What Do We Do Now?
A movie was released in 1972 starring Robert Redford called “The Candidate”…it was a humorous bit of political satire. When Redford as the candidate wins the election, he meets with advisors in a room and utters the now-famous line, “What do we do now?”
That point has only become sharper in the subsequent 50 years. Folks work so hard at getting elected it seems like that is the goal…when in reality, it’s just the beginning, and the beginning of the hard part.
Democrats sailed into office Tuesday in large part by saying they were against things…President Trump, the war in Iran, high inflation, high gas prices, and so on. It’s one thing to be the “party of no” when you in the minority. Now comes the hard part: governing, and making it clear what you are for.
And not just slogans, like putting more money in your pocket. How, specifically, will you do that? It’s only been a few days since the election, but I’m still not hearing many specifics. That’s fine…provided it does come later. Otherwise, we’ll be having this same conversation about a “wave election” in two years…except it will be the other party riding that wave.
There’s another old story about a dog who spends his days chasing cars. Then one day, he catches one and realizes he doesn’t know how to drive.
“What do we do now?” indeed. The voters have already proven they are putting officials on a short electoral leash. I’m very much looking forward to how they answer that question.
