What Now?

While we are all rightfully preoccupied with the devastating effects of the coronavirus, time is relentless. It does not stop no matter how engrossed we are in a crisis. November draws closer every day. In the meantime, Joe Biden is almost certain to win his party’s nomination. Nevertheless, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” or in this case until he has nailed down 1991 delegates and the gavel has fallen ending the nominating convention. So allow me to reflect on how I have seen the Democratic candidates still on the ballots.

I have a great deal of respect for Bernie Sanders. He has fought two fierce primary battles and it appears he has now lost both. He has been the champion of America’s left out, principally the nation's workers who form the perennial constituency of the world’s socialists. His commitment has never wavered. He has one speech and has given it with passion no matter the audience. In doing so he has taken on the very wealthy, Wall Street, and corporations, particularly big pharma. What killed his chances was “Medicare for all,” and his label as a democratic socialist. At the same time, he has lost credibility with his repeated angry attacks. While he has professed a desire to unite the country, every speech has fueled the divisions.

Bernie has grounded his campaign on his ability to generate swarms of new voters both from his youth brigade and beyond it. However, while his young audience vigorously has waved Bernie placards, it has failed to get to the polls in sufficient numbers. What is more startling, there has been no dramatic increase in Bernie’s promised swarm of new voters.

Joe Biden looks like a shoo-in for his party’s nomination. He may have a half dozen faults, but I believe he is the obvious candidate and should “beat Trump like a drum.” He will have the backing of his party and will draw additional support from its departed candidates. Looking at his policies, except for health insurance, they differ only modestly from Bernie’s, although he has a less belligerent way to put them.

Both candidates have made serious errors earlier in their careers, and each can point to the blunders of the other. But this nomination cannot be based on bad historic votes, policies or political relationships. At this point both candidates are solid liberals and both support simularl policies. Both are committed to universal health insurance, while they differ on how to achieve it. Both support organized labor, a higher minimum wage, solid international partnerships, a more just immigration policy and free access to college. Their disagreements are mostly about style, not about substance.

Trump continues to dig his own political grave. A booming economy has appeared to be his only hope. While he has taken credit for it, the boom had been going on for some years, and he just tagged on to the caboose. A major correction has been long overdue, and the coronavirus has only triggered the de-masking of Trump’s economic costume ball.

Even so, political optimism is a deadly sin and political graveyards are full of the bleached bones of those who felt assured of victory. The trick has been an optimism strong enough to keep supporters enthused and a pessimism strong enough to keep them working.

Both of these candidates are honorable men. If Bernie wins, Biden will do everything he can to support his effort to defeat Trump. That support will include bringing along the whole Democratic party including its significant funding sources. If Biden wins, I have no doubt that Bernie will be in full support. But here is the problem; Bernie’s young army has been told that the Party machine has abandoned them, and having been cut adrift it may be tempted to sit out the election. I have heard from Bernie’s supporters that in denying him the nomination the traditional Democratic party will have written off the young left wing, and that could result in another four years of Trump’s disastrous Presidency. Keeping these bright young liberals on board may be Bernie’s major task. I am convinced that they are not only the future of the Democratic Party, but also the future of the American dream. If you have family or friends in this young army, stay in touch with them.
More is at stake in the coming election than just who occupies the White House. The House, the Senate and the Courts are all up for grabs. Keep working, and that may include a hefty financial contribution.