It is amazing how many weak and lacking men are running this year. Let me tell you, just because you have a penis in no way makes you “special” or superior to women. The antiquated idea that you are going to share your brilliance with the world by taking charge has given us an American version of Adolf Hitler.
Think the world is screwed up? Well, the fault is yours.
As a retired person, away from the rough-and-tumble of daily water-cooler talk and so forth, I don't often see people in social contexts. But I just took a long plane trip, saw a whole different part of the world, and took another long plane trip, and I saw something I haven't seen before.
Harris's straightforward manner, her clear delivery of complex thoughts, her ability to think on her feet carefully and address opposing points of view in the same breath, are startling to me, and they grow more arresting on repeated listening. Her acceptance speech and the first several interviews brought this out unmistakably. (Yes, she's also a good campaigner -- hurrah -- but the stump passages begin to fall flat. She's better in Q&A and in spontaneous encounters. I should say, even better.)
Her brilliance seems to have highlighted, for me, the many facets and ways there are of expressing toxic masculinity. She throws that whole pathetic display into relief in a way I've never seen. If other men are sensitive to it, even unconsciously, they may be triggered and may lash back. However, others will see themselves in a light that persuades them to shape up and match the simple humanity that's the first challenge of just living around other people.
Such a smart woman makes the stupidity that reflexively shapes many men's behavior obnoxiously visible. This should also help her gain the votes of that many more women.
As the song says, "Put a woman in charge!" It's about dang time.
Beautiful analysis of this historical moment. I’m confident that the women of America will carry Kamala to a resounding victory—well beyond the margin of error, and far beyond anyone’s predictions. Overturning Roe will be Trump’s biggest mistake besides his treasonous insurrection, and it will usher in Madam President.
I’ve been a fan of Kamala Harris since she ran for president the first time. I’ve also felt we are long overdue for a woman president as women lead differently and often for the better. I wish I had your confidence that Kamala Harris will be our next president. Too many times in our history we’ve been surprised at the outcome of presidential elections. I will sleep much better after she’s inaugurated and Trump is consumed by countless court cases. I also hope the Republican Party chooses to focus on sane legislation and public service vs endless culture wars and grievances. What we can do now is to make sure our votes are counted and not tolerate any gamesmanship to keep our collective voices heard. Democracy is a fragile thing and we must protect it otherwise our future will be a grim repeat of the past dark times. I’m cautiously looking forward to shouting “Congratulations Madam President!”
Thank you for this article. Right off I knew what it was you were reaching for to explain Kamala’s campaign. I knew it, but was waiting to see if you got there and you did! Thank you so much for that confirmation, David.
I started the morning with Michelle Obama's speech in Michigan, followed it with Kamala Harris's speech on the Ellipse, and then read "Need to Know." No wonder I'm getting weepy. We got this. Now my dog and I are going for a long walk in the rain.
The shift to a female perspective is what brought my tears though I couldn't say why at the time.
And this next point is relevant.
One of the many, many things I admire about our next president is her command of the gender narrative with the clothing she chooses. This is consequential and brilliant. While Lara Trump struts in heels and mid thigh skirts, hoping to project sexy and businesslike, our VP looks like a woman who has absolutely nothing to prove, comfortable in her traditionally feminine body. She has no time for wardrobe distractions and her choices consistently reflect that. Her jackets and pants are neutral and is always her face that draws the eye, like a thoughtfully composed painting. The face framing necklines, the invisibility of her upper body in all her suits and structured gowns-not a new skill but a long practiced one any woman recognizes and responds to.
I can't wait for the next 8 years of her words, her compassion, her wordless messaging to our sons and daughters.
So true!
Well done 👏👏 This is completely on point. reStacking and sharing.
It is amazing how many weak and lacking men are running this year. Let me tell you, just because you have a penis in no way makes you “special” or superior to women. The antiquated idea that you are going to share your brilliance with the world by taking charge has given us an American version of Adolf Hitler.
