The U.S. Presidential Election: An Olympic Test of Democracy 🇺🇸🏅 🗳️
Let's join together on a journey for a future to believe in for all.
Dear friends, compatriots, and fellow voters,
As we endure the scorching summer heat, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The U.S. Presidential Election, occurring every four years, is like the Olympics, a global spectacle that captivates the world.
The stakes have never been higher. Like the Olympics, the election process tests endurance and our democracy’s resilience. Each state holds its caucus or primary, where we vote for our preferred nominee. The victors then represent their party in the final contest at national conventions with delegates, politicos, media, and activists. Olympic athletes compete in trials with the opportunity to represent the country, win a medal, and create a legacy with a peak performance.
Recently, the Republicans wrapped up their nomination in Milwaukee. The Democrats will soon hold their decisive event in Chicago. I recall my time as a Bernie Sanders delegate at the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia with a mix of sadness, nostalgia, and pride.
I wish that Bernie was our candidate again in 2024. But, I must deal with the realities of life the way it is, not how I wish it to be.
My Commitment to Democracy
In these uncertain times, the constant barrage of news and events can be overwhelming. However, I remain an optimist. Despite the challenges threatening our democracy, I refuse to give up. This isn’t a choice; it’s who I am. I am committed to democracy.
From my childhood as the smallest football player on the field to my career in business and politics, I’ve always rooted for the underdogs. I firmly believe in our collective power to make a difference in our communities and to change the world.
My disappointment as a Bernie delegate in 2016 didn’t stop me. Instead, it motivated me to run for city council, get elected to the California Democratic Party, and write my first book, My Journey with Bernie.
When faced with threats from all around us - from guns, environmental disasters, and threats to democracy - I continue to fight. How?
I write, listen, teach, coach, and vote, encouraging everyone to get involved.
Our nation’s history is marked by struggles, including gun violence and challenges to our democracy. But I believe in our ability to uphold our democratic values. It’s crucial that we stay strong, keep fighting, and never let anyone take away our rights, freedoms, and values.
History inspires me, such as the resilience demonstrated in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete, defied Adolf Hitler’s hopes of Aryan supremacy by winning four gold medals. His victories remind us that we can overcome adversity.
Owens traveled to Berlin to take part in the 1936 Olympics – an event overseen by Adolf Hitler, which the new German chancellor hoped would profile the supremacy of the Aryan ‘master race’.
It wasn’t to be: the African-American Owens stole the show. He won the 100m in 10.30 seconds, the 200m in 20.70 seconds, and then the long jump, with an impressive leap of 8.06 meters – apparently after getting some advice about his run-up from a German competitor, Luz Long. His fourth gold came in the 4x100m relay, in which Owens formed a key part of the team that set a new world record of 39.80 seconds.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The key to winning is teamwork. We need to listen to each other, understand our different game plans, and work towards our common goal. It’s not just about winning an individual event, it’s about supporting everyone on the team.
From school boards to the White House, every position matters. Being part of a democracy is like being part of a team. Your cheers, your support, your voice - they all contribute to the game. Our democracy may seem fragile, but when we unite as a team, we are invincible.
In my book, Ready, Set, Go! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes, I emphasize the power of collective action. When we come together as a team, we can create significant change. This is more important now than ever.
The Time to Act is Now
With all that is happening in our country, I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to show up, right now.
Don’t merely observe from the sidelines; engage and make a difference.
I invite you to join me. Because together, we are stronger. Together, we can change the world.
Whether reaching out to a neighbor during a heatwave, tabling at an event to get more names on a sign-in sheet, or talking to your coworkers, friends, and family about why it’s important to vote, every action counts. It’s these small actions that, when combined, create a wave of change that can overcome the biggest challenges.
Goddess help us!