Behind the marble floors, the miracle health claims, and the cognitive test trophies is a man obsessed with control. As Trump clings to power through appearances, we have to be careful not to fall into a similar trap on our side. Right now, what matters most is building a movement that can take us in the right direction together, even when it isn’t perfect.
This year is about staying focused on progress and unity, because the alternative is surrendering ground to something far worse.
You are a very good writer, worth far more than your subscription fee. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for keeping your content unpaywalled. It makes me feel so good that everyone can enjoy your excellent work as much as I do. Some of the very best out there in my opinion.
I’d like to respond to your critique of the “self-defeating perfectionism” of the Democratic and Independent voters. I agree there is some of that at play, and it is indeed counterproductive. In surgery we often say “perfect is the enemy of good.”
Yet, I do think the voters are missing something, craving and longing for it, and that is true inspiration. We need a candidate, and a leader, who inspires us. With their vision, and their ability to articulate our hopes/fears/anxieties/needs, and who shares with all of us a plan and a future full of hope and potential, and also real solutions to real problems. Who inspires us to come together, to work and strive and grow and dream together. When we look back at the transformational presidents, the Lincolns, Teddy and Franklin Roosevelts, JFK, and Obama, what they share is a gift for inspiring us to change, evolve, and dream for a better future. And when the people are inspired, the leaders who are chosen to represent them are empowered to create the pathways toward the change people want. So, yes, we must be benevolent in our criticisms of people who might not be perfect but are nonetheless worth supporting. But we must also be open to one who can and will inspire us to reach even greater heights than we knew we could ever reach. And like great art and true love, when people see it, they know it. I hope we find that person we desperately need, or they find us.
I agree with this Kyle. While most candidates for office can be on the side of progress and democracy without needed "perfection", the Democrats are desperately in need of an inspirational leader. While this will be more important for '28, I am looking for someone to step forward and elevate the discourse. This is a fight for our country, and while I think the Democrats have some strong candidates, I am a bit surprised the voice of our party has not yet emerged. My hope is we will start to see our true leader(s) emerge this year. I don't think it can wait until the Presidential election cycle.
That’s why, as we head into the midterms and then soon after, the next presidential race, I’m thinking a lot about how we show up for each other. Not just at the ballot box, but online too. We have to stay open. Open-minded, open-hearted, and focused on moving the country forward, even if the candidate on our side doesn’t check every box. They won’t be perfect. They won’t say everything the way we want. Their top priorities might not match ours exactly. But if they’re helping lead us in the right direction, toward justice, toward safety, toward decency, that’s what matters
You are a very good writer, worth far more than your subscription fee. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for keeping your content unpaywalled. It makes me feel so good that everyone can enjoy your excellent work as much as I do. Some of the very best out there in my opinion.
Another fantastic post, Heather. Thank you.
I’d like to respond to your critique of the “self-defeating perfectionism” of the Democratic and Independent voters. I agree there is some of that at play, and it is indeed counterproductive. In surgery we often say “perfect is the enemy of good.”
Yet, I do think the voters are missing something, craving and longing for it, and that is true inspiration. We need a candidate, and a leader, who inspires us. With their vision, and their ability to articulate our hopes/fears/anxieties/needs, and who shares with all of us a plan and a future full of hope and potential, and also real solutions to real problems. Who inspires us to come together, to work and strive and grow and dream together. When we look back at the transformational presidents, the Lincolns, Teddy and Franklin Roosevelts, JFK, and Obama, what they share is a gift for inspiring us to change, evolve, and dream for a better future. And when the people are inspired, the leaders who are chosen to represent them are empowered to create the pathways toward the change people want. So, yes, we must be benevolent in our criticisms of people who might not be perfect but are nonetheless worth supporting. But we must also be open to one who can and will inspire us to reach even greater heights than we knew we could ever reach. And like great art and true love, when people see it, they know it. I hope we find that person we desperately need, or they find us.
I agree with this Kyle. While most candidates for office can be on the side of progress and democracy without needed "perfection", the Democrats are desperately in need of an inspirational leader. While this will be more important for '28, I am looking for someone to step forward and elevate the discourse. This is a fight for our country, and while I think the Democrats have some strong candidates, I am a bit surprised the voice of our party has not yet emerged. My hope is we will start to see our true leader(s) emerge this year. I don't think it can wait until the Presidential election cycle.
Warning! Do not read Marc A. Thiessen in this morning’s Wash Post, “The 20 best things Trump did in 2025” . This will upset your day for sure.
Beautifully written. I look forward to your posts. Keep on standing with those of us who want something better.
Thank you for this! This rings so true to me:
That’s why, as we head into the midterms and then soon after, the next presidential race, I’m thinking a lot about how we show up for each other. Not just at the ballot box, but online too. We have to stay open. Open-minded, open-hearted, and focused on moving the country forward, even if the candidate on our side doesn’t check every box. They won’t be perfect. They won’t say everything the way we want. Their top priorities might not match ours exactly. But if they’re helping lead us in the right direction, toward justice, toward safety, toward decency, that’s what matters