I hope this opens the door--no, the floodgates--to more women and people of color in the Oval Office. Hopefully that leads to other minority representation too!
I fear that the trolls will eviscerate VP Harris, but I'm hopeful that the trollish responses won't trickle down to the youth and that they will identify with a powerful woman rather than those attacking her because she's a powerful woman.
Hear hear! The misogyny and racism are real, but I have great hope that unprecedented times will user in an unprecedented president. America needs a qualified woman and that’s what we have before us. A black man was elected twice and a woman won the popular vote. WE CAN DO THIS!
I am hoping that WE ALL "will identify with a powerful woman rather than those attacking her." 👏
I didn't know how I would feel about Biden stepping down and Harris stepping up, but I realize now that my only hesitation was that I didn't think it would happen-- I was trying to protect myself from disappointment. I am relieved, I am energized, I am hopeful, and I am so encouraged.
I looked forward to the candidate vs candidate debate and hope they stick to the issues and not personal attacks. But maybe that’s too much to ask from either side?
Her skeletons are already out of the closet. There's nothing shocking for rivals to try to pull up because VP Harris already addressed them when she ran for president. I'm REALLY excited for this presidential race now! Super pumped. I hope she works on her presidential voice. May it be strong, confident, and quick-witted. 😼💪🏼
I want to tell my daughters that there is finally a woman in the White House. I want us to stop coddling racists, sexists, and homophobes and just electing the best person for the job regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. I want us to have two functional parties again. That’s the change that I want to see, and I think we are about to be there. The news yesterday made me excited, not fearful.
I didn't realize how emotional I would get seeing her become vice president. I had a daughter at the time (foster parent here), and it was incredible to finally see that she was electable. She was 8, but she actually cried when she found out that there would be "a girl Vice President!" I have it on video, and it is adorable. <3
I woke up this morning with genuine excitement. I feel like I was made for such a time as this. With hard work and determination the right side of history will prevail. We have been given a great opportunity to turn a mess into a masterpiece. I do not intend to waste this opportunity. I hope Americans come out of this with a new sense of strength and resilience. I hope this shatters apathy and makes people feel empowered. We asked for something different than the same, and it’s been given to us. WE must choose a posture of positivity and get to work.
"We have been given a great opportunity to turn a mess into a masterpiece."
I absolutely love this!!!
Also this is what I need to keep in mind in the coming weeks: "We asked for something different than the same, and it’s been given to us. WE must choose a posture of positivity and get to work."
Prior to Biden's announcement, I was worried that Kamala Harris was not the right choice. However, following the news yesterday, from the unbridled enthusiasm on MSNBC to the unhinged panic from HeWhoShallNotBeNamed, I saw a much needed new energy and level of excitement. First time donor here to ActBlue.
Yes! Most key members of the GOP posted well wishes and nice things about President Biden. But of course not their ring master or speaker of the house. One attacked and one hinted at legal action, and no doubt because they know this changes everything! So glad I left that party. I cannot wait to vote for Harris.
My hope is that we all start waking up to the reality that we are in this together! Doesn’t matter what side we are on politically, we all live in the same country and on the same planet will be dealing with the same issues and problems. My hope is that we start treating each other like fellow human beings and not enemies. In a few months this election will be over. Regardless of who is elected, we will need to work together.. my hope is that people realize how living with hatred and anxiety tears us up inside and ruins our health.. lots to hope for, but I am an optimist. Thanks for your amazing words this morning Sharon.
If we're making wishlists - a blue wave to defeat the current Republican extremists and a chance to make some much-needed political reforms - A rebalancing of power in our federal government so that no one branch has as much power as SCOTUS has right now (ethics rules for SCOTUS, expand the court, term limits, an end to gerrymandering--a big hope that the Dems would be willing to do the right thing here). Also to put as many stopgaps in place against Project 2025 as possible. I was freaked out about Biden stepping down but now I feel energized and ready to knock on doors (I love canvassing! AMA!) even if I have to do it using a cane after knee surgery. A woman of color in the Oval Office! I am daring to dream of this.
