Thank You and Goodbye

My piece in today's Current

I have an essay I was asked to write as part of an Election Day package for Current, explaining my vote for Kamala Harris—and why I expect it to be the only one I ever cast for her. As I explain:

If Harris loses, whenever or however that comes to pass, the United States will likely enter uncharted waters. I expect there will be significant opposition to President Trump, which will likely consist of a series of factions. This could be a problem. Harris herself, more a conduit for a coalition than a bona fide opposition leader, is unlikely to be a rallying point. I myself will remain a moderate, hoping to check radical forces that may seek to destabilize the political system. Hewing to the middle may be difficult; it may even be dangerous—or at any rate,. I may be forced to align with the less bad option, whatever that may be. These possibilities are not pleasant to contemplate.

If Harris wins, I will be among the tens of millions who sigh with relief. We will then really find out who she is. Whatever her particular ideological hue pallor, she’ll be a Democrat who, like Joe Biden, will be compelled to attend to a progressive wing that is significantly out of step with majoritarian politics—which is why this race was closer than it ever should have been.

I wish Kamala Harris well. My hope is that she will be the vessel that saves our country. But like millions of Americans, I regard that vessel as temporary and transitional. In any case, I thank her for her service.