Good morning,
THE DELEGATES PILE UP BUT HALEY IS STILL FIGHTING AWAY
This weekend was the South Carolina Republican Primary. No surprises here, as Donald Trump captured the overwhelming majority of Republican primary voters in one of the most conservative states in the union. That said, the landslide was hardly a great indicator for Mr. Trump.
The pundits have been saying that this was an election Haley hoped to win. But she (and they and we) knew she wasn’t going to win. So why did she run? I believe to show the inherent vulnerability of Trump and keep herself in the conversation should his legal problems become too great or if his campaign falters. In addition, she is spending money developing name recognition for four years hence. And if Trump loses, she will be able to say “I told you so.” The results disclose something important—40% of Republican voters in the primary voted for someone other than the presumptive nominee. It definitely indicates that there is strong anti-Trump sentiment among the primary voters, typically among the most committed. Plus, polling said that over 1/3 of the Republican primary voters stated they would not vote for Trump in the general election.
Regardless of her political views, Nikki Haley is doing the country a great service by staying in the race against Trump. She is making arguments against Trump’s fitness that the Democrats will be making once the general election is in full swing. I suspect that hearing this from a staunch Republican may convince conservative voters to vote to stop Trump or simply not vote. I hope she remains in the race through March. She has given every indication that she will.
SHAKING UP THE RACE
I’ve been saying for some time that President Biden should continue to amass delegates in the upcoming string of primaries and pass the baton this Summer, opening up a race for delegates at the Democratic convention in August. While I am not a believer in polls, it would seem the evidence is overwhelming that any reasonable Democrat should be able to win an election against Mr. Trump, whose legal and financial woes mount alongside his many unhinged pronouncements. The polls also suggest a race between Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump would be a nailbiter. The ground is quite different from 2020, when Mr. Biden appeared to be the only candidate who could best Trump. Today, it seems Mr. Biden might be the only Democrat whom Trump could beat.
I wonder how many people would agree with Judith Kitzes’s observations:
“If President Biden would indeed step aside in June and release his delegates, it would be strategically brilliant. Having someone young would energize people who are on the fence specifically because of President Biden's age. We cannot afford another round with trump in the White House. Our nation would not survive as a Republic. Those people who are considering voting for a 3rd party, or an independent in protest to President Biden's age would be handing the election to the MAGAs. I could be very happy with Whitmer, or Newsom, or Booker, or Buttigieg. I'm not so sure about Vice President Harris, because she has been largely invisible. As much as I love the scenario you describe, I have gotten to a point of severe cynicism and don't see anything positive on the horizon. I hope I'm wrong, and I hope you're right.”
I still think it more likely than not that Mr. Biden goes the distance in what may be a close election, even with Mr. Trump’s legal woes.
FINALLY, I THINK WE ALL FEEL LIKE THIS SOMETIMES
A CNN journalist heard about a very old Jewish man who had been going to the Western Wall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time.
So she went to check it out. She went to the Western Wall and there he was, walking slowly up to the holy site.
She watched him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turned to leave, using a cane and moving very slowly, she approached him for an interview.
"Pardon me, sir, I'm Rebecca Smith from CNN. What's your name?
"Morris Feinberg," he replied.
"Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?"
"For about 60 years."
"60 years! That's amazing! What do you pray for?"
"I pray for peace between the Christians, Jews and the Muslims."
"I pray for all the wars and all the hatred to stop."
"I pray for all our children to grow up safely as responsible adults and to love their fellow man."
"I pray that politicians tell us the truth and put the interests of the people ahead of their own interests."
"How do you feel after doing this for 60 years?"
"Like I'm talking to a fucking wall."
UPCOMING
Meanwhile, the Michigan primary is this week and Super Tuesday is a week away. Musings this week are: Tuesday, Baseball and Religion. Wednesday, more books. Thursday, how to speak with Trumpists. Friday, great cover versions of songs.
Have a great day,
Glenn
I like the consistency and content of his prayers though.