Also, solid protections for voting rights. Any time a party wants to restrict voting, by anyone, anywhere, we need to demand to know why that is. If you can't win without restricting voting, then you shouldn't win, full stop.
At the very least, I would like a movement away from the “outrage Olympics” and other tactics used by the political parties. On a bigger scale, I would like some Constitutional amendments and a movement away from the 2-party system we currently have.
Oh, a number of things, I think. Things like term limits, age restrictions, campaign finance provisions….the list could go on, but those are just some things off the top of my head.
I completely agree with the corporation comment. I am not in 100% agreement about the electoral college, but it definitely needs some reworking, like getting rid of winner-take-all. In my opinion, the EC is to protect against potentially unbalanced popular votes…but I’m always open to hearing a different opinion 😊
And, I understand the need for the electoral college, bigger states with more population should not override the smaller, less populated states. Unfortunately, they use the winner take all at the state level. Why not portion electoral votes by the popular vote in that state?
I was having a discussion with my MAGA brother yesterday and found we agreed on a number of things from Sharon’s recent post about changes she thought we needed. He read the article and asked what changes I felt needed to be made to the constitution. Term limits were both agreed on. Had not considered age limits but both agreed physicals, basic civics test and cognitive function testing (possible psychological) should be required in order to be sure whoever is in office is a strong leader. Age wasn’t not as big as the mental and physical health. I know many 90+ year olds (I’m a nurse aide) who could mentally run circles around both Trump and Biden. Thanks!
So many people are surprised when different sides agree on things, but I think it’s very common….its just the “how” of getting an outcome. Which I find super interesting. I only said age limits b/c I know judges in Florida (where I work in the court system) age out at 75. That doesn’t mean the judges can’t think clearly at that time, but it can also protect against increased age-related medical issues. But term limits could also negate the need for that 🤷🏻♀️ I think someone not having a NEED to stay in some kind of power position would lead to them making more appropriate decisions about what is best for the country, and not themselves or their party.
Wouldn't this be the twist no one saw coming? The most polarizing election year culminates in our first female president? VP Harris already has a spot in history as first female VP, now there's a good shot she will become first female president.
I want to acknowledge something, though, that I feel is important to hold space for. Yes, as a country we have survived many atrocious acts like 9/11, wars, and the Great Depression, but so many people did not. It's important to remember that not everyone survives, and for families and loved ones who have lost people to the violence surrounding this election and past events....it can be very invalidating to hear "we will get through this." I just want anyone reading this who has lost someone due to the the rhetoric or policies that have been enacted the last several years to know that I see you and my heart aches for you. It's not fair that your loved one was not protected by their country.
My hope is for more and more people to speak like you Sharon in all aspects of our political lives. Hopefully we continue to move away from the hate mogering and focus on what matters to us all.
Thank you for this reminder Sharon. You gave me permission to let loose and cry… and not feel despair and guilt for not being able to figure this out. Knowing these are normal human emotions at times like this is helpful to feel them, express them and know that we will get through this with change for the better on the other side. When I get through crying I’m going to CHOOSE HOPE! And hope and pray for more peace, love, and respect amongst all Americans, with the example being set by those who represent us in elected positions of leadership.
Giving ourselves a moment to really feel our feelings is so important! Have a good cry is often the first step to mustering up the strength we need to carry on. It’s very cathartic!
My husband and I are in our late 60s. We’ve seen a lot. My husband is #10 of 12, so we are the younger end of the family. Watching our parents age, and now his siblings is hard, and seeing it happening to Biden brought out a lot of the anxiety we’ve faced over the last 30 years helping them cope with that. The other day, I was feeling down, about Biden, his chances, and trying to find the fortitude to help a few of my in-laws. The old song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” came to mind. I’ve played it a few times every day since then. Those lyrics-that’s what I hope for.
