The Post-Journal
The Shoe Is On The Other Foot
Aug 17, 2024
Rolland Kidder
However it is used, it seems to describe what has now
happened in our national politics. The Republicans, who seemed to be unbeatable
in the Presidential race after the disastrous showing of President Biden in the
June debate–now seem to be scrambling to regain their traction after Biden’s
announcement that he was dropping out of the race.
“The shoe is on the other foot.” Kamala Harris is now
the Democratic nominee for President.
This does not mean that she will carry Chautauqua
County. Our default politics around here are Republican. However, in “toss-up”
areas of the country, she has brought new energy to the race and the Democrats
now seem to have a fighting chance.
One change that I have noticed around here is that some
Republicans have expressed worry and are now urging Donald Trump to talk about
policy–the inference being that he tends to talk more about himself than about
the issues facing the country.
My own view is that the election is still Mr. Trump’s
to lose. He had a big “head of steam” going into this election, and the
electorate is still concerned about inflation and the economy. That,
automatically, puts those governing in potential jeopardy at the polls.
Yet, it is not beyond the realm of possibility, that
Harris could pull this off and become the first woman ever elected to be
President of the United States. That possibility scares the pants off some but
is a point of great anticipation and rejoicing for others.
To be honest, I was hoping that Harris would name
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky as her running mate. Yet, her decision to
choose Governor Tim Walz still brings geographic and political balance to the
ticket. Walz, aside from being a Governor, also has military experience, was a
Congressman for 10 years, and coached high school football–all of which may
have “tipped the scales” in his favor.
However the election turns out, it was good for the
country that Joe Biden decided not to run for re-election. As I wrote in this
column after the disastrous debate–because of obvious age-related issues, it
was clear that he was no longer able to carry on an effective national campaign
for the Presidency. Except for unanimously electing George Washington, we have
always had a vigorous and articulated debate between at least two viable
contenders for this highest office in our land.
Recently, friends from Germany were visiting, and it
was revealing to get their European “take” on our Presidential elections.
Germany, like virtually all countries in Europe, has a parliamentary form of
government where the Prime Minister becomes leader only after many years of
political experience as a legislator. In contrast, our campaigns for the
Presidency seem, to them, more a personality contest than a discussion on
matters of government.
However you view it, we are now right in the middle of
another Presidential election. The people, through our electoral college
system, will, in another three months, decide who will lead our nation over the
next four years. That has been the American way for over 200 years.
