Not Gonna Miss Him When He’s Gone

Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger

I usually get a bit sad after elections. You see, I’m one of those weirdos who loves campaigns. The lawn signs, ads and maneuvering. So much work and effort goes into one day. And then poof – it all disappears. The victorious new candidates assemble a staff and get ready to take office; those who have been around a bit focus on what’s next. The losing candidates graciously concede and then move on.

At least that’s how it was. But President Trump shows no signs of leaving quietly. In fact, he’s exiting the political arena with the same pathetic narcissism and classlessness as when he entered it.

In fairness, it’s not like we didn’t see all this coming. Say what you will about Donald Trump; he’s always been pretty transparent in his intentions. All well and good. But really; enough is enough.

I will say that President Trump’s prolonged, seemingly tortuous exit has given me some time to reflect; force myself to be objective. So with that filter, I do “get” President Trump’s shtick. He believes that all of us (you know how it goes with everything Trump; it’s always them vs. us) have steadily attempted to de-legitimize his win for the past four years. So I imagine President Trump justifies his behavior by telling himself he’s giving us a taste of our own medicine. That’s right; basically a version of “Nana nanna boo boo.”

There’s also this inner voice, which I’m having trouble quieting, that can’t believe Joe Biden actually won. That somehow, just like he always does, President Trump will persevere, defy the odds and retake the Presidency. And we’ll all be right back where we started.

But I want to believe that I can turn this wariness, almost paranoia, to an advantage. And my sense is that I’m not the only one. I don’t have the answers yet but I’m already thinking about what I can do to help ensure that another Donald Trump doesn’t emerge to champion his causes – divisive culture wars, angry rhetoric, and disinformation at every turn. Or more importantly, that the real Donald Trump doesn’t re-emerge.

I suppose I have to take solace in the fact that Donald Trump knows that he lost, that deep down he’s as sad, lonely and desperate as he ever was. That he has nothing but misery and unhappiness in his future. And there’s absolutely nothing he can do about it.

Perhaps it’s not fair to kick someone when they’re down. But who said life was fair.

Image credit: Medium

Schadenfreude

Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger

Well, we’re close but we’re still not yet there. As of this writing, former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Trump in Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, and the key state of Pennsylvania. But, according to the last several thousand times (slight exaggeration), I’ve checked, the networks haven’t officially called it.

I want to get on to collectively celebrating with millions of my fellow Americans. About how we elected a decent man; that citizen democracy truly triumphed and that perhaps some of my faith in humanity has been restored. And while writing these preceding two sentences I do feel conflicted because while I believe every word from the bottom of my soul, I also realize they’re kind of horseshit.

Because what I really, truly want is get on with rubbing the loss in Donald Trump’s face.

It turns out the Germans have a word for what I’m feeling, “schadenfreude,” which means “the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another.”

Sounds about right.

I had a first state of schadenfreude early last month when my wife Wendy informed me that President Trump had tested positive for COVID-19. In the spirit of honesty, I literally laughed when I heard – that was my first reaction. And I felt bad for a moment because it went against how I was raised, how I believe Wendy and I aim to raise or children. But that is a snapshot of where we are as a country right now – when we conceivably laugh upon learning the leader of the free world becomes ill.

Now, to be clear, I don’t feel an ounce of sympathy for President Trump; he brought all of this upon himself. But I really feel bad for all of us, collectively. I don’t mean that in a self-pity kind of way. I just know that we’re better than this.

I am optimistic about the future; there’s really no other choice. And know at some point I’ll start being a bit more positive. But right now and in the days to follow I want to get back to that schadenfreude I’m experiencing. Because it feels so right. And so wrong.

Image credit: Anna Moneymaker: The New York Times

Angry Voted

Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger

I’ve written this blog for more than eight years and when I go back and look at older posts, one of two things happen. They either appear completely disposable to me, so in the moment but basically irrelevant days, if not several hours after I post them. Others are evergreen and, at least to me, stay fresh years after posting.

