I want to add my voice to the many others who have found your campaign inspired, thoughtful and bravely progressive. At this moment, of all moments, we need your vision and leadership, your expansive intellect and your commitment to democracy itself. When I consider all that's facing us in 2020--the erosion of voting rights and democratic process, the urgency of climate change and ecological protection, the corrupting role of big money in politics, the unregulated economy of greed and accumulation--you are clearly the candidate we need, the one who would best serve our grandchildren's (and great-grandchildren's) future.
As a father of three young women, I've been especially moved by your political practice over this campaign. You've reminded my daughters, and me, that genuine and principled leadership is still possible, that a major candidate for president can indeed integrate mind, heart and spirit in a campaign for the common good. Again, in 2020, we need precisely this: the kind of leadership that connects with people and entertains all possibilities with wisdom and compassion. No yelling. No ranting. Just principle. And intelligence. And moral decency.
Watching this primary season unfold, I'm struck by the sexism that still runs rampant in American politics. This is obviously no big surprise to you. But it's disappointed me so deeply: that, in 2020, Democratic leaders (in concert, it seems, with media outlets) have pushed so powerfully for a centrist, male savior, when what's needed is a smart, engaged, collaborative leader. Frankly, it's maddening: the whole structure of the media-drive, TV-shaped primary process. It's not about vision and movement; it's about plot-lines and website clicks. And that's disappointing in every way.
Many of your companion candidates had problems to address, problems in their record, problems in their positions. Mayor Pete's record in the African American communnity was a concern, and his inexperience in most areas. Mike Bloomberg's mysogyny was a concern, and his support for racist policing in New York City. Amy Klobuchar's record as a DA in Minnesota was a problem, and Joe Biden's record in the Senate raises real issues.
But your record is bold, consistently decent and progressive. And still, the major outlets focused incessantly on the big bluster of male candidates, on the intrigue of Joe Biden's rise and fall and rise, on the phony and deceptive idea of "electability" as a real and quantifiable 'thing.' It saddens me that nuance and depth don't count so much in a presidential campaign. I do hope you'll stick with it, as long as that's feasible; your way of building a candidacy is at least a shining example to those who are watching now, and to those who will follow you.
So, this is just a word of gratitude and encouragement. You've reminded me--and my daughters--what principle and vision look like in a presidential campaign. And I honor the time and effort you've invested in this--for all our sakes.
All the best,
Dave Grishaw-Jones
Dover, NH
