The debacle in Virginia shows how vulnerable the Democrats are. Out of touch. Stuck on Trump. Few new ideas. Playing into the GOP culture war tactics. Bill Maher has said it over and over again. The GOP will sweep 2024 with or without Trump.
My brother Tom and I were pondering a way out. All the analysis misses the point that ideas and tactics alone won’t save the Democrats. We are missing a leader. Not one Dem politician or businessman demonstrates the charisma necessary to unite voters across lines, especially to wean away some Trump loyalists. We both agreed that ripping a page out of the GOP playbook would require a celebrity of Trumpian stature
First to mind was Oprah Winfrey, but she has declined the possibility for years. Then that old firebrand, Jesse Ventura. Meghan Markle has the allure of being a royal. We ran through other non-polarizing names: George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Tom Brady, Neil Tyson, plus other sports figures. Of course could go rogue with Dave Chapelle, who suddenly has a wedge appeal on the right.
Finally, there was a light bulb moment: someone articulate, exuding old fashioned family values, oodles of talent, physical appeal to both men and women, success in two career arenas, too imposing to be bullied by cowardly Trump and too sensible to be sucked in by the GOP fairytale narratives.
There is no doubt this candidate would win the nomination and the general election. His winning asset will be his honesty, openness and general concern for ALL other human beings. Plus a sense of fairness and intelligence that is obvious in all his interviews. Plus he’s run for president once before in a fantasy episode of his show.
Click below, watch the whole clip and then tell us if we are wrong:
Adding to our list of potentials: Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman