Well that was Rough

Hello, I hope that you are doing well as we process Election Day results.  
 
I’ve had a sinking feeling about Trump’s return for months.  And that’s what came to pass.  It was also a very bad night for the democracy reform movement, as open primaries and ranked choice voting ballot initiatives came up empty in states around the country.  

Americans are in a bad mood and lurched to the right.  The anti-institutional fervor is growing, and belief in things like the news media is shrinking.  Trump filled the void through his populist appeal – he began to represent the man vs. the machine.  
 
What good is there?  A handful of Forward-endorsed candidates won locally, adding to a growing roster.  Washington D.C. passed open primaries and ranked choice voting to let Independents vote.  
 
Perhaps the only major good thing is that people are waking up to the fact that the two-party system is broken, and that the Democratic Party has lost faith among the American people.  I got numerous texts and emails saying, “I’m done” and “where do I sign up?”  People realize that a different approach is needed.  
 
The Democrats raised and spent a billion dollars – much more including SuperPACS – and got swept in the swing states.  They lost to Donald Trump for the 2nd time in 8 years, this time decisively, providing a mandate to someone they have presented as an existential threat to democracy.  
 
I’m saddened by this.  But the truth is that the Democratic Party lost touch with the average American quite a while ago.  What is needed is a popular movement that restores that connection.  Is that possible?  
 
On Election Night, I had the opportunity to meet with Forward volunteers in Philadelphia along with other Board members.  It was a small but earnest group.  Everyone had a wonderful time because of the nature of the people gathered there – warm and dedicated - even as the sobering reality of the night settled in.  Difficult times are easier with the right people around you.  
 
A friend texted me saying that rough waters are ahead.  I didn’t disagree.  It’s time to build a boat.  
 
If you’re ticked off, join Forward today.  
 
This is a sad and difficult day.  Absorb it.  And then let’s get back to work.