Think the world is screwed up? Well, the fault is yours.
I dissent. There are 14 ways in which feminism obscures and overlooks how men are maligned in America:
https://davidgottfried.substack.com/p/liberals-ignore-14-ways-in-which
As a retired person, away from the rough-and-tumble of daily water-cooler talk and so forth, I don't often see people in social contexts. But I just took a long plane trip, saw a whole different part of the world, and took another long plane trip, and I saw something I haven't seen before.
Harris's straightforward manner, her clear delivery of complex thoughts, her ability to think on her feet carefully and address opposing points of view in the same breath, are startling to me, and they grow more arresting on repeated listening. Her acceptance speech and the first several interviews brought this out unmistakably. (Yes, she's also a good campaigner -- hurrah -- but the stump passages begin to fall flat. She's better in Q&A and in spontaneous encounters. I should say, even better.)
Her brilliance seems to have highlighted, for me, the many facets and ways there are of expressing toxic masculinity. She throws that whole pathetic display into relief in a way I've never seen. If other men are sensitive to it, even unconsciously, they may be triggered and may lash back. However, others will see themselves in a light that persuades them to shape up and match the simple humanity that's the first challenge of just living around other people.
Such a smart woman makes the stupidity that reflexively shapes many men's behavior obnoxiously visible. This should also help her gain the votes of that many more women.
As the song says, "Put a woman in charge!" It's about dang time.
What if we just say it like it is, the best of PEOPLE against the worst of PEOPLE. There’s no gender when you’re talking about angels and assholes.
Beautiful analysis of this historical moment. I’m confident that the women of America will carry Kamala to a resounding victory—well beyond the margin of error, and far beyond anyone’s predictions. Overturning Roe will be Trump’s biggest mistake besides his treasonous insurrection, and it will usher in Madam President.
Keep a space open on Mt. Rushmore!
I’ve been a fan of Kamala Harris since she ran for president the first time. I’ve also felt we are long overdue for a woman president as women lead differently and often for the better. I wish I had your confidence that Kamala Harris will be our next president. Too many times in our history we’ve been surprised at the outcome of presidential elections. I will sleep much better after she’s inaugurated and Trump is consumed by countless court cases. I also hope the Republican Party chooses to focus on sane legislation and public service vs endless culture wars and grievances. What we can do now is to make sure our votes are counted and not tolerate any gamesmanship to keep our collective voices heard. Democracy is a fragile thing and we must protect it otherwise our future will be a grim repeat of the past dark times. I’m cautiously looking forward to shouting “Congratulations Madam President!”
I agree with everything you wrote, but encourage to be more diligent to proof read. I found three to four typos and that's too many.
Perfect commentary with facts David. Thank you
I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Thank you for this article. Right off I knew what it was you were reaching for to explain Kamala’s campaign. I knew it, but was waiting to see if you got there and you did! Thank you so much for that confirmation, David.
I started the morning with Michelle Obama's speech in Michigan, followed it with Kamala Harris's speech on the Ellipse, and then read "Need to Know." No wonder I'm getting weepy. We got this. Now my dog and I are going for a long walk in the rain.
You nailed it.
The shift to a female perspective is what brought my tears though I couldn't say why at the time.
And this next point is relevant.
One of the many, many things I admire about our next president is her command of the gender narrative with the clothing she chooses. This is consequential and brilliant. While Lara Trump struts in heels and mid thigh skirts, hoping to project sexy and businesslike, our VP looks like a woman who has absolutely nothing to prove, comfortable in her traditionally feminine body. She has no time for wardrobe distractions and her choices consistently reflect that. Her jackets and pants are neutral and is always her face that draws the eye, like a thoughtfully composed painting. The face framing necklines, the invisibility of her upper body in all her suits and structured gowns-not a new skill but a long practiced one any woman recognizes and responds to.
I can't wait for the next 8 years of her words, her compassion, her wordless messaging to our sons and daughters.
Thank god for Nancy Pelosi.