country.
Actually we don't know that Trump had more to do with it. Heritage foundation is its own being. It isn't run by Trump at all. They're trying to run Trump. Trump has actually moderated the Republican platform from what it was.
Thrilled! Happy! Finding and recognizing all those wonderful things we all share daily. Because of Kamala, because of Tim and their families. They are us and we are fabulous!
As I see it, there’ll be a wave of independent voters who align with progressives on economic issues but conservatives on social issues, outnumbering the “CNN centrists”--Trump won them in 2016, Biden won them in 2024. There are also the ethnic minority voters (mostly young men) who are flocking to Trump, too. It remains to be seen whether Democratic Party will balance appealing to these two groups with appealing to the base to drive up turnout.
* 2020, not 2024, and *the Democratic Party
One important piece of info to share. The correct term for American women were fought for the right to vote in the early 20th century is “suffragists”. British women were “suffragettes”
Just a thought... Pence was attacked for taking seriously his role as the vote count official on January 6th. How do you think it will play from the Republican side having Kamala in that role this time? I'm just waiting for that to bubble up. Any thoughts on this?
I am shocked nobody has brought this up. To be honest.
I am finally able to put up my American flag right next to the poster Kamala Harris for the People.
Appreciate the clear eyed view on the vague party policies even among the revolt in the comments that want you to play party booster. What I think is the most alarming is the Dems inability to articulate their economic message outside of “middle class good”—Kamala’s grocery price policy could be spun as common sense anti trust policy that benefits the working class and small business owner, but it’s been left out to dry while the GOP takes culturally successful shots at it. Bidenomics may be great, the Inflation Reduction Act may be proving itself a massive success, inflation is certainly cooling: but that perception is not there.
A lot of the Democratic Party has become so myopic in response to Trump, reflexively measuring everything in contrast to some Truth social post. That might (might! The election is far from over!) do well for 2024, but as soon as a Hawley or Cotton or some other upstart really finds their voice and runs the Trump playbook without the gaffes and with a populist sounding economic plan, boom roasted as they say.
OK, Gabe... much as this pains me, since I am among your earliest followers back to your earliest days in high school ... I am unsubscribing ... I believe deeply in the power of reciprocity and you have neither reciprocated with a (free!) sub, nor responded to a single e-mail. So really the best of luck in your career, but I'm movin' on !
Oooo... Substack subscriptions between political journalists are getting political!
lol
Where’s Hunter….. I’m surprised he didn’t ask Where’s Hillary’s emails? SMH
The only brand problem we have is the one called tRump! We don’t need to get ahead of ourselves.
I have looked forward to and very much enjoyed your coverage of the convention. There’s more I want to point out - what I’ve enjoyed & found interesting & educational - but I’m recovering from having hand surgery a few days ago & I can’t quite sufficiently corral my thoughts to do so. Suffice it to say for now - great job Gabe! Thank you. (I imagine you need a few days to recuperate. Take good care.)