Rolland E. Kidder

 

                                                    The Post-Journal

The Shoe Is On The Other Foot

                                                                                    Aug 17, 2024

Rolland Kidder

 This is an old saying that my father taught me. I am not sure there is a way to describe what it means, other than it conveys the idea that “things have changed” or “the situation is now reversed.”

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.