Virginia has elections every year, which can be exhausting for those who are politically active. The 2024 presidential election will begin in ernest after the first of the year, but in the meantime take advantage of this lull to rest, reflect, and prepare.
It looks as though there will be an existential choice on the ballot next year. Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee, is signaling his plans to become a dictator. He calls his political opponents “vermin.” We know from history that it is easier to incite violence against groups who have been dehumanized in this way. He threatens to dismantle the Civil Service employment system of federal government and install political cronies willing to do his bidding in key positions and promises to destroy the free press.
Joe Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee. Early polls show a Biden-Trump contest to be worrisomely close. Biden, a fierce defender of democracy, is being blamed for inflation, dinged for his age, and in some quarters, for his support for Israel.
Now is a good time to become versed in Biden’s accomplishments and learn of the risks of a second Trump term, so that we can talk persuasively with voters next year. Here are some resources to help:
“Bidenomics” is working, but many voters don’t understand how revolutionary it is. A good explanation: An article by Spencer Ackerman in The National discusses how Trump, or chillingly any other Republican president, could become a dictator.
Another good warning on the dangers of a Trump presidency, this time from the New Republic:
New Republic: If Trump Wins Again, There May Be No Stopping Him