I really hope this post falls in the former category in that I want it to be somewhat irrelevant by tomorrow. Because right now I’m really angry and discouraged. And sure, while former Vice President Joe Biden could win, I’m having trouble comprehending how we should even find ourselves in this position.

I’m not going to waste space here offering a litany of my grievances about President Trump as a leader and a person. Instead, I’ll take a somewhat different approach and offer offhanded praise. I will admit that when I watch or listen to President Trump I’ll literally laugh out loud, finding him entertaining. But he’s entertaining in a sad way, like watching a ranting lunatic. And let’s be honest with each other; if it’s entertainment we’re truly after, there’s plenty of content out there.

And trust me, I’m just as angry with Democrats, of which I count myself, as I am with President Trump. I keep wondering how much worse today would look like if, for discussion sake, there was no COVID-19. Better to not think about it. But really; how could we collectively, blow an opportunity like this.

And then, of course, I see the big picture and ironically, it’s one with a very small view. Of me, living in a deep blue city. Writing this post and sharing it with people who, almost overwhelmingly, share my views. Just another voice in the echo chamber.

Right now I’m thinking of all the hokey movies and television shows where an exasperated character says “Man, something has to give.” And it does. I just don’t know what.

Anyway, it’s a beautiful day here in Minneapolis and there’s work to do. I have my health and I have my family. I’m blessed and I send my best wishes to you as you process what’s happened so far and aim to process what’s ahead.

Take care and be patient, friends.

Image credit: Valve Corporation

Simple Props to Occupy My Time

Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger

I have to admit I’m feeling kind of stuck. A political animal my whole life, I love Election Day. My wife Wendy and I already voted so while I enjoy having the peace of mind, I will miss the experience of voting in person. Yet what I’ve always loved about previous election cycles is the finality. You have all the ads, lawn signs and rhetoric, but it culminates in one evening. Victory and concession speeches. Then it’s over. And we all go back to normal.

I know, I know. This year is anything but normal and more likely than not we won’t have a sense of finality for quite some time. But that being said, I’m feeling somewhat at the end of my road. Sure, I’m checking Twitter, 538 and other sources quite a bit and I alternate between feeling hopeful, fearful and angry. I expect that continue for the immediate future. At the same time I’ve been seeking other activities to take my mind off the election. Such as:

Working
OK, so this one should be fairly obvious but I realize I’m fortunate to have gainful employment. But in the immediate future I’m going to be looking at both the shorter and longer-term areas of my work and consider how I can really dig in so I’m focused on something that meets objectives I can help control.

Listening to Santana
I’ve always embraced rabbit holes in my music listening. During the past few weeks, I’ve been listening to Jazz from the 1960’s and early 70’s – primarily Miles Davis’ electric era and Mahavishnu Orchestra led by guitarist John McLaughlin. Both men played a large role in the career of Carlos Santana. So I started listening to his namesake band, deliberately avoiding albums featuring songs long embedded in my brain. I’ve long admired Carlos Santana as someone who has charted his own path while achieving commercial success. His music always has this spiritual, otherworldy vibe that’s quite calming.

Drinking Yogi Tea
Speaking of calming, I’ve been drinking a cup of lemon ginger Yogi tea, a brand I discovered at Trader Joe’s, each evening. I’ve been in Marketing my whole professional life and recognize when I’m being played for a sucker by a brand but I can’t help myself. I like the graphics and love-thy-neighbor style individual message on each tea bag. And with Santana playing in the background and taking sips of Yogi Tea while I clean my inbox, I can convince (kid, truth be told) myself that I’m unwinding.

Watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Don’t judge but each evening after dinner our family will watch an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians on Hulu. We’re still in the Kris Humpries season and recently watched an episode where he and Kim visited the Twin Cities. It’s contrived trash and dysfunction. A total waste of time. But oh so enjoyable and therapeutic.

Vote and stay calm and patient, friends. See you all on the other side.

Image from the Yogi Tea Instagram feed – @yogitea