Chuck Todd: You made a lot of good points. But I’m a scientist. I see one party rejecting science, and one party accepting it. One party calling climate change a hoax and saying vaccines kill more people than the diseases they were meant to prevent. For me, the two parties are not equally bad. For me, as a scientist, it is good versus evil. Perhaps you will say “yes, but there are very few scientists, and the rest of the country views things differently.” Maybe. But I, a scientist, see a Republican War on Science, and my goal in life is to oppose the Republicans in that war.
You have perhaps given the best explanation as to why there is such a massive education gap between the two parties; I’d argue it’s less “belief” in science than “trust” in science that is the dividing line; I know that sounds subtle, but I think if you approach the science issue as a “trust” problem rather than as a “belief” problem, it would probably win over more folks in the long run
Some compelling arguments here, Chuck. Thanks, as always, for your political and historical insight.
Some additional food for thought -- there are many reasons the Dems are underwater, and much of it has to do with their own base. Their base is (rightfully) angry at them. Angry that they aren't fighting Trump and his autocratic rule enough. Angry that they aren't pushing back in any meaningful way (even if that pushing back is just through sharp rhetoric and feel-good rallies). A few are. The majority are not. Instead, they are sitting idly by waiting for a blue wave and doing little to earn it.
Additionally, many Dems are still holding a grudge about Biden running again and the disastrous DNC for supporting that run. And then anointing Kamala to be his successor instead of giving the people any say in the matter. I also think there are more Dems feeling like the billionaire class has way too much control over both parties now.
Personally, I'd love to see the Dems collapse (a la the Whigs) with a new party rising from the ashes -- one that truly works as the anti-billionaire party. It would have the passion of Bernie Sanders and the pragmatism of the political center. I can see that party capturing people on all parts of the political spectrum.
Wow, this is an amazing piece. Great job. Let’s hope we can find the “Lincoln” type leaders to meet the moment and hopefully they can find a way to steer us clear before we have a bloody civil war. I still believe there is a majority of Americans in the middle who generally agree about what the American dream was, is and should be.
Thank you for keeping an eye on any positive breaks in the polarizing major parties' practices that have put most Americans in a tough spot. As an independent (NeverTrumper) I am looking for the Democratic party to stop resolving its own fundamental divide by managing it - yes name it, frame it honestly, and give us voters a real choice instead of the lesser of two feeble excuses at governing.
I think your analysis is as close to the reality we are facing of any I've seen. I was a machinist for 30 years. Walked to picket line in support of the first successful strike by food service and other working class people in Cleveland in the 1960's and in support of the striking workers workers of Eastern Airlines in 1989-1990 which was unsuccessful. I argued that while globalization made sense for several reasons it should be done in a way that didn't drastically undermine American workers. Like requiring companies that moved operations overseas to give those workers pay and benefits so they could enjoy homeownerships, schooling for their kids and healthcare similar to the Americans whose jobs were displaced, but also at the lower cost in the country where they lived. Seemed like a sort of win/win to me, at least.
But of course we all have our pet solution ideas and that doesn't answer what to do today.
Thank you for the chance to learn, consider and THINK!! So well written and not how I had considered the situation. Of course you are right - there is always a core question - in science, religion and of course politics. Really well written and deeply thought as usual.
Chuck Todd: You made a lot of good points. But I’m a scientist. I see one party rejecting science, and one party accepting it. One party calling climate change a hoax and saying vaccines kill more people than the diseases they were meant to prevent. For me, the two parties are not equally bad. For me, as a scientist, it is good versus evil. Perhaps you will say “yes, but there are very few scientists, and the rest of the country views things differently.” Maybe. But I, a scientist, see a Republican War on Science, and my goal in life is to oppose the Republicans in that war.
You have perhaps given the best explanation as to why there is such a massive education gap between the two parties; I’d argue it’s less “belief” in science than “trust” in science that is the dividing line; I know that sounds subtle, but I think if you approach the science issue as a “trust” problem rather than as a “belief” problem, it would probably win over more folks in the long run
Amen!
Some compelling arguments here, Chuck. Thanks, as always, for your political and historical insight.
Some additional food for thought -- there are many reasons the Dems are underwater, and much of it has to do with their own base. Their base is (rightfully) angry at them. Angry that they aren't fighting Trump and his autocratic rule enough. Angry that they aren't pushing back in any meaningful way (even if that pushing back is just through sharp rhetoric and feel-good rallies). A few are. The majority are not. Instead, they are sitting idly by waiting for a blue wave and doing little to earn it.
Additionally, many Dems are still holding a grudge about Biden running again and the disastrous DNC for supporting that run. And then anointing Kamala to be his successor instead of giving the people any say in the matter. I also think there are more Dems feeling like the billionaire class has way too much control over both parties now.
Personally, I'd love to see the Dems collapse (a la the Whigs) with a new party rising from the ashes -- one that truly works as the anti-billionaire party. It would have the passion of Bernie Sanders and the pragmatism of the political center. I can see that party capturing people on all parts of the political spectrum.
But alas, that's just my personal pipe dream.
You may have just described Dan Osborn in Nebraska.
Never heard of him, but I am intrigued! Will do some homework.
Ok, I do know of him. Just didn't know him by name. Yes... seems to have the right message.
Maybe the best column you've ever written! Deeply thought and well-articulated. The core question you identify resonates.
Great piece, Chuck! I think it crystalizes a lot of the feelings I've been having about our situation.
Outstanding piece Chuck. Very illuminating, and on point! Onward!
This was great. I love the insight and historic perspectives
Wow, this is an amazing piece. Great job. Let’s hope we can find the “Lincoln” type leaders to meet the moment and hopefully they can find a way to steer us clear before we have a bloody civil war. I still believe there is a majority of Americans in the middle who generally agree about what the American dream was, is and should be.
Thank you for keeping an eye on any positive breaks in the polarizing major parties' practices that have put most Americans in a tough spot. As an independent (NeverTrumper) I am looking for the Democratic party to stop resolving its own fundamental divide by managing it - yes name it, frame it honestly, and give us voters a real choice instead of the lesser of two feeble excuses at governing.
I think your analysis is as close to the reality we are facing of any I've seen. I was a machinist for 30 years. Walked to picket line in support of the first successful strike by food service and other working class people in Cleveland in the 1960's and in support of the striking workers workers of Eastern Airlines in 1989-1990 which was unsuccessful. I argued that while globalization made sense for several reasons it should be done in a way that didn't drastically undermine American workers. Like requiring companies that moved operations overseas to give those workers pay and benefits so they could enjoy homeownerships, schooling for their kids and healthcare similar to the Americans whose jobs were displaced, but also at the lower cost in the country where they lived. Seemed like a sort of win/win to me, at least.
But of course we all have our pet solution ideas and that doesn't answer what to do today.
Thank you for the chance to learn, consider and THINK!! So well written and not how I had considered the situation. Of course you are right - there is always a core question - in science, religion and of course politics. Really well written and deeply thought as usual.
Insightful, relevant, and well-framed. I was nodding my head in agreement throughout!