I had a dream which I shared with readers on the last day of the Democratic National Convention. The finale of Kamala Harris’ and Tim Walz’ coming out party would be a live performance of Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” accompanied by Taylor Swift. Privately, however, I lamented my fantasy trifecta which included Bruce Springsteen would never happen since “The Boss” had booked a concert in Pittsburgh that night.
The United Center in Chicago would be rocking, but it was not about the music. It was each performer’s targeted message that confirmed the central theme of the Harris/Walz campaign. The Democratic ticket knows success depends on the extent to which the campaign can energize two constituencies and narrow Donald Trump’s advantage with a third.
There is no question this is a “turnout” election. At the top of that list are minorities and women. And the biggest challenge is motivating younger members of these cohorts. Swift is the messenger of empowerment for young women. Likewise, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, Beyoncé is the oracle of African-American empowerment. Who better to remind potential voters in these demographics that their aspirational paths are more easily traversed in an environment of hope and opportunity rather than one of hate and retribution.
However, that is not enough. Every Democratic pundit constantly reminds us Harris cannot win if Trump’s margin among white voters, and especially white men, eclipses her advantage among traditional Democratic voters. Which is why yesterday may have been the most important 24 hours in the last month of this election cycle.
It started with the joint appearance by Harris and Liz Cheney in Ripon, Wisconsin, the birthplace of the Republican Party. Unlike so many of Harris’ rally, the audience was as vanilla as you’ll ever see at a Democratic event. This historic event did something no previous rally or Harris TV appearance could do. Because it was unprecedented, it HAD to be covered by all the media outlets. And how did Cheney use this opportunity? First, she delivered a civics lesson about the what her party used to stand for: smaller government, lower taxes, a strong military and global leadership. These are all the things she told us she looks forward to debating in the future.
And then, knowing that right-wing media were under-reporting evidence of Trump’s criminal acts in Jack Smith’s recent filing, Cheney shared critical excerpts with the those at the event and the television audience.” And then she put the last nail in the coffin. Before lowering the hammer, she reminded us that once GOP candidates ran under the banner of “compassionate conservativism.” Then BAM, no one who says “So what!” when he is told that his own vice-president is in harm’s way has a compassionate bone in his body. According to Cheney, the only word to describe such behavior is “depravity.”
That was just Act I of this morality play. As the Harris/Cheney love fest was winding down, Springsteen released a video in which he endorsed the Harris/Walz ticket. It contained what may be the most subliminal, yet powerful message possible (below).
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are committed to a vision of this country that respects and includes everyone, regardless of class, religion, race, your political point of view or sexual identity. That’s the vision of America I’ve been consistently writing about for 55 years.
He could have been more heavy-handed. “You know why you come to my concerts and stream my albums. You are drawn to the same things that inspired me to write the lyrics and compose the music. A vote for Donald Trump is a denial of that bond between me the entertainer and you the audience all these years.” But Springsteen respects his fans too much to insult their intelligence.
I still dream of Beyoncé, Swift and Springsteen on stage together. But if it comes the night Harris is declared the winner or at an inaugural concert on the Washington mall, I am okay with that. It is now up to us ensure it happens.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP
P.S. I confess, Springsteen was never on my playlists, and I could not name more than two of his songs. But, as I write this post, I have been listening to a live recording of his December 14, 2023 concert in Boston. And I was inspired. So, as the title of today’s post says, “Better late than never.”