Trump & the virus. Pres. Trump contracting COVID-19 is a cautionary tale, obviously. After projecting a cavalier attitude about the virus, it is ironic that Trump is infected himself. Will it change him? If his symptoms are mild, probably not. In fact, it may reinforce his devil-may-care mindset.
I have agreed with Trump, in general, that shutting down the economy is almost as dangerous and hurtful as the health impacts of the coronavirus. But it’s all in the way the message is delivered. Trump could have opposed shutdowns, while still being a champion for mask wearing, social distancing and following health protocols. He could have set an example himself. He could have embraced the science and the medical experts. His position
Among the tragedies of Trump are all the unforced errors that undercut a lot of good policies and good results. His biggest problem has never been the Democrats, leftists and Trump-hating news media. His biggest problem has always been himself and his propensity to take everything too far. He would have been able to keep mainstream conservatives and even some moderates with him had he been able to ratchet down his swagger, bluster and outrageous behavior a few notches. His chance for re-election seems to be slipping away.
Pence vs. Harris. It would be great if the VP debate Wednesday at the University of Utah could be a robust delineation of conservative vs. liberal ideology and how those ideologies relate to the issues of the day. I think Mike Pence could win that debate. However, it won’t be that simple. Kamala Harris will want to make the debate all about Trump, not about policy or political philosophy. Pence will have to defend Trump and his behavior while also pulling the discussion back to policy issues. It will be a debate worth watching.
Reader Response. I received a nice note from Steven B. Bateman saying he enjoyed my little Friday “change of pace” essay about living in the country and finding comfort in my dogs barking at night. He said the essay was “insightful, metaphorical, and really interesting to read.” I hadn’t thought of it being metaphorical, but I suppose there’s a lesson in there. Some seemingly irritating things in life are actually there to help us if we view them with the right perspective.
Parting Shot. Here’s why Republican Rep. Craig Hall is tough to defeat, despite representing District 33, a swing district where Democrats should have a fighting chance. Hall’s latest newsletter to constituents notes that he’s been endorsed for re-election by not one, not two, not three, but by more than a dozen labor unions in Utah. That list includes some powerhouses like the Utah Education Association, the Utah Public Employees Association, AFL-CIO, Pipefitters, Professional Firefighters, Electrical Workers, American Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, Operating Engineers, and Teamsters. Equality Utah has also endorsed Hall. Despite being a moderate, Hall is well-liked by his Republican colleagues and has the full support of the Republican Party.
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