Several weeks ago, I wrote of the infinite world of baseball opinions. Arguments, I noted, are made and re-made and then resolved by the numbers: wins, losses, RBIs, ERAs and on and on.
I compared a 162-game baseball season with political cycles. So, let’s take a look at the polls and cycles in how we govern ourselves.
Polls give us a snapshot and those that use current numbers to look out very far are the least reliable. But the political game’s analysts are eager to use their crystal ball so they tell us what this all means. Often lamely.
How many got Donald Trump right? How many wrote obituary after obituary without embarrassment? Pre-mature gravedigging turned into dark comedy as analysts explored territory unmapped in their mind.
What many failed and continue to fail to realize is how compartmentalized we have become and therefore how difficult it is for us to think beyond our own circumstances. How many in the left or right elite layers of society have served in the military? Worked with their hands for a living? Belonged to a social club where the membership fee is widely affordable?
The story of privilege is often told around status, or wealth, or position, but in my mind those who occupy those elevated perches who see more dark than light aren’t especially privileged. While my wife and I were cutting back while shouldering the expenses of raising three daughters, we nonetheless felt privileged.
But and this is the central point, light is fleeting in the lives of millions who face circumstances that overwhelm traces of optimism. Many have been assaulted by lost jobs and the depletion of opportunity for the skills they possess.
There is another problem—a 21st Century one. Families are organically complicated and over time can devolve into daily rancor. Rancor often results from cultural assumptions being reversed. Many hold traditional beliefs that are assaulted daily by this or that new theory about lifestyles and how to express them. Generations in dispute.
We live in a time of experimentation. Coffee is no longer a cup of java. Genetic engineering is the medical sensation. Gas is out, electric is in. Cops are out; sociologists are in.
Experimentation in pharmaceutical laboratories is hidden away by complexity, but gender change in early youth is not. Consumer goods innovation is disciplined by the marketplace, but who disciplines the teaching of systemic racism in schools? Or the removal of Washington or Lincoln from the title of a public school? At what cost do we disparage our founders who failed in earlier centuries to live up to our current expectations.
Dark has many faces and the monopoly that governments hold over public affairs can only be stretched so far by the promises of politicians. This is especially true when Presidents or Governors or Mayors reward loyalty over proven leadership. In an age of disruption, the ability to lead is a first-tier principle.
As this discordant mishmash gained in intensity, Donald Trump came along and notwithstanding his breaches of political and societal ethics or maybe because of them began to draw crowds. He was defiant and so were they. Those of us in our more comfortable demographic boxes actually aided his rise by our criticism.
One innovation that has enduring power is two-way media. Analysts and commentators no longer have exclusive access to channels of communications. So, I invite you to help make sense of the future.
My questions to all voters and especially Donald Trump ones:
- What is the content of Trump policies that appeal or not?
- If you could write one plank in the Republican or Democrat 2024 platforms, what would you write?
- Trump has outlived the analysts, but he can’t outlive nature. Who on the scene today, Republican or Democrat, do you believe can appeal to those who see America failing?
Now, while I have tried to make this straightforward many of you will want variations on either my pretext or set of questions. And, of course, this is an invitation to express yourself, so regardless of how you see things, don’t hesitate to weigh in.
Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books.
Reed Fawell 3 says
I am afraid that some among us have sunk into myopic obsession. Perhaps AL also could write and publish here an identical article to this one, written word for word the same, save only that the name Joe Biden was substituted for name Donald Trump. Then ask the general public to respond the each article. In that case, perhaps we here would actually learn something outside our own heavily guarded echo chamber.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Hahaha, the master of GOP projection. The GOP only wishes that they had achieved amazing legislative
accomplishments as “sleepy Joe”. Keep on doing what you are doing Joe. Nothing like the underestimated
to achieve what we need. GOP losers need to rely on dismantling democracy to feel significant.
The GOP capacity for the indefensible of their enfant terrible leader is mind
boggling. Those arrested developmentally and ethically “adults” who still support this person need
a few decades of intense therapy.
Henry Herr says
1. What is the content of Trump policies that appeal or not?
I think there is plenty of appeal. The idea that the US can easily balance the budget. That every American pay their fair share. That he’s not part of the established politicians. That his policies for for Americans, not money thrown in a pit that does nothing.
My issue is, most of his platform he is unable to do as a president (you need Congress too) and the polices he tried to implement did not actually help every day Americans. He can claim he did, however the results tell a different story.
2) If you could write one plank in the Republican or Democrat 2024 platforms, what would you write?
Democrats: we actually pass the policies most of the country supports
Republicans: the Democrats are wasting your money
3) Trump has outlived the analysts, but he can’t outlive nature. Who on the scene today, Republican or Democrat, do you believe can appeal to those who see America failing?
I honestly can’t think of anyone. That’s what scares me. We are so polarized there isn’t anyone to unite us. I don’t think anyone should try anymore. The one elected should pass policies that the country supports. Regardless of party. EX. abortion rights and sensible election reform. No more pandering or trying with people who refuse to try. Work for the Americans who want common sense.
James Wilson says
“I think there is plenty of appeal. The idea that the US can easily balance the budget.”
Trump increased the national debt by over a trillion dollars by his income tax cuts for the rich.
“That every American pay their fair share.”
Except the rich.
One good thing he did was get the Mexicans to pay for the border wall, which because of shoddy contractors, is falling down.
I could go on but I get so tired.
Henry Herr says
Correct. That’s my issue. Hence my follow up statement: “My issue is, most of his platform he is unable to do as a president (you need Congress too) and the polices he tried to implement did not actually help every day Americans. He can claim he did, however the results tell a different story.” I can see how people get conned into thinking he wants what everyone wants. The problem is, he doesn’t actually do that.
Reed Fawell 3 says
This discussion might be enhanced should participates read Breaking History.