It would be a useful exercise for left and progressive people and organizations to study the recent election experience in Michigan holistically. As you probably know, the Democrats reelected, and by substantial margins, Governor Gretchen Whitmer as well as Attorney Gerneral Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Joelyn Benson – all of whom had been under ferocious attack from the MAGA crowd. Moreover, the Democrats regained control of the House and Senate for the first time in forty – yes forty – years. This is quite an achievement that provides, I would think, valuable lessons as we look ahead to navigating the electoral terrain once again in two years.One of which is that it takes a stable of political actors – not least the Democratic Party – working in concert and independently to defeat the MAGA movement and Republican Party.
The great John Lee Hooker (of Detroit) joins the great Tom Petty at Fillmore East many years ago and play JLH’s classic, “Boogie Chillen.” TP was the musican in residence at the time. Music from that long gig was just released.
Bravo to President Biden for making a swap that brings Brittney Griner home. He knew in making the decision that the blowback from the MAGA crowd would be fast and furious, but obviously that didn’t deter him.
It was an expansive, cross class, diverse coalition that re-elected Senator Rapheal Warnock last night. There should be no confusion about that. But pride of place in this coalition belongs to the African American people. What they contributed in the form of spirit, determination, organization, acumen, and voter turnout deserves a special place in the annals of the country’s political life, not to mention any election assessment.
While millions were repelled by Trump’s declaration that the Constitution should be terminated, one audience that wasn’t was the most extreme pole of the MAGA base. It was a red meat offering to this motley lot — right wing extremists, racists, and fascists — who gather around this pole and constitute a clear and present danger to the democratic fabric, norms, and rights of our state and society.
While Trump is their leader, he is also increasingly dependent on this faction of his base if he hopes to win the nomination and then the presidency again. It obvious to him that many at the top levels of the Republican Party desire an alternative to him in the next presidential elections. In their calculus Trump is a “loser” who will bring down the whole party.
Thus don’t expect Trump to rain in his rhetoric. If anything it will become more inflamatory, ominous, and dangerous as the country moves into the new year.
