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    Catalytic Conversion: The Emergence of Kamala Harris Has Galvanized the Party Against a Forlorn yet Formidable Foe

    By 13 Mins Read
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    SUCCESSION PLAN


    President Joe Biden is not remotely as sluggish–cognitively–as some envisioned. More importantly, as he deftly dodged the slings and arrows of those calling for him to step aside, including prominent members and cohorts of the Democratic hierarchy, he shrewdly delivered a breaking ball named Kamala Harris to his detractors. At this juncture, Ms. Harris—phenotypically Black since birth—-is Kryptonite to right-wing extremists. It was a timely and savvy gangsta move by Biden, an example of political morass supplanted by relative clarity.


    Abruptly, with that pronouncement, the pendulum, tradewinds, and impetus of momentum in this Presidential face-off had astonishingly shifted. Citizens from all walks of life, many lifelong Republicans, and staunch MAGA supporters are now on the Harris-Tim Walz bandwagon. Walz was a sterling selection and the consummate complementary figure to the current vice president on the ticket. On or off the mic, his ability will deepen and not dominate the tandem. The Democratic Party, stagnant just weeks ago, has been galvanized to the “nth” degree. Subsequent campaign stops, starkly dissimilar to those of “45,” have been packed to capacity with fervent supporters. In Chicago, the Democratic National Convention was electrifying and insightful, displaying our nation’s full spectrum of demographic collections. In a groundswell of solidarity for the quest to save democracy, identity groups materialized, showed up, and spoke out in unison: Black Women for Harris, Black Men for Harris, Latino Men, Caribbean-Americans, Dads for Kamala, Native American + Two Spirit, White Dudes for Harris, South Asian Women, Out for Kamala Harris, Labor for Harris, Cat Ladies for Kamala, Elders for Kamala, Bouricuas Con Kamala, Jewish Americans, Disabled Voters, among others. Further, a strong endorsement for the well-accomplished Kamala Harris came from the White House counsel of yesteryear. A dozen attorneys who have served in the administration of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush are on board and put those sentiments into writing. [3]


    “We endorse Kamala Harris and support her election as President because we believe that returning former President Trump to office would threaten American democracy and undermine the rule of law in our country,” the lawyers wrote in a letter that the signatories shared first with Fox News Digital. “Trump’s attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after losing the election proved beyond any reasonable doubt his willingness to place his personal interests above the law and values of our constitutional democracy.” [3] Nevertheless, the party cannot anticipate coasting into November on this blue tidal wave; much work remains before and after the election. For Exhibit A, one must look no further than the Peach State (Georgia), where machinations to bring about a GOP edition of “The Art of a Steal” have long been underway and are not to be disregarded.

    [In Georgia] alarms are ringing. Rogue officials there are already preparing the ground to ignore voters in November. You may remember Trump’s rally at Georgia State University on August 3. That was the speech in which he attacked Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and, for good measure, Kemp’s wife. What was noteworthy, though, was the fellow Republicans he praised. He lauded three newly appointed members of the state election board.

    “They’re on fire. They are doing a great job,” he declared. Three days later, we learned why he was so effusive. The state officials announced a new rule to require county officials across Georgia to conduct a ‘reasonable inquiry’ before they can certify results. That is a permission slip for subversion. In May, a board member who oversees elections in Fulton County — home of Atlanta, the biggest Black-majority city in the state — refused to certify a primary result, and to press her case, she sued her own election board. It turned out she is an organizer for Cleta Mitchell, a participant in Trump’s notorious ‘I just want to find 11,780 votes’ phone call to Raffensperger in January 2021.” [4] “Indeed, election deniers have quietly infiltrated county boards across the country. In Nevada, one official in the state’s second-largest county recently refused to certify her own election…In 2020, the election deniers were improvisational and slapdash. Now, they are systematic, organized, and well-funded.” [4]


    Professional wrestling and other entities have lived by the concept of Kayfabe.

    What is Kayfabe? It is “a tacit agreement to behave as if something is honest, sincere, or genuine when it is not.” This presidential race is not WWE, although many cable news networks (eschewing journalism) adopt a soap opera methodology or good vs. evil format regarding coverage. Be mindful that the life of this country is on the line. The erstwhile president would assay any transaction to sidestep incarceration, including selling his soul and yours. “45” has put his ethos in plain sight for those amenable to view and comprehend. Still, in entertainment, life, and religion, proponents and vectors of evil are afforded an interlude to rule and reign: a title run. The people can–and must–bring this to a halt in November.


    The mêlée for the Oval Office will not be for the faint of heart. An affronted, embarrassed, desperate–yet cagey–foe can be utterly problematic. This remixed GOP is ok with totalitarianism. They have strategically supported third-party candidates to siphon off Democratic Party potential votes in selected states. Hence, the seemingly new onset of societal coalescence must retain buoyancy through the inevitable ebbs and flows. It’s a splendid thing to witness and experience. Good vibes and adrenaline highs are the spice of life. However, with so much at stake under these circumstances, zeal and cathexis will take one (or multitudes) only so far. There is labor ahead, and everyone must contribute. Both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are ready.


    This surge and reclamation of genuine patriotism must be analogous to a constant, consistent pilot light that is always ripe to turn up and detonate when warranted.



    References

    1. Putterman, Samantha. “Fact-Checking JD Vance’s Past Statements & Relationship With Trump.” Politifact. Politifact.com. July 16, 2024
    2. Korach, Natalie. “‘Morning Joe’ Torches JD Vance For Kamala Harris Attack: ‘First Instinct Is Just To Be Racist And Sexist.’” The Wrap. The Wrap.com. July 23, 2024
    3. Steinhauser, Paul. “White House Lawyers Who Advised Reagan, Bush Endorse Harris Over Trump in 2024 Showdown.” Fox News. Foxnews.com. August 23, 2024
    4. Waldman, Michael. “Election Deniers On The March In Georgia.” Brennan Center For Justice. Brennancenter.org. August 14, 2024
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    Dr. Hawk is a contributor for The Hub and a physician, writing primarily on the intersection of sociology and sport, politics, and medicine. As his time as a clinician/consultant is winding down, an increasing amount of written works will be created (to include a book soon). A medical colleague once inquired, “Why do you write so much?” His reply: “One, because we are all granted a finite amount of gifts that we must share. Two, we won't be doing outpatient surgery in Heaven, so I am getting warmed up. Lastly, some talents we will discover early and some later. Others, if left dormant, can potentially decay.” He believes fine writing is analogous to cutting a fade on somebody who let their Afro get a bit out of control. It requires choosing the right client and debulking (topic choice/research/gathering of facts), picking the proper clipper guards—zero through three—and blending (outlining and creating a continuous flow of ideas by reinforcing inferences with concrete data), performing the touchup work (editing and putting on the sauce). Then, complete the lineup (edge) and c-cup, and add enhancers if needed (careful proofread). Truth-telling and teaching via writing are spiritual. The happily married (over 26 years) father of three gorgeous princesses is an avid weightlifter, pool hustler, and next-level saltwater fisherman.

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