Did I ever.
In truth, I can remember past elections - I'd say most past elections of my life - listening to candidates and thirsting for some solid ideas and concrete plans instead of the same round of slogans, inspirational pablum and promises offered without foundation upon which they'd be carried out.
The Democratic debates of the past two nights are the first time I've ever heard so many candidates offering such specific policies and plans on all the big issues - health care, climate change, immigration, human rights, foreign relations - along with sounding so capable and potentially presidential.
(Granted, one could not help making comparisons). |
By the end of the second debate last night I found myself wishing that we could have ten presidents. Or at least five.
I'm kidding. My point is that, in choosing one, I'd hate to leave others behind.
For example, I loved Kamala Harris, with her blend of strength and charisma. |
But then how could one pass up Pete Buttigieg,
Then there was Julian Castro, who shone on stage with his policy ideas and personal style and observations on healthcare, gender equality, justice and immigration. He won my heart when he said that the photo of the drowned Salvadoran refugee father and his baby daughter should "piss us all off." |
...and Amy Klobachar's too. |
And whoever wins the Democratic nomination, if they win the Presidency, should definitely grab Jay Inslee and put him in charge of a committee on climate change, since that's where his heart obviously lies.
In any case, he's too smart not to utilize somewhere.
And through my mind keeps running the line from a song from "West Side Story":
The air is hummin'
And something great is commin'.