Maybe this won't be the "landslide" resembling those of the past, but I think it's going to get close. [View all]

[lees1975]

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2024/08/a-welcome-and-unexpected-turn-of-events.html

During my morning coffee break, while checking the news, I came upon two different sources announcing that the most recent New York Times/Siena College polling data shows Kamala Harris has shifted the national lead, and has equal, four point leads in the "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In fact, most news sources are now saying that Harris is in the lead, both nationally and in battleground states that would put her well past the 270 votes she needs to win. The Times/Siena stood out because it has been particularly negative and sharp when it comes to criticism of the President, his administration, and his campaign.

So when I saw the data put out by the Times, I am prompted to start thinking about what is happening in the Democratic party as something we haven't really seen before. Memory does fade over time, but I can't think of any past election since the Second World War that would even compare to what we have been seeing happening over the past three weeks.

We've been damaged heavily by the polarization that has occurred, and by Trump's open use of racism and bigotry to divide and conquer. I really hadn't realized, until he came along, how much reticent racism exists in this country, protected as it is in several cultural institutions, particularly the conservative, Evangelical churches. So I'm not expecting a Johnson-Goldwater kind of election, in which there was a similar political climate.

Ultimately, though, I think the Harris-Walz campaigns themes, especially their joy, and their positive approach to the campaign, and their ability to ignite, activate and move Democratic party constituencies to action will be what wins this election, and it will win it big. Of course, look at what they're running against. That's a losing ticket if there ever was one, and they are showing out big time. And while they do have the advantage of most Americans knowing that Trump is a con artist, a grifter, and, by definition, an antichrist, they also have the advantage of a message with a long list of political advantages which appeal to a clear majority of the electorate.

And---Democrats finally control the political narrative.