President Biden described the results of the mid-term elections as “a good day for democracy.”
That made it a good day for the country, especially since it signaled the end of Donald Trump’s political career.
I know you should never say never, but I’m willing to anyway. Donald Trump will never be president again, and if he can’t be president he won’t be anything.
He will be remembered in history as having a failed presidency that led him to attempt to block the peaceful transfer of power. He failed there as well, and history will remember that as well.
On Tuesday the people spoke, and their voice became votes that rejected Trump and Trumpism. More importantly, we confirmed once again that as a people we tolerate extremism, but we don’t embrace it.
The majority of Americans deserve credit for voting for a better future for the nation, but two groups deserve a special thank you.
Women and young voters.
There is no doubt they are responsible for democracy winning and a tyrannical minority losing. They voted in record percentages and played no small role in saving our democracy.
In addition to them, though, I think there are two individuals who warrant the praise of grateful nation. I am talking about Republican Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
I don’t think we can over-estimate the impact their courageous words and actions have had on the nation over the past year and a half. They defied every Republican in the entire nation by putting loyalty to the Constitution above party loyalty and it literally cost them their careers.
But they are the only ones who can stand tall, hold their head high, knowing that history will judge them kindly.
When it comes to policy issues, I could not disagree with either of them more, but those differences are far exceeded by the level of respect I have for both of them.
They are profiles in courage, and as such are examples of the inspiration leaders who choose character over political expediency can have.
Unfortunately, the impact of their courage will not be sufficient to inspire Republicans across the board to begin putting the interests of the country before their own lust for power, nor does it redeem all the complicit Republicans whose silence in the face of Trump’s extremism enabled him to do the damage he has done.
The truth is, Republicans put power above the nation’s interest before Trump’s presidency and will likely continue to do the same thing as they move beyond him.
In short, our politics have not suddenly become healthy. More true is that the nation’s condition is like a patient who has survived being at death’s door and is now on the road to recovery. The prospects look good, but the danger is not over yet.
For now, though, nothing diminishes the fact that what happened on Tuesday was, indeed, a good day for democracy, and a very good day for the country.
Being able to say that feels really, really good.
linnposts.com 
Jan,
Excellent, on every point.
Cheerz!
Gene
Thank you, Gene. It feels good, doesn’t it?
Indeed it does!
Yes, indeed. Many, many voices were calling for people to vote and indeed they did. Encouraging for sure although I still dread the crap that Republicans will do if they take the house, as is likely.
Jan, thank you for this post – I forwarded it to our “women & young people”! Yesterday I had a good talk with Melissa (who was still quite aggravated by all the private jets flying in to COP27). At 28 she is observing progress on a global, national and local level is incremental and non-linear, and that her vote truly matters! She and her peers voted in the primaries, as well. While some grumbling is appropriate, I shared this election was a step away from the precipice.
Thank Meilssa, her friends, and Ian for their votes!!! We took a giant step back from going over the cliff.
Good assessment! Our work is definitely cut out for us. I pray for the U.S. and Ukraine every day!
I believe both are going to be okay, Mary.
Huge relief that Dobbs, Donald and his deniers helped save us. My mood is so elevated this week and full of gratitude that so many stood in lines and rose up against our national despair. Go NV , AZ and GA… I hope I don’t get too giddy about DeSantis and DT taking the party further down the drain…… So be it. LOVE WINS in the end
You said it all, Dixcy. Thank you.
What appalled me most about Donald Trump lately was his attitude when Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked by a man with a hammer in her own home. As far as I know, Trump didn’t even bother to commiserated with Nancy, after this attack on her family. Clearly, Trump’s conduct is more worthy of the Brown House in Munich in Hitler’s time, than the White House in any time.
Nigel, the man is a very emotionally disturbed and psychologically damage individual who has no capacity for empathy, or even sympathy, for that matter. That he ever became President of the United States is an enigma history will have to unravel. Good to hear from you.
Great share Mr. Linn,
You write with such ease and grace! It is a pleasure that mother honored you as a success.
Thank you for your comment and glad you read my blog.
hooray for democracy, thank you young voters and women voters. Lets hope the next deserved headline for trump is his indictment.
It’s coming!
“A good day for democracy, a good day for the country” … For Sure! Jan, you have accurately and graciously summarized how most of us are now feeling following the mid-term elections, over a week ago now. I would add to your comment about young voters and women voters, that “swing voters” also were rallied to the cause for democracy. Liz Cheney actually called for Republicans in Arizona (and elsewhere) to vote Democratic, and many Republicans in America listened to her. So, phew! We are all feeling a lot better today. We may have “saved democracy” temporarily. But we are still left with a lot of work to do in the next two years. My bet is that we will be up to the cause. Wishing you, your family and friends, and your readers all the best this holiday seaason. John
John,
I agree with your thoughtful, hopeful comments. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheerz!
Gene
You, too, Gene.
Thanks for mentioning swing voters, John. Happy holidays to you as well.
Gene, you are one of the “Cheerziest” guys I’ve known. Best to you as well. John