I feel hopeful that we could have a very strong, intelligent, competent woman as our President.. I do hope this is a catalyst for changes that need to happen. This community that you have brought together gives me hope that the hate that is so prevalent in politics today can be mitigated if we become the louder voices.
I’m hopeful that we can disagree about parts and still be in agreement that we all love this country and get people. We are messy, messed up and generally a mess but we are all a family who loves their country and while we won’t always agree we can stand together on wanting more.
This post reminded me of my hope! Thank you for putting things in perspective. My hope is democracy stays. My hope is we have an amazing woman president in 6 months!
I hope this is an opportunity to reach across the aisle and solve problems with mutual respect, civility, ingenuity, integrity, guts, and love of country. I fantasize about Kamala choosing Adam Kinzinger as a running mate. Probably impossible, but I’m throwing it out into the universe just in case.❤️🇺🇸❤️
And I think if she’s the candidate she will need to appeal to the more moderate voters. There are a lot of governors who could serve this purpose who are well known and respected. She needs to appeal to a wider base.
Their differences would be a huge message to the American people. They are totally unified in the most important thing: President Trump is a threat to democracy. A “team of rivals” like Harris and Kinzinger would be a big message to the country that we can unite as a country and work together.
I hope this opens the door--no, the floodgates--to more women and people of color in the Oval Office. Hopefully that leads to other minority representation too!
I fear that the trolls will eviscerate VP Harris, but I'm hopeful that the trollish responses won't trickle down to the youth and that they will identify with a powerful woman rather than those attacking her because she's a powerful woman.
I look forward to the Prosecutor v. Felon debate.
Hear hear! The misogyny and racism are real, but I have great hope that unprecedented times will user in an unprecedented president. America needs a qualified woman and that’s what we have before us. A black man was elected twice and a woman won the popular vote. WE CAN DO THIS!
I am hoping that WE ALL "will identify with a powerful woman rather than those attacking her." 👏
I didn't know how I would feel about Biden stepping down and Harris stepping up, but I realize now that my only hesitation was that I didn't think it would happen-- I was trying to protect myself from disappointment. I am relieved, I am energized, I am hopeful, and I am so encouraged.
Yes! In 2008, I felt like the racist trolls had a lot of power. Now they just look silly to me. I am hopeful that we have changed since then.
I looked forward to the candidate vs candidate debate and hope they stick to the issues and not personal attacks. But maybe that’s too much to ask from either side?
Her skeletons are already out of the closet. There's nothing shocking for rivals to try to pull up because VP Harris already addressed them when she ran for president. I'm REALLY excited for this presidential race now! Super pumped. I hope she works on her presidential voice. May it be strong, confident, and quick-witted. 😼💪🏼
"Mr. Vice President, I am speaking. Ok? I am speaking."
Like I hope that she uses almost that exact phrase towards President Trump...
I hope she amends it to Former President.
That was the best!! We need more of that 🔥🔥🔥
I agree with presenting a stronger presidential voice and demeanor.
I want to tell my daughters that there is finally a woman in the White House. I want us to stop coddling racists, sexists, and homophobes and just electing the best person for the job regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. I want us to have two functional parties again. That’s the change that I want to see, and I think we are about to be there. The news yesterday made me excited, not fearful.
There is a woman in the White House. Harris has been there this whole term. I cried for joy when she became VP. Monumental moment.
I didn't realize how emotional I would get seeing her become vice president. I had a daughter at the time (foster parent here), and it was incredible to finally see that she was electable. She was 8, but she actually cried when she found out that there would be "a girl Vice President!" I have it on video, and it is adorable. <3
I agree, Kristin. I felt energized and full of possibility. We asked for change and change we got. Let’s make the most of it!
I was talking to my daughter & her friend last night about the day’s events & am so hopeful they’ll see a female president.
