Al Franken for President?
An entertainer has the best shot at beating Donald Trump
This newsletter is not explicitly about politics, but government significantly influences economics, so in this way, politics will become a recurring theme. (Apologies in advance).
Since June 28, 2024, Democrats in America have been in an uproar, with half screaming (proverbially) for Joe Biden to cede the nomination to someone else, while the President’s inner circle yells (via email) about how any deviation from the current course would spell Certain Ruin for American Democracy.
This is a classic case of people thinking they’re making change by fighting the status quo rather than creating a new model that will make the current [candidate] obsolete.
It seems fairly clear that, were Biden to remain the candidate, the election result would be decided by a razor-thin, uncertain margin, decided by the 18% of voters who are currently “undecided” or unresponsive to polls.
For those who argue that American democracy is on the ballot in 2024, it stands to reason that beating Donald Trump by an indecisive margin may arguably be worse than a Trump victory. Failure to win decisively on Election Day will prompt Trump to declare victory, which will in turn likely trigger a paramilitary response to support his installment in office.
Thus, the question to ask is not, “Should Joe Biden cede the nomination to someone else?” but instead, “What Democrat could definitively beat Trump?”
That Democrats are currently polling a Clinton-Harris ticket, touting the fact that they are polling two points higher than Biden-Harris (43-41!) says that they have not understood the need for decisive victory or what it takes to beat Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton couldn’t beat Donald Trump in 2016. Does anyone really believe she can do so now? Kamala Harris could very well make a great President. Does she have what it takes to neutralize Trump?
Here’s the problem with Trump the candidate: he doesn’t conform to the tenets of standard behavior our political parties have previously taken for granted. He lies without apology or remorse. He calls people mean names. He rabble rouses crowds to take up arms against America. He will stop at nothing to destroy the people who stand between him and regaining the ultimate power.
In May 2017, it seemed pretty clear Al Franken intended to run for President. He published a hilarious and compelling campaign memoir and increased his public engagement. In November 2017, he was swept away by #MeToo. Several of the Democrats who called for him to step down before a formal investigation could take place say they regret doing so. There’s little question in my mind that the Republican troll farms of the world saw this as a momentous opportunity to neutralize a significant contender for the 2020 nomination.
Like the good man he is, Franken stepped down and stepped back to lick his wounds and figure out his next move. Since then, he’s resurfaced, using his comedian cred to fill packed rooms of audience members eager to learn from his mistakes and laugh at his jokes.
While past accusations may push some on the left to reject a Franken candidacy at face value, I can’t think of anyone better positioned to revive the Presidential campaign and sling Donald Trump’s mud right back at him.
While Franken has significant legislative experience, and knows his way around Congress, he’s an entertainer at heart. He’s whip-smart, fast talking, and hilarious. He’ll turn Trump’s idiotic lies into roasting comebacks that will quickly become headlines and memes. He’ll persuade both donors and voters that they can and should have hope for America.
I’m not the first to say this, though the thought occurred to me before reading Nell’s post, but credit where it’s due.
I’m generally bearish on the ability of our current two-party system to yield outcomes that serve the best interests of most Americans. But if beating Donald Trump is your aim (an outcome I generally support), Al Franken is the man for the job.