I appreciate your effort to be apolitical, but is it possible that you can afford that luxury because you are a white male? I'm left feeling you have omitted important elements from your analysis such as Project 2025 and its impact on women, immigrants and people of color or different faiths. I also do not see acknowledgment of Trump's SCOTUS appointments that have resulted not only in the erosion of voting rights and reproductive rights, but the expansion of Presidential immunity to criminal prosecution as well as a legislative power grab by the Court. Finally, the Presidency is not just one person. Consideration needs to be given to the quality of the people with which she/he surrounds herself/himself and is expected to include in the Administration.
Thanks for the comment Patty. I'm not sure apolitical is the right frame as I have deeply held and widely shared issue-level views. Refusing to advocate for a specific party broadly is likely more to do with experience in the military and the prohibition of political affiliation that formed my identity. For this issue specifically, fitness of a presidential candidate, it may be helpful to have principles that are apolitical that are worth stating so that the choice the American people have can be more political in nature instead of competency based.
I appreciate your effort to be apolitical, but is it possible that you can afford that luxury because you are a white male? I'm left feeling you have omitted important elements from your analysis such as Project 2025 and its impact on women, immigrants and people of color or different faiths. I also do not see acknowledgment of Trump's SCOTUS appointments that have resulted not only in the erosion of voting rights and reproductive rights, but the expansion of Presidential immunity to criminal prosecution as well as a legislative power grab by the Court. Finally, the Presidency is not just one person. Consideration needs to be given to the quality of the people with which she/he surrounds herself/himself and is expected to include in the Administration.
Thanks for the comment Patty. I'm not sure apolitical is the right frame as I have deeply held and widely shared issue-level views. Refusing to advocate for a specific party broadly is likely more to do with experience in the military and the prohibition of political affiliation that formed my identity. For this issue specifically, fitness of a presidential candidate, it may be helpful to have principles that are apolitical that are worth stating so that the choice the American people have can be more political in nature instead of competency based.
Welp, I have whiplash-time to write another post and upload tomorrow? 😄
I had a feeling…
As always, love your perspective. Look forward to reading your thoughts going forward.