I woke up this morning with genuine excitement. I feel like I was made for such a time as this. With hard work and determination the right side of history will prevail. We have been given a great opportunity to turn a mess into a masterpiece. I do not intend to waste this opportunity. I hope Americans come out of this with a new sense of strength and resilience. I hope this shatters apathy and makes people feel empowered. We asked for something different than the same, and it’s been given to us. WE must choose a posture of positivity and get to work.
"We have been given a great opportunity to turn a mess into a masterpiece."
I absolutely love this!!!
Also this is what I need to keep in mind in the coming weeks: "We asked for something different than the same, and it’s been given to us. WE must choose a posture of positivity and get to work."
Couldn't have said it better❣️
Prior to Biden's announcement, I was worried that Kamala Harris was not the right choice. However, following the news yesterday, from the unbridled enthusiasm on MSNBC to the unhinged panic from HeWhoShallNotBeNamed, I saw a much needed new energy and level of excitement. First time donor here to ActBlue.
Yes! Most key members of the GOP posted well wishes and nice things about President Biden. But of course not their ring master or speaker of the house. One attacked and one hinted at legal action, and no doubt because they know this changes everything! So glad I left that party. I cannot wait to vote for Harris.
I use that for the ex - HeWhoShallNotBeNamed.
Love that.
My hope is that we all start waking up to the reality that we are in this together! Doesn’t matter what side we are on politically, we all live in the same country and on the same planet will be dealing with the same issues and problems. My hope is that we start treating each other like fellow human beings and not enemies. In a few months this election will be over. Regardless of who is elected, we will need to work together.. my hope is that people realize how living with hatred and anxiety tears us up inside and ruins our health.. lots to hope for, but I am an optimist. Thanks for your amazing words this morning Sharon.
If we're making wishlists - a blue wave to defeat the current Republican extremists and a chance to make some much-needed political reforms - A rebalancing of power in our federal government so that no one branch has as much power as SCOTUS has right now (ethics rules for SCOTUS, expand the court, term limits, an end to gerrymandering--a big hope that the Dems would be willing to do the right thing here). Also to put as many stopgaps in place against Project 2025 as possible. I was freaked out about Biden stepping down but now I feel energized and ready to knock on doors (I love canvassing! AMA!) even if I have to do it using a cane after knee surgery. A woman of color in the Oval Office! I am daring to dream of this.
Also, solid protections for voting rights. Any time a party wants to restrict voting, by anyone, anywhere, we need to demand to know why that is. If you can't win without restricting voting, then you shouldn't win, full stop.
I hope this becomes LOUDER AND LOUDER!!! Thank you!!
At the very least, I would like a movement away from the “outrage Olympics” and other tactics used by the political parties. On a bigger scale, I would like some Constitutional amendments and a movement away from the 2-party system we currently have.
I agree with moving away from the two party system. I’ve often wonder, “Is this really the best candidate for president?”
What should be amended? I’m just curious
Oh, a number of things, I think. Things like term limits, age restrictions, campaign finance provisions….the list could go on, but those are just some things off the top of my head.
No dark money! Get rid of corporations are citizens with unlimited rights. Ditch the Electoral College with its unbalanced representation etc
I completely agree with the corporation comment. I am not in 100% agreement about the electoral college, but it definitely needs some reworking, like getting rid of winner-take-all. In my opinion, the EC is to protect against potentially unbalanced popular votes…but I’m always open to hearing a different opinion 😊
And, I understand the need for the electoral college, bigger states with more population should not override the smaller, less populated states. Unfortunately, they use the winner take all at the state level. Why not portion electoral votes by the popular vote in that state?
Exactly my thinking
I was having a discussion with my MAGA brother yesterday and found we agreed on a number of things from Sharon’s recent post about changes she thought we needed. He read the article and asked what changes I felt needed to be made to the constitution. Term limits were both agreed on. Had not considered age limits but both agreed physicals, basic civics test and cognitive function testing (possible psychological) should be required in order to be sure whoever is in office is a strong leader. Age wasn’t not as big as the mental and physical health. I know many 90+ year olds (I’m a nurse aide) who could mentally run circles around both Trump and Biden. Thanks!
