8 Days To Go

Hello, I hope that things are great on your end.  Halloween is a big holiday in my household because it’s also Evelyn’s birthday. 
 
It’s 8 days until Election Day.  If you think it’s been tough, imagine living in one of the swing states where political advertisements are constant.  I was in Pennsylvania and it was non-stop. 
 
This week I sit with columnist and commentator Rikki Schlott to talk what’s coming.  “Among the young people I talk to there’s a lot more excitement about Kamala than there was for Biden.  There’s a sense of relief that at least we have someone who’s not an old guy to vote for.” 
 
Rikki says that among the voters she talks to there’s a desire to move on.  “A lot of young people want to put the last few years behind us and act like things are normal again.  That’s likely good for Kamala.” 
 
I was on CNN this week and made the case that Kamala should name Mitt Romney as her Secretary of State.  Kamala Harris has already announced her desire to name a Republican to her Cabinet.  Mitt is no fan of Trump’s and got 61 million votes in 2012 among many of the voters that Kamala is now appealing to.  Think Nikki Haley voters, many of whom probably love Mitt. Mitt is leaving the Senate and could be open to a final act of statesmanship. 
 
I like this idea because it would make Kamala’s administration seem much more real and groundbreaking.  It would paint a picture and demonstrate leadership.  It would also represent a break from Democratic orthodoxy and make Kamala seem like her own person. 
 
You could go further too.  Folks like Jamie Dimon or Mark Cuban or Arnold Schwarzenegger could send a similar message, and you could balance them with some star Democrats. 
 
The more surprising the move the better.  No one will bat an eye if another Hollywood celebrity comes out for Kamala.  But Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs?  Tony Robbins?  Chris Christie?  Sitting with Joe Rogan?  That would get some people thinking.  
 
One senses that Kamala’s team knows it’s going to be extraordinarily close down the stretch.  They’re adopting higher risk moves like going on Fox, campaigning with Liz Cheney, etc.  They should be thinking, “What could we do in the final days that would move the needle?” 
 
Trump has the owner of a social media platform camped out in Pennsylvania giving voters $1 Million a day until recently.  The Democrats should be trying to stretch the boundary of what they’re capable of in the final days.  Otherwise, their commitment to democracy will be tested by a proud presidential candidate tradition they’re trying to avoid – a concession speech. 
 
For my interview with Rikki click here.  To check out the local candidates Forward is supporting including in PA, NV, and NC click here.  To join us for the Forward Election Night Watch Party in Philadelphia click here – it'll be historic and some great people will be there.