Democratic Manifesto

[H2O Man]

I know that I'm not the only Democrat who was singing John Lennon's classic 1969 song during the breaks in the debate last night – for my son who was watching the debate with me joined in once, in a failing attempt to keep me on key. Older forum members will recall that Lennon wrote the song for Timothy Leary's run for governor of California against Ronald Reagan. Others may be familiar with the 2019 release of the Abbey Road album, featuring an outtake where Lennon adds the line, “He got teen-aged lyrics ...”

I was impressed and encouraged by all of the Democratic Party's candidates last night. I'll be delighted to campaign and vote for the eventual nominee for president. There were several candidates who I believe would provide balance to the ticket as vice president. And that balance will insure that we beat whoever the republicans run for president in 2020.

The only thing that I was unhappy with was when candidates attacked another candidate. Yet, in some instances, another candidate would point out that this was not why they were there. It's good to point out the areas where you may differ from other candidates, but do so respectfully. In the powerful words of the Civil Rights movement, keep your eyes on the prize.

The only thing, quite literally, that could prevent a Democratic Party win in the presidential election is divisions within the numerous groups that comprise the party. By no coincidence, that was the exact goal of the Russian attacks upon our system in 2016, and their 2020 goal. For that is the “prize” that they are eyeing.

It is not only our candidates that have to keep this in mind. It is the people who are engaged in campaigning for a specific candidate. It is everyone at the grass roots' level who is aware of what is at stake. We are in a position now, at this tense time in our nation's history, to not only take the White House, and to maintain control of the House of Representatives, but to take control of the Senate. But that requires – indeed, demands – that we keep our eyes on the prize, and recognize that this requires a united democratic front.

Let's consider, briefly, but one example. There are differing opinions on how to improve health care. That is a huge issue. There are different opinions on medicare for all versus improving Obama care. What seems clear to me is that if we keep our eyes on the prize – which implies building upon the Obama coalition – we will be in a position to make the correct improvements.

Thank you for your consideration,
H2O Man

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Hear hear!

"...that was the exact goal of the Russian attacks upon our system in 2016"

...and people still believe Sanders and his supporters voted en masse for Trump.

Thank you for your post!

[H2O Man]

2. Thank you, Dennis!

I'm an old man, who has witnessed some of extremely harsh times in our social-political history. I've also had the opportunity to be part of some extremely good times. I can't claim to know much, but I do know one thing for certain: 2020 is the most important election of my lifetime.

[redqueen]

3. Thank you!

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you!

We have a number of really good candidates. The republicans? Their options appear to be either Trump or the oh-so-charismatic Pence.

[MerryBlooms]

4. Beaut. r&k

[H2O Man]

7. Thanks, MerryBlooms!

I appreciate it!

[ChubbyStar]

5. The election of 2020 will take place just a month before the 40th year since Lennon's murder

Eye on the prize and heart full of John's vision, I will vote BLUE NO MATTER WHO!

[H2O Man]

8. Thank you!

"Life is very short, and there's no time, for fussing and fighting, my friends ....."

[Peacetrain]

9. Very thoughtful!!

Thank you H20 Man

[H2O Man]

10. Thanks, Peacetrain!

[ChubbyStar]

11. Kick