So many people are surprised when different sides agree on things, but I think it’s very common….its just the “how” of getting an outcome. Which I find super interesting. I only said age limits b/c I know judges in Florida (where I work in the court system) age out at 75. That doesn’t mean the judges can’t think clearly at that time, but it can also protect against increased age-related medical issues. But term limits could also negate the need for that 🤷🏻♀️ I think someone not having a NEED to stay in some kind of power position would lead to them making more appropriate decisions about what is best for the country, and not themselves or their party.
I hope for more unity and less division. Fear tactics need to end. More positivity and less negativity.
Wouldn't this be the twist no one saw coming? The most polarizing election year culminates in our first female president? VP Harris already has a spot in history as first female VP, now there's a good shot she will become first female president.
I want to acknowledge something, though, that I feel is important to hold space for. Yes, as a country we have survived many atrocious acts like 9/11, wars, and the Great Depression, but so many people did not. It's important to remember that not everyone survives, and for families and loved ones who have lost people to the violence surrounding this election and past events....it can be very invalidating to hear "we will get through this." I just want anyone reading this who has lost someone due to the the rhetoric or policies that have been enacted the last several years to know that I see you and my heart aches for you. It's not fair that your loved one was not protected by their country.
My hope is for more and more people to speak like you Sharon in all aspects of our political lives. Hopefully we continue to move away from the hate mogering and focus on what matters to us all.
100% agree!
Thank you for this reminder Sharon. You gave me permission to let loose and cry… and not feel despair and guilt for not being able to figure this out. Knowing these are normal human emotions at times like this is helpful to feel them, express them and know that we will get through this with change for the better on the other side. When I get through crying I’m going to CHOOSE HOPE! And hope and pray for more peace, love, and respect amongst all Americans, with the example being set by those who represent us in elected positions of leadership.
Onward!!!
Giving ourselves a moment to really feel our feelings is so important! Have a good cry is often the first step to mustering up the strength we need to carry on. It’s very cathartic!
I hope those better angels start appearing.
My husband and I are in our late 60s. We’ve seen a lot. My husband is #10 of 12, so we are the younger end of the family. Watching our parents age, and now his siblings is hard, and seeing it happening to Biden brought out a lot of the anxiety we’ve faced over the last 30 years helping them cope with that. The other day, I was feeling down, about Biden, his chances, and trying to find the fortitude to help a few of my in-laws. The old song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” came to mind. I’ve played it a few times every day since then. Those lyrics-that’s what I hope for.
I feel hopeful that we could have a very strong, intelligent, competent woman as our President.. I do hope this is a catalyst for changes that need to happen. This community that you have brought together gives me hope that the hate that is so prevalent in politics today can be mitigated if we become the louder voices.
I want our country to unite and advocate for the human race and not a party.
I’m hopeful that we can disagree about parts and still be in agreement that we all love this country and get people. We are messy, messed up and generally a mess but we are all a family who loves their country and while we won’t always agree we can stand together on wanting more.
This post reminded me of my hope! Thank you for putting things in perspective. My hope is democracy stays. My hope is we have an amazing woman president in 6 months!
I hope this is an opportunity to reach across the aisle and solve problems with mutual respect, civility, ingenuity, integrity, guts, and love of country. I fantasize about Kamala choosing Adam Kinzinger as a running mate. Probably impossible, but I’m throwing it out into the universe just in case.❤️🇺🇸❤️
I love the idea of a Harris / Kinzinger ticket. If only....
Why Kinzinger? Not sure if their platforms would line up.. he’s pretty divisive within his own party.
And I think if she’s the candidate she will need to appeal to the more moderate voters. There are a lot of governors who could serve this purpose who are well known and respected. She needs to appeal to a wider base.
Their differences would be a huge message to the American people. They are totally unified in the most important thing: President Trump is a threat to democracy. A “team of rivals” like Harris and Kinzinger would be a big message to the country that we can unite as a country and work together.