Democrats are panicked and paranoid and petrified. Rightly so. But for the wrong reasons.
President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance last week sent shockwaves through the political world. Democrats were left scrambling when editorials boards, like the New York Times, and a cacophony of prominent liberal leaning columnists called on Biden to step aside.
But just days later our extremist Supreme Court, made up of judicial activists, greatly expanded the powers of the presidency giving former presidents immunity — in some cases “absolute” immunity — against criminal prosecution.
These monarch-like powers are unheard of in the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts attempted to quell fears by stating the president "is not above the law." However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor starkly disagreed, warning that this decision effectively makes "the president a king above the law." She ended with, “with fear for our democracy, I dissent.”
Democrats have reason to fear — a second term of former President Donald Trump.
This is the man who encouraged a coup on Jan. 6 — that alone should have been disqualifying — but instead his radical base has rallied to his defense and propped him up as their Republican nominee. He’s promised retribution and vengeance if elected again.
During the debate, he repeatedly lied.
He boasted about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He celebrated the abortion issue returning to the states. In Florida, that means it is illegal after six weeks — long before most women even know they’re pregnant.
Imagine if Trump wins a second turn. The threat of prosecution will no longer temper the worst of his whims. Now he will be emboldened to do whatever he pleases with no threat of repercussions.
We must do whatever we can to stop this from happening. At a very minimum, it means voting for the only viable candidate that can beat Trump — Joe Biden.
But I would argue we must do more.
We must vote with enthusiasm and conviction, for our nation's future hangs in the balance. My commitment to defending democracy is unwavering, and I will support the nominee with equal zeal.
The reason we must do this is to convince swing voters to choose democracy, and to make sure the base turns out in strong numbers this November. We cannot move forward being demoralized. That attitude will inspire no one.
If Biden steps aside, I will support his replacement — whether they are moderate or progressive. It matters not. The time for ideological differences are over. There is no room for protest votes.
If Biden remains in the race, I will support him.
I’ve listened to friends, especially in the last few days, who will still vote for Joe Biden but only begrudgingly. This is no time to waver in our commitment to preserving our republic, our freedoms, and our rights. We cannot quietly vote for Biden. We must be loud. We cannot sit on the sidelines and hold our noses.
Some are rightly concerned about Biden’s fitness for office. However, if he were to die or become incapacitated, that's why we have a vice president. In contrast, with Trump, there is no contingency plan. We know Republicans will never stand up to him if he’s in office. In fact, we’ve seen Republicans, especially conservative governors like Ron DeSantis, attempt to emulate Trump’s authoritarianism in their states.
Trump has remade the party in his own image.
Regardless of who the Democratic nominee is — regardless of who we want the nominee to be — we should not leave our fate in the hands of any one person.
We alone can save our country — through our votes.
